UNSC Open Debate: The Future of Peace Operations
Key issues, opportunities and challenges in the context of the review on the future of all UN Peace Operations
Statement by H.E Ambassador James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
9 September 2025
Thank you to the Republic of Korea - and let me also acknowledge Pakistan and Denmark for the focus on peacekeeping reform throughout your respective Council presidencies.
Peace and security are the raison d'être of the United Nations.
And peace operations – both Peacekeeping and Special Political Missions – remain one of the most visible and impactful tools we have to promote peace.
As the UN turns 80, and looks towards major reform, redefining the UN’s role in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding is essential.
The Secretary General’s upcoming review on the Future of Peace Operations offers an important opportunity.
An opportunity to outline a refreshed vision for the UN’s role, capabilities and approach to peace operations.
Australia supports reform which will create a more responsive and agile system – one that can deliver tailored solutions to prevent and respond to conflicts.
Today, I will expand on three key areas from Australia’s submission to the Review:
First, we must seize this opportunity to reset and restructure the Peace and Security architecture – both at headquarters and in the field.
Structural reform should drive greater integration, coherence and ultimately enhance mandate delivery.
Mandates should be clear, agile, and adaptable to increasingly complex threats.
Reform must also safeguard the UN’s core technical expertise and ensure a high level of readiness for future challenges.
Second, we must better harness partnerships as a force multiplier, bringing together multiple Member States to achieve diverse and meaningful impact.
Innovative partnership models such as triangular cooperation, co-deployments, or combined regional contributions amplify the ability of all states to contribute to sustainable peace. They also reduce the risk of duplication.
Third, Peacekeeping must double down on core strategic priorities such as the Protection of Civilians and Women, Peace and Security, and ensure doctrine keeps pace with new threats and opportunities.
History has shown that protecting civilians is the benchmark by which communities measure success.
We also know that women’s full, equal and meaningful participation – in peace operations, peace processes and peacebuilding – has a direct link to more durable solutions.
Ensuring missions are guided by inclusive leadership, supported by a team with local experience and the right capabilities is essential.
President, as the dynamics of conflict change, the UN must keep pace.
The current upheaval in the multilateral system demands urgent and lasting reform.
Australia looks forward to the Secretary General’s Review responding to this moment with ambitious and impactful proposals to adapt peace operations.
And, to reaffirm the UN’s leadership role on peace and security globally.