Statement at the Security Council Open Debate on the Reform of UN Peacekeeping

Mr President,

Thank you for convening today's open debate. Estonia also aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.

We remain committed to Sec Gen Guterres's reform agenda. Reforms should take us to more effective UN, with clear emphasis on conflict prevention and mediation.

Our peacekeeping operations must have tangible targets and exit strategies. To be effective, the operations must have built-in flexibility, as the surrounding situation is inevitably volatile.

The best information about the changing needs come from our mission commanders and other field entities. Applying their suggestions guarantees automatic adaptation to the changes on the ground. In addition, listening to those on the field and taking into account what they have to say is good to the motivation of our people. We need those with courage to reach out to decision makers. These people are only with us if we respond in a receptive manner. Thus, we create a positive circuit of adaptation necessary to achieve our objectives.

To achieve sustainable peace, partnership with regional organizations, host governments and local communities is essential. It is best done by demonstrating day after day how important it is for us to protect civilians, assure the sustainability of the rule of law, respect of human rights and international law and involving the local actors in supporting these core values.

Peacekeeping operations need to be complemented with activities aimed at effectively improving the living conditions of the affected populations, including the quick implementation of effective and visible projects that create jobs and deliver basic social services in the post-conflict phase.

It is our utmost responsibility to implement all measures to protect children in Mission Areas. All mechanisms to support women's full participation in peace and security are vital and must be implemented.

20.09.2017

Latest speeches

• 20.09.2017 Address by the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly
• 13.09.2017 President of the Republic at the "Future of Work: Making It e-Easy"
• 12.09.2017 President of the Republic at the Young EUROSAI (YES) Conference
• 11.09.2017 President Kaljulaid at the Opening of the First Session of Riigikogu

President Kaljulaid spoke at the UN about the world's conflict areas and Estonia's capacity to contribute to world security

President of the Republic, Kersti Kaljulaid, gave an address in New York early this morning Estonian time at the annual opening session of the United Nations General Assembly. The President's speech focused on conflict areas, the migration crisis, cyber security and the need to reform the United Nations.

20.09.2017

President Kaljulaid to participate in the UN General Assembly meetings in New York this week

President of the Republic, Kersti Kaljulaid, will this week go on a working visit to New York where she will take part in the annual UN General assembly. Apart from numerous bilateral meetings with other heads of state and participation in various discussions, the Head of State will also give a state address at the General Assembly on Wednesday night, Estonian time.

18.09.2017

President Kaljulaid discussed the migration crisis with her Arraiolos Group colleagues

"The migration crisis is a long-term process and there is no short-term or simple solution to it. We must be ready to contribute long-term to the projects that need to be undertaken to solve the crisis“, said President Kaljulaid at the second work session of the meeting of the Arraiolos Group, which was dedicated to security in the Mediterranean region and migration issues. President Kaljulaid thanked Malta for its commitment and contribution to solving the migration issues during its presidency, adding that migration is also one of the priorities for Estonia’s Presidency. "We want to reach agreement on asylum and migration policies, including effective control over the external borders of the European Union. What's most important is to offer solutions for young people in countries of origin of migration to give them better options for self-realisation at home,” added the Estonian Head of State. The President of the Republic acknowledged Greece and Italy for their efficient work in decreasing migration pressure in the Mediterranean region.

15.09.2017