In a solemn recognition of supreme sacrifice and commitment to global peace, the United Nations will posthumously honour two Indian peacekeepers — Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh — with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers commemoration on May 29.
Brigadier General Jha served with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), while Havildar Singh was deployed with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Both peacekeepers lost their lives last year in the line of duty under the UN flag.
The commemorative event at UN headquarters in New York will see UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
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Lay a wreath in honour of the 4,400+ peacekeepers who have died since 1948
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Award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to 57 fallen peacekeepers, including the two Indians
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Present the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award to Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme (Ghana)
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UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla (Sierra Leone)
Last year, India’s Major Radhika Sen was conferred the 2023 Military Gender Advocate of the Year for her service with MONUSCO.
The theme this year, “The Future of Peacekeeping”, reflects global leaders’ commitment — outlined in the Pact for the Future (adopted September 2024) — to modernize and strengthen peacekeeping efforts amid evolving global threats.
In his message, Guterres emphasized the increasing complexity of modern conflicts and the need for a “fully equipped and adaptable UN peacekeeping force”. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Peacekeeping must evolve with the times. Sacrifice demands more than remembrance—it demands action.”
Since 1948, more than 2 million personnel have served in 71 peacekeeping operations. Today, around 68,000 uniformed and civilian personnel from 119 countries are deployed in 11 active missions.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established in 2002 to honour the courage and dedication of peacekeepers past and present. This year’s tribute not only remembers the fallen but underscores the UN’s resolve to keep their mission alive.
