Wreath-laying ceremony at the Training School for Multinational Peacekeeping Forces (PKO)

[Check Against Delivery]

H.E. Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense

H.E. General Sem Sovanny, First Vice Chairman of the National Coordination Committee and Director General of National Center for Peacekeeping Force

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Families and friends of UN peacekeepers,

On behalf of the United Nations in Cambodia, it is an honour to be here with you today to pay tribute to our peacekeepers.

To honour the brave men and women who died while serving under the United Nations Flag.

To applaud those who continue to serve despite tough conditions in the field.

To welcome back those that have returned.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peacekeeping has become increasingly challenging and dangerous. All too often our personnel are targeted by armed groups, spoilers, and terrorists. On the other hand, the demand for peacekeepers has never been higher.

The significant contribution of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the UN peacekeeping operation is very much appreciated.

I am truly grateful for the Cambodian men and women who decide to join the blue helmets. You are now part of the United Nations family.

With that comes the responsibility and privilege to uphold the values of the UN Charter - reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.

In other words, peacekeepers, working in partnership with Member States, civil society, and communities, have an honorable quest to improve the lives of millions of people.

I am particularly inspired by the women that join the UN peacekeeping forces.

More women in peacekeeping means more effective peacekeeping.

Women peacekeepers improve overall peacekeeping performance, have greater access to communities, help in promoting human rights and the protection of civilians, and encourage women to become a meaningful part of peace and political processes.

They are not only supporting global peace and security. They are leading the way.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peacekeeping is just one of many tools used by the United Nations to help secure global peace and security.

The vision for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that “there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.” And there cannot be peace and sustainable development without human rights.

Peace operations, sustainable development and human rights go hand in hand and are all important elements of making the world a better place every day.

We must not forget that it is a collective enterprise. Standing alone, we can never succeed. But, together with partners, we are strong.

This wreath is for the peacekeepers who died so that others may live. [In total 11 Cambodian peacekeepers]

We honour their bravery and ultimate sacrifice. Although their lives were cut short, their legacy will live on.

Thank you.