Triangular Partnership Programme Opening Ceremony

Excellencies, Generals, distinguished delegates, and guests,

On behalf of the United Nations, I am honored to join you today at the opening ceremony of this Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP) Heavy Engineering Equipment (HEE) Operators’ Basic and Explosive Hazard Awareness Training (EHAT).

Within the framework of the TPP, which connects the UN Secretariat, Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) that receive training, and supporting Member States that act as trainers, donors, or training hosts, this course represents a significant step forward in aligning the Programme with the evolving needs of peacekeeping operations. 

This course marks a continuation of the multinational, multi-pillar training led by our esteemed training providers from Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea last November. The training from last November and today underscores the TPP’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the safety, security, and well-being of our peacekeepers.

In line with this commitment and following last year’s pilot with the Governments of Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, along with the generous support of the Royal Government of Cambodia as the host, the TPP has pledged to integrate Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) considerations across its engineering courses.

With the generous financial support of the Government of Canada and in partnership with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the TPP’s efforts to incorporate C-IED considerations address the threats that UN peacekeepers face in peace operations.

Furthermore, this course is taking place in Cambodia, which will serve as the TPP training host until next year. Cambodia’s role as the TPP host reinforces its long history in UN peacekeeping and, by hosting this training, also enhances ASEAN expertise in basic engineering operators’ skills and explosive hazard awareness.

Course Participants,

Finally, as trainees representing seven Member States from the region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan), you are actively engaging in your countries’ commitment to global peace and security. Your dedication to improving your own capabilities, as well as those of your Member States and the ASEAN region, reflects your commitment to serving in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,

As trainers, hosts, trainees, and donors, you collectively embody the spirit of ‘partnership’ in the TPP. Together, you enable the UN, which this year marks its 80th anniversary, to continue its mission of fostering long-lasting peace.

This year also marks a significant milestone for the TPP, which was established a decade ago. As active contributors and participants of the TPP, we celebrate a decade of engagement with you, building on a long history of your Member States’ active contributions to UN peacekeeping.

On this note, I wish to conclude by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for your participation in this course, in the TPP, and in UN peacekeeping.

Thank you.