Seventh Annual Meeting of the European Association of Peace Operations Training Centres (EAPTC)

The meeting comes at a time of unprecedented challenges for peacekeepers, as well as dynamic initiatives to strengthen the performance and facilitate concrete positive results.

Peacekeepers face complex conflicts, characterized by multiple adversaries, absence of viable political processes, transnational terrorism and organized crime. They are increasingly deployed in complicated and violent operating environments, and confronted by asymmetric and unconventional threats. This does not only have repercussions on the security and safety of the peacekeepers, but also on their ability to operate effectively and to implement their mandate.

A number of initiatives, such as the UN Secretary-General “Action for Peacekeeping”, the reform of the UN Peace and Security Pillar, as well as regional initiatives, have been launched in order to address these challenges.

The focus of these initiatives is to address primary issues such as:

• Strengthening the relationship between a peacekeeping mission and its host country;
• Improving the capacity to protect civilians;
• Expanding partnerships with regional and sub-regional organizations;
• Strengthening leadership, increasing accountability, and addressing shortfalls in performance;
• Improving the safety and security of peacekeepers;
• Taking innovative approaches on training and equipment, including triangular partnerships and co-deployments;
• Strengthening the role of women in peacekeeping;
• Addressing resolutely allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, and providing support to victims and seeking justice.

The seventh annual EAPTC meeting will focus on several of these topics to act as a platform for discussions on how training development can follow the ever-changing demands in peace operations and help overcome the gap between aspiration and reality. The primary objective is the alignment of training to the operational needs and new realities in the field to make peacekeeping more effective and safer, with well-equipped and well-trained forces.

The meeting’s program will include presentations by keynote speakers and three panel discussions on specific topics. The concept note, detailed program, list of keynote speakers and panelists will be finalized and available by 1st of December, 2018. Additional information and resources will be available for registered guests.

Check more details and register here.