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Berlin for Peace: Germany Commits to UN Peacekeeping
Berlin, May 13–14, 2025 – At the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and leading German officials met with delegations from around the world to discuss the future of international peace operations.
The focus was on multilateral responsibility, current conflicts, and the continued development of UN peacekeeping forces.
Strong Opening by Foreign and Defense Ministers
The conference was opened at the Federal Foreign Office by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the newly appointed Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. In his opening address, Pistorius emphasized the importance of peacekeeping:
This is multilateralism in action. This is burden-sharing in practice.
Wadephul, in his speech, highlighted the need for reformed peacekeeping in a changing global order. Both ministers addressed foreign and defense ministers from more than 120 UN member states, as well as representatives from regional organizations and civil society.
Guterres Honors the Service of Peacekeepers
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a moment of silence in his keynote address – in honor of all those who have lost their lives in the service of peace:
Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
He thanked Germany for hosting the ministerial and acknowledged the country’s long-standing commitment to UN peace operations – politically, in terms of personnel, and financially.
High-Level Diplomatic Talk
UN Secretary-General António Guterres used his visit to Berlin for high-level talks with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as well as with recently appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan – a strong signal of Germany’s role in the multilateral system.
German leaders emphasized the importance of the United Nations during times of geopolitical upheaval and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to UN reform and pressing humanitarian challenges, including the situation in Gaza.
At a joint press conference with Guterres, Chancellor Merz stated:
Especially in times of countless crises, Germany remains a reliable partner and anchor for the multilateral system – and therefore for the United Nations.
Merz also emphasized Germany’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2027/28) and stressed the need for the strategic evolution of peace operations.
Background Information
The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin
For the first time, Germany hosted the high-level UN Peacekeeping Ministerial – the leading global conference on the future of UN peacekeeping. The goal was to discuss reforms, make concrete pledges, and enhance the security and effectiveness of peace missions.
The conference was organized by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Defense, with the Federal Ministry of the Interior contributing on police-related aspects.
Germany’s Role in Peacekeeping
Germany is one of the most significant supporters of UN peace operations. With a 6.1% contribution, it is the fourth-largest financial backer of the peacekeeping budget. Germany currently contributes personnel to five peace missions and one political special mission.
Through mobile training teams, stabilization measures, and contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund – of which Germany is the largest donor – the country plays an active role in promoting global peace.
Germany also currently chairs the UN General Assembly’s Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34) – the key body for the conceptual development of peacekeeping. This chairmanship underscores Germany’s leadership not only in practice but also in the strategic shaping of international peace policy.