Distinguished members of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers, Colleagues and Partners, Greetings.
On behalf of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), I extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gather for the 27th edition of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres Annual Conference.
We are honoured to host this prestigious event in Kenya, a country with a rich history of peacekeeping and a strong commitment to the cause of regional and international peace and security.
As the Director of IPSTC, it is my privilege to participate in this significant gathering of experts from all corners of the globe. IPSTC is mandated to,” build capacity for Peace Support Operations and related activity involving the Military, Police and Civilian personnel from the Eastern Africa Standby Force, African Region and beyond”. Through our training, educational programs, and research initiatives, we have successfully equipped over 50,000 individuals from 190 countries with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to peacekeeping efforts around the world. In addition, we are proud to offer eleven courses that are accredited by the United Nations. These courses have been carefully designed to meet the high standards and rigorous requirements of the UN and are recognized as valuable tools for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise and proficiency in the area of peace support operations.
During the conference, we will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions and share our experiences and best practices in peacekeeping training. I am confident that this conference will not only enhance our collective understanding of the challenges facing peacekeepers today, but also provide valuable insights into how we can better equip them to meet those challenges.
In addition to the conference itself, I would like to encourage you to take advantage of your time here in Kenya to experience the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of our country.
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to all participants, I look forward to a productive and memorable conference.