During an open debate of the Security Council on the future of peace operations, Portugal’s ambassador to the UN, Rui Vinhas, asserted that these missions have been among the most visible expressions of “multilateralism in action,” having saved lives, prevented the escalation of conflicts, and supported fragile political processes.
However, considering that conflicts are increasingly complex, transnational, and prolonged, Portugal emphasized the need to ensure that peacekeeping operations remain effective and credible.
Vinhas highlighted the importance of sustainability, stressing that political support, regional engagement, and strong regional partnerships, particularly with the African Union, are crucial for a successful outcome.
“We must also strive to shield operations from liquidity crises that may compromise mandate execution (…) And we must never overlook that, without adequate funding, all other efforts and work might ultimately be in vain,” he noted.
Today’s debate occurs as the UN faces a severe funding crisis, exacerbated by significant cuts from countries like the United States.
Given these budgetary constraints, the United Nations has launched the “UN80 Initiative”—a project aimed at structural changes within the organization, such as merging units, eliminating functional and structural duplications, and reducing roles performed elsewhere in the system, including in peace missions.
Beyond the need for adequate funding, Rui Vinhas also underscored the role of prevention, arguing that peacekeeping operations should increasingly contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes through mediation, preventive diplomacy, and the good offices of the secretary-general.
Finally, the Portuguese ambassador emphasized the issue of adaptability, stating that missions should be tailored to realities on the ground, with mandates that are “feasible and politically grounded.”
He also argued that artificial intelligence should be part of this adaptation, but stressed that agility should not compromise the protection of civilians and human rights, environmental and climate awareness, and the effective participation of women and youth.
“Portugal believes this is a moment to reaffirm our collective commitment: UN peacekeeping operations are crucial and member state support is essential,” he said.
Portugal, as a country that has contributed more than 20,000 personnel to UN Peacekeeping Operations over the past 65 years, will continue to support efforts to make these operations more coherent and impactful, the diplomat assured.
“As a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, Portugal will continue to advocate an integrated approach centered on the three ‘Ps’: prevention, partnership, and protection,” he concluded.
Next year, Portugal will compete for a Council seat and will face direct competition from Germany and Austria in a contest for the two non-permanent member seats allocated to the Western Europe group for the 2027-2028 biennium.
