GPOI objectives include building partner countries’ capacity for training
peacekeepers to operate in peace operations, thereby enhancing and building
the capacities of the United Nations and regional organizations. GPOI initially
trained peacekeepers to participate in peacekeeping operations and later
transitioned to a "train the trainer" concept, building other countries’ capacity to
train peacekeepers.
Currently, most of GPOI’s efforts focus on developing military peacekeepers for
operations in Africa, which is home to the majority of peacekeeping operations in
the world today. The level of participation and types of activities vary widely from
country to country. Most efforts are managed through the U.S. Combatant
Commanders. GPOI also works in close coordination with the country team at
the U.S. Embassy of each of the participating countries. GPOI is not designed to
support a specific mission. Rather, it is intended to build a host nation’s
peacekeeping capacity that it can contribute to peacekeeping operations.
Diplomatically, the United States encourages the host nations to put their
capacity to use by working with the United Nations to identify opportunities to
best apply their capabilities.
GPOI efforts include supporting the development of critical enabling capabilities,
including airlift, engineering, logistical, and medical support. For example, El
Salvador supported the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization
Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) by supplying helicopters, pilots and support crews.
GPOI facilitated the effort by providing spare parts and equipment required for
operating in a desert environment.
GPOI also works to promote the role of women and enhance gender integration
in peacekeeping operations. In addition to training female peacekeepers, it
supports efforts to build Formed Police Units (FPU) through the Center of
Excellence for Stability Police Units (COESPU).
Approximately 290,000 peacekeepers were trained as of the end of 2014.
Currently, there are approximately 130,000 people serving in the field across 16
peacekeeping operations. Nepal is a top troop contributing country. Nepal has a
goal to train and deploy up to 10,000 personnel per year and is increasing its
training capacity from three to five training battalions at the Birenda Peace
Operations Training Center (BPOTC). GPOI’s efforts to produce peacekeepers
has significantly increased the resources available to support United Nations and
regional peacekeeping operations around the globe.
Recommendation.
The U.S. should continue to lead in the areas of peacekeeping and stability
operations. The U.S. should continue to support the UN with funding and
leadership and continue to support efforts that contribute to global stability, to
include the Global Peace Operations Initiative.
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