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Baroness Anelay and General Gordon Messenger hosted an event to discuss key themes for the upcoming UK led Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial.

On 7-8 September 2016 the UK will host the London Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial to bring together Defence Ministers from across the world to discuss the need for meaningful improvements on how we participate in and effectively contribute to UN peacekeeping operations.

As part of the preparations for September Ministerial meeting Baroness Anelay and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, General Gordon Messenger, hosted a number of representatives from civil society at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 18 July. These included the charities, NGOs, academics and partners who work alongside peacekeepers across the world.

The event enabled these groups to share their knowledge and expertise on reforming and improving UN peacekeeping, in particular their views on women and peacekeeping.

Speaking after the event Baroness Anelay yesterday said:

I was delighted to speak with civil society colleagues about the role of peacekeeping. The UK places great importance on UN Peace Operations and is committed to ensuring global stability.

This event has given us the opportunity to hear views and recommendations ahead of the Ministerial in September. These views are key to shaping and informing the upcoming conference to ensure that reforms result in better peacekeeping and a more peaceful world.

General Messenger, speaking after the event, yesterday said:

I was thrilled to meet so many charities and NGOs today to discuss how we can make UN peacekeeping more effective. The UK is taking a leading role in bringing peacekeeping to the top of the international agenda.

I look forward to continuing to work with civil society as we gear up for the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in London this September and beyond. I would like to thank these groups for their energy, commitment and passion.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Baroness Anelay on Twitter @JoyceAnelay

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice

• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

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