Key Facts
• August 20, 2025: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix interviewed in Tokyo.
• Lacroix expressed concerns over weakened global pressure on conflict resolution.
• Japan contributes approximately 7% of the UN PKO budget, ranking third globally.
• Japan has deployed four Self-Defense Force officers to South Sudan PKO.
• UN PKO currently operates 11 missions with 70,000 personnel in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Russia’s growing military influence in Africa has led to reduced UN PKO deployments.
• Mali’s interim government aligned with Russia, forcing UN PKO and French troops to withdraw.
• Lacroix emphasized the need for international unity to support political conflict resolution.
• France and other European nations are prepared to deploy forces for Ukraine’s security.
• Lacroix highlighted the importance of technology and digitalization in future peacekeeping efforts.
Summary
UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, during an interview in Tokyo on August 20, 2025, raised concerns about the declining global pressure on conflict resolution due to international divisions. He praised Japan’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations (PKO), including its financial support (7% of the PKO budget) and personnel deployment in South Sudan. Lacroix noted the challenges faced by PKO, such as Russia’s increasing military presence in Africa, which has led to reduced UN deployments in the region. He stressed the importance of international unity and technological advancements in addressing complex conflicts. Additionally, Lacroix acknowledged European nations’ readiness to ensure Ukraine’s security post-conflict. His visit to Japan also included discussions with government officials during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
