International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2026: My Journey Serving Under the Blue Flag
On this International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, I find myself reflecting on one of the most defining chapters of my life—serving as a peacekeeper in Africa under the banner of the United Nations.
As an officer of the Bangladesh Army, I had the privilege of participating in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Africa. From 2007 to 2009, I served in Côte d'Ivoire under the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI). Later, from 2011 to 2012, I was deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with responsibilities that also took me across Uganda and Rwanda.
When I first arrived in Côte d'Ivoire, I quickly realized that peacekeeping was about much more than military operations. It was about protecting civilians, supporting stability, and helping communities recover from the devastating effects of conflict. Every patrol, every interaction with local communities, and every mission reinforced the importance of trust, understanding, and cooperation.
Serving alongside peacekeepers from around the world was a remarkable experience. Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we were united by a common purpose: to help create the conditions necessary for peace and development. Those experiences taught me that peace is not simply the absence of conflict—it is the presence of security, opportunity, justice, and hope.
My deployment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo under MONUSCO further deepened my understanding of the challenges facing post-conflict societies. I witnessed both the hardships endured by local populations and their incredible resilience. Traveling through Uganda and Rwanda also provided valuable insights into regional cooperation, reconciliation, and nation-building efforts.
These experiences left a lasting impact on me and shaped many of the values that continue to guide my professional and personal life today.
Lessons Learned from UN Peacekeeping
Throughout my service, I learned several important lessons:
Leadership is most effective when it is grounded in service to others.
Building trust is often the first step toward lasting peace.
Cultural understanding is essential when working across borders.
International cooperation can achieve remarkable results when nations work together toward a shared goal.
Sustainable peace requires patience, commitment, and collective responsibility.
Bangladesh has earned worldwide respect as one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions. I remain deeply proud to have represented Bangladesh alongside thousands of brave men and women who have served under the UN flag with professionalism and distinction.
Today, as we honor the contributions of peacekeepers around the world, I pay tribute to all those who have dedicated themselves to protecting vulnerable communities and supporting peace in some of the world's most challenging environments. I also remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving humanity.
Although my peacekeeping service ended years ago, its lessons continue to influence my work today. Whether promoting international cooperation, supporting economic development, or building connections between businesses and communities, I remain committed to the same principles that guided me during my deployments: partnership, trust, and shared progress.
Those values continue to inspire my work through Kingmansa, a Canadian AI-powered B2B trade platform connecting businesses across borders, and the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum (ABBF), where we strive to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Africa, Bangladesh, Canada, and global markets.
On this International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, let us recognize the dedication of peacekeepers serving around the world and renew our commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and peace.
Peacekeeping is not merely a mission—it is a commitment to humanity.
To all peacekeepers, past and present, thank you for your service.
Lest We Forget.
About the Author
Zahirul Haq is a former United Nations Peacekeeper and Bangladesh Army veteran who served in Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. He is the Founder & CEO of Kingmansa Solutions Inc. and President of the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum (ABBF).
