Astana, 29 May 2025 – On this day in 1948, the United Nations launched its first peacekeeping operation in the Middle East.

Over the past 77 years, the UN has conducted 71 peacekeeping operations involving more than 2 million peacekeepers from 150 countries. Currently, more than 80,000 peacekeepers from 121 countries are serving in 12 UN missions around the world.

Kazakhstan's cooperation with the UN in the field of peacekeeping began in 2014, when the first Kazakh servicemember was deployed as a military observer to the UN mission in Western Sahara.

At present, 158 Kazakh peacekeepers are serving in six UN missions. A significant milestone was the deployment in March 2024 of Kazakhstan’s first national contingent—comprising 139 military personnel—to the UN mission in the Golan Heights.

Kazakhstan’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations aims to contribute to global efforts in maintaining peace and security, while also strengthening the country’s international standing.