For UN peacekeepers, secure communication, real-time situational awareness, and digital security are critical to protecting lives and ensuring mission success. To strengthen these capabilities, the United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) recently delivered four training courses at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE), supported by the Government of Japan.
The programme trained military, police, and civilian personnel from multiple UN missions, equipping them to manage mission communications, mitigate cyber threats, and leverage technology for better decision-making.
The C4ISR training programme (Computers, Command, Control, Communications, Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) included four key courses: Technology Orientation for Peacekeeping, which introduced participants to the role of technology in mission operations; ICT Security Fundamentals, focusing on protecting mission data and mitigating cyber threats; CIS (Communication and Information System) Planning, which equipped personnel with the skills in CIS management and planning for peacekeeping operations; and CIS Technical Instructor Training, preparing trainers to effectively expand these critical skills within their missions.
Peacekeepers operate in volatile environments where miscommunication, cyber threats, and lack of situational awareness can disrupt operations. The training focused on using technology to monitor security, protect mission data, and ensure secure communication between ground teams and decision-makers.
Reflecting on the impact of the training, one of the participants, Mr Hadi Abou El Ezz from UNIFIL, shared:
“The C4ISR programme provided me with valuable insights into using technology to activate and enhance situational awareness for Command Centres [central hub for monitoring, coordination, and decision-making]. It helped me develop a productive communication channel with the military, allowing us to collaborate and improve their systems. It also enabled me to focus on results and provide the right tools, further enhancing my knowledge of the best methods for implementation and introducing me to new technologies that can serve as effective solutions.”
Mr Emmanuel Ngor, Chief of the Regional Field Technology Service (RFTS), highlighted the significance of these advanced training courses in strengthening UN peacekeeping operations, saying, “I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained will have a profound impact on our peacekeeping efforts.”
UNCAP Programme Manager, Florence Keter, underscored the importance of creating an environment where trainers empower peacekeepers to actively share knowledge, engage in discussions, and apply their skills effectively in the field.
These courses reflect a commitment to strengthening UN peacekeeping through customized technology-driven solutions. As peacekeeping operations evolve in complexity, initiatives like these are shaping a more responsive, secure, and effective global peace efforts.
