Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS): A Force Multiplier for Peace and Humanitarian Efforts

The use of UAS by military forces increased globally over the past decades, with numerous countries, as well as non-State armed groups, adopting or expanding their UAS fleets, according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies.[1] However, in the context of peace operations, their use was minimal, due, in part, to their prohibitive cost. 

Amidst growing environmental crises, the urgency to adopt sustainable practices is greater than ever. Supply chain operations and the environment are inextricably linked, and it's no secret that traditional linear supply chains can produce enormous amounts of waste.

The United Nations system is engaged in a digital transformation. However, technology alone is not enough. Building the capacity of staff to take full advantage of new technological tools is critical. The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) is supporting this process, working closely with field missions and other partners to tailor digital technology solutions to their unique needs and ensuring they possess the skillsets to utilize them.

“The United Nations is a reflection of the world as it is – and an aspiration of the world we know it can be.” –UN Secretary-General António Guterres
 
On this UN Day, the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) is inviting stakeholders across the UN system and beyond in Brindisi, Italy, and Valencia, Spain, to join forces and accelerate the implementation of the UN’s goals through innovation and collaboration.

The UN is increasingly exploring using robots for surveillance, security, and humanitarian operations, with several pilot projects underway. 

On 24 October 2023, UN Day, the United Nations Global Service Centre, a pioneer in transformative technologies for the UN System, will bring this timely field to the public, engaging youth and civil society in a deeper understanding of technology, peace, and development. 

Predictive analysis can significantly enhance strategic planning and monitoring in peacekeeping operations. In his article “Machine Learning and Conflict Prediction,”* Chris Perry notes, the development of a “robust, accurate and effective conflict early warning system” has long been a priority for the United Nations.
To that end, as part of UNGSC’s Academia Partnership Programme, students from Barcelona’s ESADE University have developed a novel data model.

Following the adoption of UN Security Council resolution S/RES/2690 (2023), terminating a decade-long UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) will provide on-site and remote support for the Mission’s drawdown and liquidation.

The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) was pleased to welcome the Foreign Ministers of Italy, H. E. Antonio Tajani, of Bulgaria, H.E. Mariya Gabriel, and of North Macedonia, H.E. Bujar Osmani, for a presentation and tour of the Organization’s Base. 

Director of UNGSC, Giovanna Ceglie, was joined by Walid Ibrahim, Coordinator of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot / World Food Programme (UNHRD /WFP), a co-located entity on the UNGSC Brindisi base, in greeting the delegation.

Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) training is critical to identifying potential risks, improving real-time situational awareness, preventing ambushes, and saving lives. The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) provides this vital know-how on-site for Peace Operations, as well as other UN entities, through a partnership with the UN Command, Control, Communications, Computers Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP).

The Second United Nations Maps Conference (UNICTF, Valencia, Spain, 6 - 10 March 2023) lived up to its central theme "Building greater UN Maps Together," as 90 participants, hailing from 45 UN entities and external partners,