Description
An Indian Army officer serving with a United Nations mission in Africa has received international acclaim for her efforts to advance gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Major Swathi Shantha Kumar has been awarded the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 in recognition of her leadership and tangible impact on promoting gender parity and community engagement in conflict-affected areas.
Global recognition for peacekeeping leadership
The award, announced by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as part of the Secretary-General’s Awards–2025, recognised Major Swathi’s initiative, “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace.” The project was acknowledged for enhancing gender-responsive peacekeeping practices in line with UN mandates. Her initiative was selected from nominations submitted across all UN peacekeeping missions and agencies worldwide.
Contribution to the UN Mission in South Sudan
Hailing from Bengaluru, Major Swathi is currently deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. She has played a key role in deploying and integrating the Indian Engagement Team, improving gender balance within the mission and strengthening community-level outreach in the region.
Operational achievements and community impact
Under her leadership, the team carried out sustained operations including long- and short-range patrols, riverine patrols, and air surveillance in remote counties. These efforts fostered a safer and more supportive environment for over 5,000 women, facilitating greater participation in community activities and local decision-making. The initiative has significantly bolstered trust between peacekeepers and local populations in conflict-affected areas of South Sudan.
The United Nations highlighted that Major Swathi’s dedication and leadership set a benchmark for future peacekeeping missions. Her work illustrates how gender-inclusive leadership not only strengthens operational effectiveness but also enhances community relations and contributes to lasting peace and stability in fragile regions.
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- Indian Army
- Major Swathi Shantha Kumar
- UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025
- gender-inclusive peacekeeping
- South Sudan UN mission
- gender parity in peacekeeping
- community engagement
- UN peacekeeping leadership
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