The 28^th Annual Conference of International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre (IAPTC) was hosted for the first time in Pakistan at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, from November 4-8, 2024. The event officially commenced with the inauguration of new CIPS building by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M).

Under Secretary General, Department of Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, United Nation’s Police Advisor, Acting Deputy Military Advisor, Foreign Sectary of Pakistan, and Rector NUST accompanied the Chief Guest during the inauguration and opening ceremony of the conference.
In his keynote address, the COAS emphasized that global peace today is confronted with ever evolving threats and challenges. Despite the numerous peacekeeping endeavors underway by the UN and other organizations, the plight of innocent Kashmiris and Palestinians serve as a stark reminder that still a lot needs to be done. Guest of Honor, Mr. Jean Pierre Lacroix acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations and appreciated Pakistan for hosting the 28th IAPTC Annual Conference.
Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Inspector General Training and Evaluation (IGT&E), Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, HI (M).
The closing ceremony was chaired by Secretary Defense Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali, HI (M), (R), where he expressed gratitude to the IAPTC Secretariat, panelists, participants, and CIPS for conducting a productive and successful week-long conference on Adaptive Training Strategies for Peace Operations.
In the concluding session, the delegates were briefed on the outcomes of fruitful discussions, innovative ideas and proposed initiatives that emerged during the conference. The focus remained on innovative training methodologies, enhancing technology integration, empowering women's participation in peacekeeping and the importance of information integrity.
The conference also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing evolving challenges to peacekeeping.
Former President of IAPTC, Brigadier General Joyce (Kenya) formally handed over the presidency to Principal NUST Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies (NIPCONS), Mr. Raja Aftab Khan.
At the end, all participants expressed their sincere appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defined the event and showed deepest gratitude to the commitment of Pakistan in continuing efforts for the global peace.
The 28^th IAPTC Annual Conference has set a strong foundation for future initiatives, reinforcing Pakistan’s resolve to promote peace, security and stability worldwide.