| Conclusions
 Try
a real life problem - this may prove interesting.
The
out-brief to seminar-game participants began with a review of the
differences in characteristics between Chapter VI and Chapter VII
of the UN Charter, the authority under which UN peace missions are
conducted.
Actions
taken under Chapter VI represent the kind of peacekeeping that assists
in consolidating a peace that has already been brokered. Regardless
of location, they share these conditions:
- The
parties to the conflict request assistance
- The
parties are committed to peaceful resolution
-
There is political will to effect a peaceful resolution
- The
parties consent to the operation
-
An effective cease-fire is in place
-
A comprehensive agreement is reached
-
The parties assist the deployment of the peacekeeping mission
-
Signatures for a Status of Forces Agreement exist; legalities
are in place
Actions
taken under Chapter VII represent the kind of peacekeeping that
enforces the will of the UN Security Council and is characterized
by:
-
A conflict that is ongoing
-
The risk of renewed conflict is high
-
The parties in conflict are not in agreement
-
The internal security situation is risky, particularly for non-combatants
-
Rogue elements are not included in the negotiation process
-
There is a high risk of external intervention
-
Foreign forces are present
-
The ability of the legitimate authority to defend itself is judged
insufficient
-
A legal basis for intervention needed
-
A Status of Forces agreement is not in place
How
to generate multilateral training (CPX, FTX):
-
Identify the critical elements / key aspects / skills
-
Identify the absolute minimum training that is needed
-
Concentrate on the key staff (Leadership)
-
Sustain the expertise built up from previous participation
-
Conduct in-mission training for key elements
-
Commitment by lead nation to include key leadership of other contributors
-
Conduct training with other components nationally
-
Use innovations in training: Partnerships aligned for training
Using alliances that work together to generate forces New educational
techniques (MPAT)
-
Prior identification of potential units - complete generic PKO
training
-
Use regional centers to develop standardization
The
way ahead, leveraging current assets:
-
Generate resources through the regional organizations of SARC,
ARF, ASEAN. Resources include support, shared information, common
processes.
-
Use real scenarios, real statistics, lessons learned to better
prepare students. · UNDPKO standby arrangements provide a key
issue that should be addressed by the region.
-
PKO complexity and tools relate well to other uses such as counter
terrorism.
-
Organized training for leadership is essential
-
Surge capacity issue - what should it be?
-
Most countries within the region conduct peace operations training,
many have training centers. Areas for collaborative support of
each other's training efforts need to be explored.
SURVEY RESULTS
Of
39 participants, 36 returned completed surveys. The following results
are based upon a baseline of 36 responses. Two surveys were conducted.
SURVEY
#1: SUPPORT FOR PEACE OPERATIONS TRAINING
The
first survey was composed of seven questions. 1,2,3 and 6 asked
responders to prioritize a list of issues surrounding peace operations
training overall. Question 4 and 5 requested a degree of value.
Question 7 permitted open comments. 'Integrated' here refers to
the military, humanitarian and civilian police sectors.
1
LEVEL OF FUTURE SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND GAMES
When
asked to prioritize at what level should future seminars, workshops,
games and exercises attempt to focus, 75% of participants responded
at the integrated operational level. Following in descending order
of priority was the integrated strategic level, the strategic political
level, and lastly the integrated tactical level. Under 'other Ð
specify,' global issues and regional issues received write-in votes.
2
ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE REGIONAL CAPACITY
When
asked what activities would prove valuable over the next few years
to improve regional capacity further, 85% of participants indicated
that integrated civilian, police and military workshops should have
priority. In descending order of preference was peace operations
center development workshops and integrated staff training. Finally,
lessons learned seminars and workshops and public information in
peace operations were tied for last priority.
Forensic
studies mitigate previous failures in peacekeeping operations.
3
EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE TO PEACE OPERATIONS CENTERS
Many
nations are working to establish Peace Operations Training Centers.
When asked what external assistance would prove most beneficial,
75% responded that their highest priority was for the provision
of training materials. Following that, participants rated the provision
of developed packages and support by experts equally important.
Of importance next was certification by the United Nations followed
by simulations and exercises.
"Training
validation will be an issue Ð without some overarching body to control
standards it will be difficult to achieve a consistent approach."
4
IMPORTANCE OF UN SPONSORSHIP IN ASIA PACIFIC
When
asked how important is United Nations sponsorship of events in the
Asia Pacific region, 49% considered it essential and another 49%
considered it extremely valuable. The remaining respondents found
UN sponsorship to be valuable.
5
PEACE OPERATIONS AS AN ENGAGEMENT TOOL
When
asked if the examination of Peace Operations and related issues
an effective engagement tool in the region, 45% considered it essential,
and 48% considered it extremely valuable. The remaining 8% found
it valuable, slightly valuable or not valuable.
6
REGIONAL PEACE OPERATIONS CENTERS
Regional
Peace Operations Training Centers can provide a level of synergy
by providing benefits not available within a National Training Center.
When asked to rate what was important for a Regional Center, 75%
responded that sponsorship by the United Nations had the highest
priority. In descending order was exchange of instructors, regional
political support, common programs and finally certification of
training by the United Nations.
"When
a training center is established with a UN-sponsored curriculum,
then the final product would be a bonafide force which would facilitate
a successful coalition to implement peacekeeping and humanitarian
operations."
7
COMMENTS (selected)
"If
possible, get NGO representatives to participate too."
"Include
the participants involved in humanitarian assistance."
"Challenge
attendees to take information provided and respond with the results
of the home-based evaluation when they attempt to share with country
staff."
"There
are some disconnects and unrealistic time line considerations that
have already been highlighted."
"Recommend
staff include a senior representative from focused countries to
serve as advisory for each if funds available."
SURVEY
#2: THE SOUTH ASIA PEACE OPERATIONS SEMINAR-GAME
The
second survey solicited participant feelings about this particular
event. This 11-question participant critique focused on how the
participants felt about this particular seminar-game, in terms of
how well it was conducted and was able to meet their expectations.
Respondent were asked to select to select one: completely agree,
partially agree, neutral, partially disagree, or completely disagree
with the statements posed.
1
ACHIEVEMENT OF PURPOSE
75%
completely agreed and 25% partially agreed that the seminar-game
achieved its purpose to develop multilateral, multifunctional operational-level
peace operations skills and to gain insight into capacity building
and training in the Asia-Pacific Region.
"Seminar
achieved its objectives and also made [for] some good networking
in the region too."
2
SCENARIO
82%
completely agreed with the statement that the scenario helped attain
the conference objectives. The remainder of 18% partially agreed.
"It should not be totally exclusive to peace operations,
but include disaster management."
3
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
81%
of the responding participants completely agreed that the subject
matter experts were very knowledgeable and helped to better understand
the subject of peace operations. The additional 19% partially agreed
with that statement.
4
WORKING GROUP FACILITATORS
86%
completely agreed and 14% partially agreed that the working group
facilitators were effective and helped to focus discussions in areas
that were most important.
5
PLENARY SESSIONS
82%
of the participant responders felt that the plenary sessions were
well structured, well conducted and made good use of time. 17% partially
agreed with that statement and 1% felt neutral about it.
6
COMPETENCY
81%
completely agreed with the statement "I feel more competent
to address peace operations issues than I did before the seminar-game."
The remaining 19% partially agreed.
7
TIME AND FORMAT
82%
believed "Our time was well used this week and effectively
balanced small group interactions with plenary discussions and briefs
by subject experts." The remaining 18% partially agreed.
8
HANDOUT MATERIALS
81%
thought that the handout materials were useful and provided an adequate
basis for the working group sessions, while 19% partially agreed
with that statement.
"Distribute
handout materials in advance."
"Participants need the material earlier if possible."
9
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
82%
felt that the number and diversity of participants helped achieve
the conference objectives, with 18% partially in agreement.
"Explore the ways and means to expose the latent talents
of the participants and provide adequate opportunity for the same."
10
FACILITIES
100%
completely agreed that the facilities were comfortable and conducive
to achieving the seminar-game's objectives.
11
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
99%
of respondents felt that the administrative support met participant
needs, with 1% partially agreeing to that statement.
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