Enhancing Peacekeeping Training: A Transformative Approach Through UNCAP's Training Needs Assessment

With a focus on aligning training course content with the operational demands and mandates of peacekeeping missions, the United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) just concluded its 2024 Training Needs Assessment (TNA). The aim of the TNA was to ensure that Command, Control, Communication, Computer (C4), Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) training remains relevant and impactful, and meets the diverse needs in the field.

The process involved evaluating the current impact of UNCAP training, identifying gaps and areas for improvement, and proposing solutions to enhance course delivery methods and material design.

Two UNCAP teams, each comprised of two women, carried out the TNA from 22 January to 9 February 2024, with in-person assessments conducted across four UN peacekeeping missions: the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MINUSCO) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Stakeholders, including course graduates, trainers and supervisors, contributed through interviews, surveys and meetings, emphasizing the collaborative effort to refine and improve UNCAP's training offerings.

The assessment output included a series of recommendations for improving training delivery, such as:

• ensuring the right personnel are selected for training;
• integrating data analytics into the Micros Unmanned Aerial System (MUAS) training curricula;
• improving communication about training opportunities to ensure a broader and more effective dissemination of skills and knowledge within peacekeeping missions; and
• increasing the use of in-person, hands-on training sessions.

Implementing the TNA findings will lead to redesigning existing training modules for three courses: Unite Aware, MUAS and the Women’s Outreach Course (WOC).

Introducing new modules aims to close critical skill gaps, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the overall effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.

For more information on UNCAP project please visit: United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations