Jean-Marie Guéhenno’s talking points on running a UN peacekeeping mission

Why is it crucial to understand the local politics of a country during a mission?

• To ensure you can stay in the country longer

• To make friends with local politicians

• To ensure you focus on the right target

• To avoid any form of interaction with locals

What should a mission leader do if they notice something wrong happening?

• Address it directly and take necessary actions

• Report it to the local authorities

• Ignore it and focus on their tasks

• Wait for someone else to handle it

What is a key goal for a mission leader in terms of their role in the country?

• To make themselves irrelevant over time

• To become a permanent fixture in the country

• To gain as much political capital as possible

• To ensure the country relies on them indefinitely

Why is it important to manage expectations when arriving in a new country?

• To avoid any form of disappointment

• To ensure you can promise everything

• To make sure you are seen as a hero

• To balance what you promise with what you can deliver

What attitude should mission leaders maintain towards the people of the country?

• Humility and full commitment

• Indifference and detachment

• Arrogance and superiority

• Skepticism and caution