Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, an officer of the Indian Army currently serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has received the United Nations Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to gender-inclusive peacekeeping.
The award, announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, recognises peacekeepers whose work demonstrates exceptional commitment to the UN’s mandate of sustainable peace, inclusion, and community engagement. Major Swathi’s project, titled “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace,” stood out among nominations received from all UN peacekeeping missions and agencies worldwide.
Serving in UNMISS: South Sudan’s Fragile Peace
South Sudan continues to experience conflict, displacement, and instability despite ongoing peace processes. UNMISS was established by the United Nations to support peace consolidation, protect civilians, and help build sustainable governance structures.
Indian peacekeepers have been part of this mission, working alongside troops from many countries to implement mandates that include civilian protection, community engagement, and support for national institutions.
In this challenging environment, gender-inclusive approaches are increasingly recognised as essential for durable peace.
“Equal Partners, Lasting Peace”: A Gender-Inclusive Initiative
Major Swathi’s project focused on strengthening the role of women in peacekeeping operations and community engagement. Recognising that women’s participation enhances access, trust, and impact, she effectively deployed and integrated the Indian Engagement Team — including both male and female peacekeepers — to engage communities across remote and conflict-affected counties.
Under her leadership, the team carried out diverse operations, including:
- Short- and long-distance patrols
- Integrated riverine patrols
- Dynamic air patrols to reach remote locations
These sustained efforts created a more secure and supportive environment for local women, enabling over 5,000 womento participate meaningfully in community activities and decision-making processes.
A Recognition from the UN
Major Swathi’s project emerged as the winner in the Gender Category of the 27th Secretary-General’s Awards, after securing the highest number of votes among four finalists in a UN-wide voting process involving personnel from missions and agencies globally. UN officials highlighted that the success of “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace” has set a strong example for future peacekeeping missions, demonstrating how gender-inclusive leadership can improve trust, outreach, and stability in fragile regions.
What This Means for Indian Peacekeeping
The award highlights not only Major Swathi’s leadership but also the growing role of Indian personnel in UN peacekeeping operations. India has historically been one of the largest troop contributors to UN missions, and initiatives like this show how Indian peacekeepers contribute beyond traditional military tasks, building relationships and enabling local empowerment.
Closing Thoughts
Major Swathi Shantha Kumar’s achievement underscores a key lesson in modern peacekeeping: lasting peace requires inclusion, not just presence. By ensuring that women are partners in security and community engagement, her work has helped strengthen the effectiveness and humanity of UNMISS’s mission in South Sudan.
Her recognition by the United Nations is a testament to the evolving role of military officers in international peace efforts where understanding, engagement, and partnership are as vital as strategic capacity.