Cairo, Egypt - CCCPA hosted the United Nations Global Training of Trainers (ToT) Course on Core Pre-deployment Training Materials (CPTM) from 9-19 October 2016. The pilot training was conducted by the UN Integrated Training Service (ITS) and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).The training aims to familiarize peacekeeping trainers from Member States with the new CPTM, which is being used for the first time. It brings together 34 civilian, military and police personnel from 24 top troop and police-contributing countries.

Ambassador Hesham Badr, Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, EMFA, delivered the keynote speech on behalf of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.  Badr emphasized Egypt’s contribution to doctrinal and policy debates in the field of peacekeeping, stating that it is “only one element of its larger leadership in peacekeeping.”

“Our involvement in training of peacekeeping personnel, through CCCPA, is not only at records high, but has also expanded to include new thematic areas, such as border issues,” he added.

Mr. Rafael Barbieri, UNDPKO, stressed on the significant role that CCCPA plays in providing trainings: “The Cairo Center has been recognized by its effort in supporting the training and education, not only to national personnel, but also to regional and international participants….Egypt continues to support UNHQ in its endeavour of preparing peacekeepers for their deployments” he said.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony was CCCPA Director Counselor Ashraf Swelam, who highlighted the cooperation between Egypt and UNDPKO:   “With regards to training, Egypt previously partnered with UNDPKO and ITS to host the UN Senior Mission Leaders Training course in July 2015,” he said.  

“CCCPA has just handed over presidency of the African Peace Support Trainers Association (APSTA), only to assume the Secretariat of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers (IAPTC). Next year, CCCPA will be organizing the 23rd Annual Conference of IAPTC,” Swelam added.