New Delhi: Major Swathi Shantha Kumar of the Indian Army, currently deployed with the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), has been honored with the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for her exceptional contribution to promoting gender-inclusive peacekeeping.
The prestigious award is presented to UN Secretariat personnel who demonstrate outstanding performance by conceptualizing and implementing initiatives with high impact and strong innovative value. Major Kumar was recognized for her project titled “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace: Gender-Inclusive Approach in UNMISS, South Sudan.”
The initiative focuses on strengthening women’s participation in peacekeeping operations and conflict-resolution processes, underlining the role of gender equality in achieving sustainable peace. Her work has been acknowledged for enhancing community engagement, inclusivity and long-term stability in conflict-affected regions.
Major Kumar’s achievement highlights India’s growing contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and its commitment to advancing gender equality within international security frameworks.
