Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, an officer in the Indian Army, has received the prestigious United Nations Secretary-General’s Award 2025 in recognition of her exemplary contributions to gender-inclusive peacekeeping efforts. This honor underscores her leadership in promoting gender parity within United Nations missions and reflects India’s commitment to effective global security initiatives.
Major Kumar hails from Bengaluru, Karnataka, and serves with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to peacekeeping operations, combining military expertise with humanitarian objectives aimed at conflict resolution in tumultuous environments. Within UNMISS, she is at the forefront of stabilizing regions affected by prolonged instability where gender dynamics are crucial for sustainable peacebuilding.
The award recognizes her innovative project, “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace,” which was selected from nominations submitted across all UN peacekeeping missions and affiliated agencies worldwide. This initiative promotes gender-responsive strategies in peacekeeping by advocating for the inclusion of women in security processes, thereby fostering lasting stability in South Sudan. By addressing the barriers to women’s participation and enhancing collaborative frameworks, the project aligns with broader UN goals of gender equality, notably those encapsulated in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Major Kumar’s work has been pivotal in establishing women-led peace initiatives that integrate diverse perspectives, enhancing the efficacy of peacekeeping operations. Her approach not only empowers female peacekeepers but also fosters community engagement, resulting in more resilient outcomes in conflict-affected areas.
Receiving this accolade makes Major Kumar the second Indian peacekeeper to be honored with the UN Secretary-General’s Award, further reflecting India’s longstanding contributions to international peacekeeping. Her achievements serve as a model for embedding gender considerations into military and diplomatic strategies, promoting a more inclusive and effective global security architecture. In regions like South Sudan, where gender disparities exacerbate vulnerabilities, such initiatives yield tangible improvements in local governance and conflict prevention.
The recognition has drawn widespread acclaim, with officials from both UNMISS and the Indian government lauding her for embodying purposeful leadership in peacekeeping. It emphasizes the essential role of female officers in bridging the divide between policy and practice, ensuring that peacekeeping efforts are equitable and impactful.
Major Swathi Shantha Kumar’s receipt of the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 is a testament to her professional excellence and commitment to gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Through her innovative project and dedicated service, she continues to inspire advancements in international security, reinforcing the principle that equal partnerships are vital for lasting peace. Her journey illustrates the transformative potential of individual leadership within multilateral frameworks, providing valuable insights for future generations of peacekeepers.
