U.N. leaders and German ministers pledge funds, technology and mandate reform for peacekeeping in Berlin

U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres and Germany’s foreign and defense ministers urged deeper political support, targeted mandate reform and new technological and energy investments for U.N. peacekeeping at a ministerial meeting in Berlin, where Germany pledged €82,000,000 and other delegations made dozens of capability pledges.

Guterres said U.N. peacekeeping ‘‘are a cornerstone of the United Nations’’ and warned operations face ‘‘massive challenges,’’ including more conflicts, the targeting of peacekeepers and new threats such as drones and improvised explosive devices. He said about 4,400 peacekeepers have died over the years, and he called on member states to meet financial obligations on time.

The German foreign minister, Johan Watervull, framed the meeting as a chance to press for reforms and pledged German funding, saying, "Germany will make available an additional €82,000,000…