Islamabad: The five-day 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre began at the Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad on Monday. This marks the first time Pakistan is hosting the event, which officially commenced with the inauguration of the new CIPS building by Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir. According to Radio Pakistan, the inauguration and opening ceremony of the conference saw the presence of several prominent figures, including Under Secretary General Department of Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, the United Nations Police Advisor, Acting Deputy Military Advisor, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, and Rector NUST, who joined the Chief Guest in the proceedings. In his keynote address, the Army Chief highlighted the evolving threats and challenges confronting global peace today. He noted that despite numerous peacekeeping efforts by the UN and other organizations, the ongoin g struggles of innocent Kashmiris and Palestinians underscore the significant work that remains to be done. Guest of Honour Jean Pierre Lacroix recognized Pakistan's contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations in his remarks. He expressed his appreciation to Pakistan for hosting the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre. Upon arrival, the Army Chief was welcomed by Inspector General Training and Evaluation, Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah.