Islamabad: The five-day 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre commenced at the Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad today. The conference, held for the first time in Pakistan, began with the inauguration of a new building by Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir. According to Radio Pakistan, the event was marked by the presence of notable figures such as the Under Secretary General Department of Peace Operations, the United Nation's Police Advisor, the Acting Deputy Military Advisor, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, and the Rector of NUST, who accompanied the Chief Guest during the inauguration and opening ceremony. In his keynote address, the Army Chief highlighted the evolving threats and challenges facing global peace today. Despite ongoing peacekeeping efforts by the UN and other organizations, he pointed out the continuing struggles of innocent Kashmiris and Palestinians as a s tark reminder of the work yet to be done. Guest of Honour, Under Secretary General of the Department of Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations. He acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in hosting the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre, emphasizing the country's commitment to global peace efforts.