Over the past 80 years, the United Nations has worked relentlessly to maintain international peace and security. Special political missions have been critical instruments of the Organization in this endeavour.

The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) manages United Nations special political missions worldwide. These civilian field presences support conflict prevention, peacemaking, political dialogue and peacebuilding, helping countries and regions navigate complex political transitions and sustain peace.

Special political missions are civilian missions that work with governments, conflict parties, regional organizations and civil society to prevent conflict, advance peace processes and support the foundations of lasting peace. Their mandates, structures and approaches vary according to the context. They may take the form of envoys of the Secretary-General and their political teams working to broker peace agreements; specialized missions carrying out tasks such as ceasefire verification, investigations, border demarcation or disarmament; regional offices serving as forward platforms for preventive diplomacy; or country-based missions supporting Member States in navigating complex political transitions.