This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's participation in the UN Peacekeeping Summit, and the 35th anniversary of China's participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

On the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed under the theme "The Future of Peacekeeping", we honor the invaluable contributions military, police and civilian peacekeepers have made over the last nearly eight decades. This theme celebrates the spirit of progress and collective action towards creating a more equal, just and sustainable world. Among those embodying this ethos is Zhang Zhengui, a distinguished alumnus of Sun Yat-sen University’s School of Government (Class of 2003 MPA), who served as one of the first UN peacekeeping police officers dispatched from Guangzhou. With extraordinary distinction across three UN peacekeeping missions in East Timor and Haiti, his career exemplifies how individual expertise and courage shape the evolving landscape of peacebuilding.

A Career Rooted in Service and Dedication

Zhang began his career in 1985 with the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau, specializing in news media work. In 2000, he joined China’s inaugural contingent of UN peacekeeping police officers deployed from Guangzhou, embarking on a path that would take him to the forefront of UN peacekeeping missions.

Pioneering Missions in East Timor and Haiti

In 2000, at the age of 36, Zhang joined China’s first batch of peacekeeping police officers deployed to the UN mission in East Timor. As part of the pioneering cohort under the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), he served as a Public Information Officer (PIO) at the UN Peacekeeping Police Headquarters and later as Director of the East Timor Police Service (ETPS) Department of Public Relations and Communications. During his 19-month deployment, he oversaw public relations and media engagement, producing multimedia presentations and delivering training programs on police communications for local officers. Notably, he was the sole UN police officer authorized to conduct interviews and filming at that time, documenting the mission with over 70 video tapes (5,000 minutes) and 3,000 photographs.

In 2004, he was deployed to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as Chief Media Advisor to the UN Police Commissioner, serving in a high-risk environment marked by near-constant gunfire. During a January 2005 anti-insurgent operation, Zhang braved life-threatening conditions to document the mission, capturing harrowing footage amid enemy fire—a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to peacekeeping.

Leadership and Excellence in UN Service

In 2011, recommended by the Chinese government and selected via competitive recruitment, he joined the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) as an international staff member and P4-level Public Information Officer (PIO), serving as a Senior Media Advisor to the East Timor National Police Headquarters. In this role, he designed and delivered public relations training programs for local police, marking a historic milestone as the first Chinese police officer to hold a mid-senior career level position within the UN peacekeeping framework.

Honors and Legacy

During his five years with the UN, Zhang received three commendations from peacekeeping police commissioners, three UN Peace Medals, and earned three "excellent" ratings in performance evaluations. His career exemplifies professionalism, courage, and diplomatic acumen, showcasing how Chinese peacekeepers advance global security through expertise and dedication.

As a Sun Yat-sen University alumnus, Zhang Zhengui’s journey from a Guangzhou police officer to a senior UN international officer embodies the university’s ethos of public service and global responsibility. His story stands as a proud testament to China’s peacekeeping legacy, honoring the sacrifices and excellence of those who serve under the UN blue helmet. Through his roles as a trainer, mentor, and institutional builder in conflict zones, he has exemplified how individual commitment can drive sustainable peace—a legacy that resonates deeply with the ethos of "The Future of Peacekeeping."

*Photos are provided by alumnus Zhang Zhengui