The Last Kilometer contributed to the planning, design, implementation and installation of NetZero technology demonstrations and training during the Shanti Prayas-3 multinational peacekeeper training exercise at the Nepalese Army's Birendra Peace Operations Training Center.
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The Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) is a U.S. Government-funded security assistance program working to meet the growing global demand for specially trained personnel to conduct international peace operations by building the capabilities of U.S. partner countries to train and sustain peacekeepers; increasing the number of capable military troops and police units available for deployment; and facilitating the preparation, logistical support, and deployment of peacekeepers. GPOI promotes international peace and security, helping to save lives while reducing the burden on U.S. military forces, and furthering post-conflict recovery around the world.
The US Department of Defense geographical Combatant Commanders implement nearly 50% of all GPOI programs and activities. Indo-Asia-Pacific countries provide over 40% of the world’s uniformed peacekeepers to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations worldwide; half of those countries that provide UN peacekeepers are GPOI program partners. GPOI builds and maintains the capability, capacity, and effectiveness of partners to deploy professional forces to meet the UN’s needs in peace and security operations. Partners are meeting program goals achieving, or making progress towards achieving, self-sustaining, indigenous training capability.
Shanti Prayas-3 is a multinational partnership exercise designed to build peacekeeping proficiencies. The two-week training exercise held at the Nepalese Birendra Peace Operations Training Center (BPOTC), led by the Nepalese Army, is organized by the United Nations, the U.S. State Department and facilitators from U.S. Pacific Command’s Global Peace operations initiative.
The Nepalese Army has deployed across 15 missions around the world. As a troop contributing country, Nepal ranks sixth in the world. Currently, Nepalese Army has some 4,376 soldiers including female soldiers serving in 15 different missions around the globe. Nepal has a commitment to provide up to 5,000 peacekeepers should the UN so request. The Nepalese Army’s Birendra Peace Operations Training Center (BPOTC) in Panchkhal, Nepal (45 KM East of Kathmandu) provides training to all Nepalese Army personnel participating in various peace keeping operations.
The OSD (AT&L) / USPACOM initiative provided Net-Zero technologies aimed at addressing energy, water and waste challenges and improving overall operational effectiveness, efficiency and resiliency during UN Peace Keeping Operations. The technology insertion at the BPOTC introduced and reinforced Net-Zero concepts to the Nepalese Army and Units preparing to deploy in support of UN Peace Keeping Operations. Additionally, the Shanti Prayas-3 exercise demonstrated and highlight Net-Zero capability to the 24 participating countries.
The technology demonstrations included solar/diesel hybrid systems, water filtration, and wastewater treatment. The demonstration focused on how these technologies can make a significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations such as UNMISS in South Sudan and MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.