This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
Security CouncilMladenov: Settlement expansion and demolitions a continued threat to a two-State solution Central AfricaDebate on the challenge of poverty in Central Africa in a COVID-19 context
Côte d'IvoireSpecial Representative concludes pre-electoral visit to Côte d'Ivoire
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AfghanistanPanelists seek support of elders and Ulema in calling for violence reduction
IraqInternational Translation Day
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The elimination of nuclear weapons is vital to the “survival of life on this planet”, the UN chief told the final major event of the General Assembly’s high level week on Friday.
Thank you, Mister Chairman.
It is a pleasure and honor to be with you on the 20th anniversary of the landmark resolution on women, peace and security – Security Council resolution 1325 (2000).
Since its adoption, we have made significant progress in understanding and addressing the challenges women face in achieving full and equal participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
We know that societies that give women the space to participate fully in political and socio-economic life are among the most resilient and most peaceful. We have mounting evidence that peacemaking and peacebuilding are more successful when women are involved. But there is still much room for improvement.
Women’s contributions to peace and security are still often outside the mainstream of formal efforts, and too frequently undervalued. I appreciate that the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) gives space to women making such contributions in challenging contexts.
I look forward today to hearing directly from civil society briefers who have joined us from Nigeria and Guatemala, as well as representatives from UN Women and the African Union.
Mr. Chairman.
Let me begin by noting that the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) has been at the forefront of action across the UN system to strengthen gender-responsive peacemaking and peacebuilding. As a policy, we include women in peace negotiations led by the United Nations.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken steps to ensure that women’s voices are included and amplified in virtual conflict resolution and peacebuilding activities. The Special Envoy for Syria and the Special Representative for Colombia are using digital platforms to consult regularly with women’s groups, advisory boards and mediators’ networks.
In Yemen, the Special Envoy conducted large-scale virtual consultations with over 500 Yemenis, including many Yemeni women’s networks.
The restrictions on travel and in-person meetings have led us to realize the enormous potential to increase the transparency and inclusion of our peacemaking efforts through new technologies. We have been able to include more women and youth in our dialogues than ever before, thanks to digital tools.
Excellencies, last year, I issued a new Women, Peace and Security policy to ensure that we integrate women’s meaningful participation and gender-sensitive analysis in all our peace efforts. To this end, we are now training more women mediators and supporting women’s advisory groups.
With UN Women, the Peacebuilding Support Office is updating the Secretary-General’s Seven-Point Action Plan to further strengthen the framework guiding the UN system’s work on gender-responsive peacebuilding. The updated action plan includes improving the monitoring and accountability framework of UN gender-responsive peacebuilding interventions.
In this regard, I would like to commend the Peacebuilding Commission for its efforts to reduce the gap between the aspirations and the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including through the adoption of a gender strategy in 2016. I would like to convey appreciation to Ireland for its support to this year’s review of the strategy.
The report on the review of the strategy takes stock of the progress in ensuring a more systematic integration of gender perspectives across the work of the Peacebuilding Commission. It shows the expansion of gender considerations, particularly over the last two years.
And the report recommends strengthened gender references in the Commission’s advice to the Security Council and the inclusion of business leaders, ex-combatants and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence among the women peacebuilders who engage with the Commission.
Colleagues, we must recognize that COVID-19 is deepening and magnifying the challenges women face in their societies. Indeed, it has only highlighted how fragile the progress we have made really is.
The pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities in conflict-affected countries, and because of its socio-economic impact, women and girls are at risk of further marginalization from education and economic and political life.
Women peacebuilders increasingly find themselves on the frontlines of efforts to protect and support women and girls, as well as other vulnerable segments of society.
Since the outset of the pandemic, the PBC has served as a platform to hear accounts of these efforts, including the role of women in facilitating access to healthcare, humanitarian aid, psycho-social support and social services as well as initiatives to address the pandemic’s devastating economic fallout by teaching women skills to make goods or provide services needed by their communities during this time.
But while women are mobilizing at local levels in response to the crisis, they continue to be largely marginalized from COVID-19 response planning and decision-making processes. This is particularly true in conflict settings.
In response to the pandemic, the Peacebuilding Fund made rapid adjustments to many of its gender programs. In Colombia, PBF funding has strengthened protection for women health care workers and human rights defenders who are now more vulnerable to sexual and domestic violence. In Guatemala, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has with PBF support conducted awareness-raising and protection activities for women at higher risk of domestic violence in the context of lockdown measures.
Excellencies,
The implementation of the women, peace and security agenda is only possible with dedicated and predictable capacity and financing. The Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) has allocated 40 percent of its total investments to gender-responsive peacebuilding every year in recognition of the vital role women can and should play in building and sustaining peace. The PBF has made more investments in spearheading women and youth engagement than any other pooled fund in the UN system.
Furthermore, DPPA has allocated 17% of its extra-budgetary funds from its Multi-Year Appeal to projects supporting women. To ensure we can monitor, report and hold ourselves accountable, we have developed a gender marker to track the mainstreaming of gender issues in all our initiatives.
We need the full support of Member States to continue and expand this work, and we look to the PBC as an important ally and advocate.
Let me end by stressing that we all have a role to play to fulfil the Women, Peace and Security agenda: Member States, the UN system and women’s organizations at the regional, national and local levels. And we all continue to look to the Peace Building Commission and its unique convening and advisory role in furthering this collective endeavor.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The UN Secretary-General repeated his call for a global ceasefire on Friday, commemorating the International Day of Non Violence, which is taking place this year in the shadow of the devastating human and socio-economic impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
The UN Secretary-General has called for parties in the Central African Republic (CAR) to prioritize national dialogue and consensus-building ahead of elections scheduled to begin in December.
New-York, 2 October 2020
In marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, this International Day highlights the remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest. It also a timely reminder to strive to uphold values that Gandhi lived by: the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all, and communities living together in peace.
On this year’s observance, we have a special duty: stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy: COVID-19...
Delegations from Libya’s warring sides meeting in Egypt have concluded two days of security and military talks in efforts towards a lasting ceasefire, the UN political mission for the country, UNSMIL, has reported.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and their international partners, must urgently resume peace efforts “before it is too late”, UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov told the Security Council on Tuesday, echoing the Secretary-General.
New York, 29 September 2020
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, good morning, good afternoon, good evening.
Four months ago, Prime Ministers Trudeau and Holness and myself, together with over 50 Heads of State and Government called for a large-scale response to the economic devastation brought about by COVID-19.
Since then, the...
New York, 29 September 2020
Food loss and waste is an ethical outrage. In a world with enough food to feed all people, everywhere, 690 million people continue to go hungry and 3 billion cannot afford a healthy diet.
Food loss and waste also squanders natural resources – water, soil and energy, not to mention human labour and time. It worsens climate change, given the significant...
The UN chief is “extremely concerned” over renewed hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that erupted on Sunday.
The UN chief is “extremely concerned” over renewed hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that erupted on Sunday.
At the end of a week-long meeting in Switzerland, the parties to the conflict in Yemen reached what the UN envoy there called “a very important milestone”, in agreeing to release a first group of detainees.
On the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons marked on Saturday, the UN chief has underscored the need to “reverse course and return to a common path to nuclear disarmament”.
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
The Work of PeaceNew virtual exhibit launchedOn the International Day of Peace on 21 September, DPPA launched a new mini-website/virtual exhibit entitled The Work of Peace. The website highlights the work of the UN in preventive diplomacy, good offices, mediation and elections over the past 75 years, and looks ahead at what the future may hold for this work. The virtual exhibit aims to bring to life the enduring ability of the UN to innovate, adapt and evolve while staying true to the core principles and values of the Charter and the laws and standards forged by its membership over the last three quarters of a century. In that time, the UN has become ever more inclusive and representative, always striving to reflect the full diversity of our world, as evident through the organization’s work in decolonization, which gave a seat at the table to previously disenfranchised parts of the world; progress on the women, peace and security agenda, which aims to ensure that women have their rightful place in making and building peace; youth, peace and security; and efforts to engage civil society and marginalized groups, including through the use of technology and innovative methods. Check out the exhibit here Security CouncilDiCarlo reiterates full UN support for Sudan's transition
AfghanistanPeace official joined by youth and women from provinces around Kabul to discuss Doha negotiations The future we want is peace, equality and opportunities for all
Asia-PacificYoung peacebuilders share their experiences and what YPS means to them
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Iraq“Islamic Day to Counter the Violence against Women” Meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on 19 September was received in Baghdad by Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. They discussed cooperation on early elections as well as the file of the internally displaced persons.
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New York, 26 September 2020
Almost 75 years since the adoption of the first General Assembly resolution in 1946 committed the United Nations to the goal of nuclear disarmament, our world continues to live in the shadow of nuclear catastrophe.
Relationships between States possessing nuclear weapons are characterized by division, distrust and an absence of dialogue. As they...
Political developments in Sudan continue to move along a positive trajectory, while planning for a UN mission to assist the transitional government is progressing, the UN Security Council heard on Friday.
Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Sudan and on the planning for our new mission in Sudan - UNITAMS.
Mister President,
When I addressed the Council on Sudan in April, I highlighted that COVID-19 was compounding the political, economic and security difficulties the country was facing. This broad assessment remains valid. Nonetheless, there have been positive developments in recent weeks. There have also been new challenges.
As the Secretary-General highlights in his report, Sudan’s political transition continues to move in the right direction. In recent weeks, important legislative reforms were adopted to improve fundamental rights. Interim civilian governors were appointed in all 18 states, including two women. These are very welcome developments.
The most significant political development, however, was the initialing, on 31 August in Juba, of the peace agreement between the transitional Government of Sudan, the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) alliance and the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA-)-Minni Minnawi faction.
The parties agreed on a transitional period of 39 months, effective from the date of signing, which is scheduled for 3 October. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hamdok and the Abdelaziz al-Hilu faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) signed “The Agreement on Principles” in Addis Ababa on 3 September.
All participating parties should be commended for having persevered with the peace process amid the range of other pressures brought on by the pandemic. Those who are absent from the ongoing peace efforts in the country should be encouraged to engage in dialogue and negotiations with the transitional authorities. It’s not too late.
As we embrace the recent progress in the peace process, we are also mindful of the significant work ahead. The various accords and respective peace agreements on regional issues must be molded into a single, coherent framework. Additionally, the parties and the Government must form a joint vision on the way forward and to uphold their respective commitments.
At a time when all governments face major economic constraints, it will be important to set realistic expectations of what can be provided to finance peace dividends. Participants in the Berlin Partnership Conference were generous in their support to Sudan’s transition but signaled that one impact of COVID-19 could be reduced donor capacity.
The United Nations, in partnership with the African Union, will offer support, as requested by the parties and within its capacity and mandate, to the implementation of these and future peace agreements.
Mister President,
On 10 September, the transitional Government of Sudan declared an economic state of emergency after a collapse in the Sudanese pound. This announcement followed months of soaring inflation, a spiraling exchange rate and continuing shortages of basic commodities.
Frustration with the state of the economy is growing, as evidenced by the re-emergence of protests across the country. Meanwhile, outstanding issues regarding economic management of the crisis leads at times to tensions between different components of the Government.
Despite these immense challenges, the Government has been able to make progress in undertaking difficult economic reforms. These changes, such as the removal of subsidies on fuel, form part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a Staff Monitored Programme, one of the steps necessary to move Sudan closer to debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative.
The financial assistance donors pledged at the Berlin Partnership Conference in June will help to offset some of the economic hardships Sudanese households are experiencing. The contributions will support the implementation of the World Bank-designed, but nationally led, social impact mitigation initiative, known as the “Family Support Programme”. The pilot for the initiative was launched with assistance from the World Food Programme this month.
I call on all donors to make good on their pledges and release funds into the Family Support Programme as soon as possible. I also call on international partners to address impediments that prevent Sudan’s full integration into the international economic community. In this regard, I am encouraged by the recent indications of progress on delisting Sudan from the United States State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
Mister President,
Since the start of the rainy season in July, Sudan has faced its worst flooding in decades, with over 800,000 people affected, of which more 100 perished. Between June and September, the projected number of food insecure people rose to 9.6 million, due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated ongoing inflation and price increases for food and other goods. Humanitarian organizations are working closely with the Government to respond, but further resources are required to meet the growing needs.
Mister President,
The planning for the establishment of the new United Nations mission in Sudan - UNITAMS - is progressing. Following the lifting of travel restrictions, the work of the planning team shifted in July from Headquarters to Sudan. I thank the Government of Sudan for providing high level of cooperation and support to the team.
The proposed structure and geographical deployment of the mission is outlined in the Secretary-General’s report. The design of the mission is intended to enable a new and innovative way of working, fostering maximum cooperation and integration among various UN entities.
The planning team of UNITAMS is working closely with UNAMID to maximize the impact of the two missions and ensure that lessons learned are shared and that UNAMID’s experience in Sudan is taking into account by the new Mission.
The mission start-up team for UNITAMS will deploy to Sudan next month to begin implementing the four strategic objectives mandated by the Security Council: assist the political transition; support peace processes; assist peacebuilding, civilian protection and rule of law; and support the mobilization of economic, development and humanitarian assistance. We will fulfill these objectives with full respect of the principles of national ownership and will work in partnership with the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese people.
Gender issues are mainstreamed throughout the mandate of the mission, which will have dedicated gender expertise, including at the senior level, to implement our commitments to advance gender equality and the women, peace and security agenda.
We know the significant role that women and civil society played in Sudan’s transition and their voices must be heard in shaping Sudan’s future. During a visit to Sudan last February I met with many representatives of women’s groups and of civil society, who are eager to play a constructive role.
Our planning team, including Special Advisor Haysom, have engaged both groups over the last few months as part of their efforts to design a mission that meets the needs of all Sudanese.
Regarding protection of civilians, we recognize the existing challenges. As requested by the Council, UNITAMS will support the transitional government in implementing its National Plan for Civilian Protection to establish a secure and stable environment in the conflict-affected areas. This will include contributing to the training and capacity building of the Sudanese police on protection of civilians. The mission will also work closely with the UN Country Team and civil society organizations on protection and monitoring.
Mister President,
We are conscious of the significant challenges before Sudan in fully realizing the objectives of its historic transition. The solutions to these long-standing difficulties remain with the Sudanese, and UNITAMS is being configured to accompany them in their efforts. We attach the highest priority to Sudan and to the speedy deployment of UNITAMS, including the appointment of a Special Representative. Mr. President, we look forward to working closely with the Security Council in this important endeavor. Thank you
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
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REMARKS TO HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE ON CLIMATE AMBITION
24 September 2020
The world has a high fever and is burning up.
Climate...
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday made an unequivocal case for strengthening multilateralism and building trust among the countries of the world in the face of the devastating coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed gaps on multiple fronts.
New York, 24 September 2020
The theme of this year’s World Maritime Day – sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet – has gained extraordinary resonance as shipping has continued to transport more than 80 per cent of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for the COVID-19 response and recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic...
President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan told the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that his country was moving into the next five years “with a clear plan for progressing the values of the UN”, which are enshrined in its own constitution.
New York, 24 September 2020
Fifteen years ago at the World Summit, at a pivotal moment in our common pursuit of peace, leaders from every region unanimously adopted the responsibility to protect. Unable to prevent the horrific experiences of the previous decade, the world accepted the collective responsibility to do far more to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against...
Joint Statement of the International Support Group for Lebanon
23 September 2020
1. A ministerial meeting of the members of the International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon co-chaired by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and H.E. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, was held on 23 September 2020. Statements...
New York, 23 September 2020
On the International Day of Sign Languages this year, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic that has disrupted and upended lives everywhere, including the lives of the deaf community.
It has been encouraging to see some countries providing public health announcements and information on COVID-19 with national sign language...
