"The fragile stability in Libya is increasingly at risk," Dicarlo tells Security Council

On 19 February, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on Libya, noting that 14 years since the 17 February 2011 Revolution, “the dream of a civil, democratic and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled” due to “entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations and competing domestic and external interests." "The fragile stability in Libya is increasingly at risk," she said, noting that "the country’s leaders and security actors are failing to put the national interest ahead of their competition for political and personal gain." DiCarlo called for support to the 2025 Libyan chapter of the Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan, which requires $106 million.

ASG Jenča says ten-year anniversary of resolution 2202 on Minsk agreements "invites reflection on what happens when peacemaking fails"

On 17 February, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas Miroslav Jenča told the Security Council that the international community should use the 10-year anniversary of the Minsk agreements as an opportunity to “recall past diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation” as well as reflect “on what happens when peacemaking fails." He noted that in one week, it will be “three tragic years” since the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He went on to praise the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission for monitoring ceasefire violations and helping to maintain dialogue for eight years. Any peaceful settlement must respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, he said, welcoming all initiatives with the full participation of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 

Special Envoy Xia briefs the Security Council on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

On 19 February, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Huang Xia addressed a meeting of the Council on the latest developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Special Envoy, recalling that the M23 movement had captured the major cities of Goma and Bukavu, cautioned that the risk of a broader regional conflict was higher than ever. He outlined three key priorities for ending the war: an immediate ceasefire, the resumption of dialogue between the parties involved, and a comprehensive regional approach to address the root causes of the conflict.

Peacebuilding Commission adopts 2025 provisional Programme of Work

On 19 February, the Peacebuilding Commission convened at the ambassador level to adopt its 2025 provisional Programme of Work, marking a pivotal year ahead with key anniversaries for Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Pease and Security. Member States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peacebuilding impact, emphasizing national ownership, inclusivity, and resilience. The session highlighted the need for enhanced coherence across the UN system, deeper engagement with regional organizations and International Financial Institutions, and innovative financing for sustainable peace efforts. Discussions underscored the importance of gender-responsive peacebuilding, and reinforced the Commission’s advisory role. The Commission stands ready to implement its 2025 agenda with a focus on action-oriented and results-driven peacebuilding, while ensuring meaningful participation of women and youth.

ASG Spehar participates in European Civil Society Organizations meeting on Peacebuilding Architecture Review

Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support travelled to Brussels to participate in the European Civil Society Organizations’ (CSO) regional input for the 2025 UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review on 20 February. The discussions highlighted the important role of CSOs in promoting trust, inclusivity and accountability. While in Brussels, ASG Spehar discussed cooperation in peacebuilding support with senior officials from the European Commission Foreign Policy Instruments Service, the European External Action Service, and the government of Belgium. The importance of demonstrating the impact of UN and EU peacebuilding efforts was emphasised in many conversations. ASG Spehar then travelled to Istanbul to represent the Secretary-General and deliver keynote remarks at the Rotary Presidential Peace Conference: Healing in a Divided World on 21 February.

Deputy Head of PBSO travels to Mogadishu

From 18-20 February, Awa Dabo, Director and Deputy Head of the Peacebuilding Support Office visited Mogadishu to engage with Government counterparts, implementing partners, including UN agencies and civil society organizations, and other Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) participants on peacebuilding priorities. Discussions with Government officials reaffirmed commitment to aligning PBF efforts with national frameworks and policies, focusing on youth, women, and civil society engagement. Exchanges with religious scholars showcased efforts to counter violence, build trust, and spread peaceful Islamic messages, emphasizing women’s leadership. With young peacebuilders and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, discussions centered on empowering youth as peacebuilders while tackling recruitment risks, economic opportunities and misinformation. The upcoming National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security is a key step. Women’s pivotal role in peacebuilding was reaffirmed, alongside the push for an integrated, area-based approach linking governance, security, and justice to support stabilization.

UNRCCA participates in border management discussions

On 20 February, the BOMCA (Border Management Programme in Central Asia) Regional Steering Group Meeting took place in Ashgabat. Representatives attended from all five Central Asian states, the embassies of the European Union (EU) based in the region, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). Participants in the meeting reviewed border-related trends in the region.

SRSG Al Hassan meets with Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council

On 19 February, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan met with Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

SRSG Al Hassan attends launch of National Protection of Civilians policy

On 17 February, SRSG Al Hassan participated in the national conference for the launch of the National Protection of Civilians Policy. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and In attendance were the National Security Adviser Qassim Al-Araji attended the conference, which was organized by the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, in coordination with the National Security Advisory.  In his remarks, the SRSG conveyed the commendation of Secretary-General António Guterres for the Iraqi government's launch of the National Protection of Civilians Policy.

DSRSG Isaczai meets Iraq Minister of Health

On 17 February 2025, Deputy SRSG Ghulam Isaczai met with Iraq’s Minister of Health Saleh Mehdi Al-Hasnawi to discuss healthcare needs, including the Ministry of Health support for returnees from northeast Syria at Al-Amal Centre. They addressed essential health services, existing challenges, and solutions to enhance access.

UNOCA launches YouTube channel

This week, the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) expanded its digital presence, launching a YouTube channel. The platform features videos on UNOCA’s work to promote peace, security, and cooperation across Central Africa. Subscribe to stay informed of UNOCA’s latest initiatives and achievements.

Women peace signatories in Colombia launch project for social sustainability

This week, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia joined with women peace signatories and leaders of social organizations in the city of Cali. The signatories and leaders work together as part of the Territorial Agendas for Community Reincorporation initiative promoted by the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization. Together, they launched the "5.16 ODS" product brand, a project that focuses on social sustainability and promotes productive initiatives led by women. The entrepreneurs make handicrafts and clothing, and have a storefront in Casa de la Ruta Pacifica de las Mujeres in downtown Cali. The Territorial Agenda for Community Reincorporation developed in Cali is the only such initiative at the national level made up exclusively of women in an urban environment.

Next Week

On 24 February, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo will address the Security Council to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 25 February, Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag will brief the Council on the Middle East. On 26 February, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General Ramtane Lamamra will brief the Council on Sudan.