UN peace operations must adapt to new global realities and refocus on political solutions, Security Council hears

Addressing the Security Council on 29 July, Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee, delivering remarks on behalf of Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, emphasized the need for United Nations peace operations to adapt to today’s multipolar world and complex conflict landscape. She highlighted key lessons from the history of special political missions and outlined three priorities: doubling down on diplomacy, ensuring national ownership, and maintaining adaptability while keeping political solutions at the core. Quoting DiCarlo, Pobee noted: “Politics, diplomacy, dialogue, and indeed peacemaking are the core work of this Organization. They remain our best tools—not only for resolving conflicts, but also for building trust, easing strategic rivalries, and bridging global divides.” She urged renewed consensus and commitment from Member States to strengthen peace operations as essential instruments of multilateral action.  

Escalating violence in Ukraine underscores urgent need for diplomacy, says ASG Jenča at Security Council

On 1 August, the Security Council convened to discuss the situation in Ukraine following a series of devastating missile and drone attacks across the country. Addressing the Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to open space for peace efforts. “Diplomacy, not fighting, needs to escalate in the coming days and weeks,” he said.

UN Envoy urges course correction in Syria after deadly Sweida clashes

Briefing the Security Council on 28 July, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Geir Pedersen said recent violence in Sweida has further shaken Syria’s fragile political transition, underscoring the need for course correction on security and governance. He also condemned Israel’s intervention and dangerous airstrikes in Damascus. Pedersen emphasized the urgency of a unified, sovereign state that upholds the rule of law and protects all Syrians, calling for a credible process of transitional justice, security sector reform, and an inclusive political transition. He also expressed concern over shrinking civic space and urged broad participation in the upcoming formation of the People’s Assembly.

UN conference calls for collective action to achieve two-State solution

From 28 to 30 July, the UN hosted the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference concluded with a call on Member States to endorse the New York Declaration, which outlines political, humanitarian, and security steps to end the war in Gaza and realize the two-State solution on a timebound and irreversible basis. In his remarks, Secretary-General Guterres warned that “a one-State reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights… is not peace, not justice, and not acceptable,” urging an immediate ceasefire and renewed commitment to a negotiated solution.

Peacebuilding Commission highlights value of South-South and Triangular Cooperation

On 29 July, the Peacebuilding Commission convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on the role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in building and sustaining peace. Briefers included the Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone, who also chairs the g7+, an organization composed of conflict-affected countries; the Director-General of Colombia’s Presidential Agency for International Cooperation; the President of Portugal’s Camões Institute; and a civil society peacebuilder from South Sudan. The Acting Administrator of UNDP delivered opening remarks. The meeting showcased good practices such as Colombia’s South-South Cooperation Programme for Peacebuilding and the g7+’s Fragile-to-Fragile Cooperation model. Member States emphasized the value of peer-to-peer learning and called for sustained investment in SSTC as a key modality to advance nationally owned peacebuilding efforts.

Libyan committees agree on need to amend electoral framework

The 6+6 Committee and the Advisory Committee concluded a two-day consultative meeting in Tripoli, facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), with consensus on amending Libya’s constitutional and legal framework to enable credible presidential and parliamentary elections. Participants committed to revising electoral laws and advancing a political settlement that includes a unified government with a time-bound electoral mandate. The meeting also underscored the need to strengthen local governance, ensure election security, promote reconciliation, and improve fiscal transparency.

UNSMIL and Italy convene Libya’s first Mine Action Support Group

On 30 July, UNSMIL and the Government of Italy convened the first Mine Action Support Group meeting in Tripoli to strengthen international coordination on mine action in Libya. Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNSMIL Hanna Tetteh called for urgent support to reduce contamination and protect civilians, noting over 420 casualties since 2020. Participants highlighted efforts to clear explosive hazards, strengthen national capacity, and finalize a new National Mine Action Strategy and revised standards.

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert underscores need for social cohesion and army support in Lebanon

This week, Special Coordinator of the Secretary for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, and Defense Minister Michel Menassa to discuss advancing Lebanon’s stability through full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). Marking the country’s 80th Army Day, she commended the Lebanese Armed Forces for extending State authority and urged stronger international and domestic support. In meetings with Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian and Sheikh Aql of Druze community Sami Abil-Mona, she welcomed the role of religious leaders in promoting social cohesion amid regional tensions.

SRSG Abarry participates in the inaugural edition of the Sahel Governance Forum in Banjul 

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry participated in the inaugural Sahel Governance Forum, held from 30 to 31 July in Banjul under the theme: “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust.” Abarry contributed insights and forward-looking analysis during discussions, including as a speaker on the high-level panel “The State of Governance in the Sahel – Looking Back and Setting Foundations for a Transformed Sahel.” Participants underscored the importance of sound policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, effective public institutions, and citizen engagement in shaping sustainable governance across the region.

SRSG Al Hassan engages leaders in Baghdad, Kurdistan Region and visits Yazidi IDPs

Between 28 and 31 July, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan held a series of meetings across Iraq. In Baghdad, he joined UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif for talks with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on enhancing UN-Iraq cooperation on human rights. He then visited the Kurdistan Region, where he met with senior political leaders, including President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, to discuss national unity and accountability for recent drone attacks. On 30 July, the SRSG visited Yazidi IDPs in Sharya Camp, Duhok, marking 11 years since the ISIL onslaught and calling for urgent action to enable their safe and dignified return to Sinjar.

UNAMI joins Yazda to mark 11th anniversary of Yazidi genocide

On 28 July in Erbil, UNAMI participated in a commemorative event organized by the non-governmental organization Yazda marking 11 years since the 2014 genocide against the Yazidis. Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Claudio Cordone stressed that the wounds of the atrocities committed by Da’esh remain deep, with thousands still displaced and some 2,600 people still missing. He emphasized the need for reparations, accountability, and dignified, voluntary returns, while reaffirming the UN’s commitment to justice and survivor empowerment, including through initiatives such as Yazda’s “Know Your Rights” programme.  

DSRSG Isaczai meets with Housing Minister following Wasit fire

On 29 July, DSRSG and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai and UN-Habitat Head Muslim Qazimi met with Iraq’s Minister of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities, Bankin Rikani, to express condolences over the recent deadly fire in Wasit Governorate and offer UN support. They emphasized the need to strengthen building safety standards and discussed finalizing Iraq’s National Housing Policy, slated for launch in August.

Coffee and reconciliation blend in Miranda as Café Espíritu de Paz reopens

On 28 July, peace signatories in Miranda, Cauca, inaugurated a newly refurbished venue of Café Espíritu de Paz, a collective project born out of commitment to reconciliation and sustainable development. Supported by the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), the reopening event gathered signatories and community members to discuss upcoming initiatives under the Sustainability Strategy, in coordination with the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization (ARN). The café stands as a symbol of how peace in Miranda is cultivated—through dialogue, cooperation, and a shared cup of coffee.

UN Mission Supports Launch of Youth-Led Peace Initiatives in Cali

On 31 July, UNVMC joined the launch of Parches en Paz in Cali—an initiative by the Government of Valle del Cauca that supports 93 youth-led peacebuilding projects across nine municipalities. The projects harness art, culture, ancestral knowledge, and youth leadership to promote peace and reconciliation. The Mission welcomed the initiative as a vital step in empowering young people as key agents of sustainable peace in the region.

Slovenia contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, we thank Slovenia for its generous contribution of $29,483 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal to support our conflict prevention and mediation work..

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

Under Panama’s presidency, the Security Council will discuss the West Africa and the Sahel on 7 August.