A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Special Representative urges action to protect populations and strengthen institutions in Haiti
On 22 October, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Carlos Ruiz Massieu briefed the Security Council for the first time since assuming his post, outlining Haiti’s grave security, humanitarian and political situation. He described how gang violence continues to devastate communities, with over 1.4 million people displaced, and underscored the urgent need to protect populations, particularly women and children. Welcoming the Council’s adoption of resolution 2793 establishing the new UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) and the transition to the Gang Suppression Force, he urged sustained international support to restore security, strengthen justice institutions, and advance the political transition.
Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov calls for urgent action to sustain ceasefire and aid delivery in Gaza
On 24 October, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov briefed the Security Council on the situation in Israel and Palestine, noting that the ceasefire agreement offers hope but remains extremely fragile. He urged all parties to fully implement their commitments, release remaining hostages, and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians across Gaza at scale. Alakbarov reported a 46 per cent increase in aid entering the Strip during the first week of the ceasefire under the UN 2720 Mechanism but stressed that more crossings, fuel deliveries, and safe operational conditions for humanitarian partners are urgently needed.
UN underscores need for inclusive and sovereign solutions in Syria’s political process
On 24 October, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi briefed the Security Council from Damascus, reporting that meetings with Syrian interlocutors reflected broad support for temporary electoral arrangements amid challenges in civil registration, though some criticized the process as rushed and opaque. She stressed that any solution must uphold Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and address the safety and rights of the Druze and Bedouin communities. From Geneva, OCHA’s Ramesh Rajasingham highlighted the evolving nature of Syria’s longstanding humanitarian crisis and underscored ongoing UN efforts to tailor assistance to current needs.
PBC discusses upcoming UN–Civil Society Dialogue on Peacebuilding
On 23 October, the Peacebuilding Commission held an expert-level meeting to prepare for the third annual UN–Civil Society Dialogue on Peacebuilding, scheduled for December in Geneva. Briefers from the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Crisis Management Initiative – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, which co-chairs the Dialogue, outlined plans and priorities. Member States emphasized the importance of locally driven peacebuilding approaches and discussed themes and modalities for the upcoming Dialogue, with some expressing caution regarding civil society engagement.
African peacebuilders at global civil society forum in Nairobi
Last week, DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office took part in Peace Connect, a global civil society peacebuilders’ gathering in Nairobi, Kenya. In partnership with ACCORD and WANEP, the event convened 55 African peacebuilders and three UN entities to discuss strengthening UN–CSO collaboration and advancing a whole-of-system approach to sustaining peace. Participants explored ways to align global agendas for greater regional and local impact, with outcomes feeding into the upcoming CSO–UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding in Geneva this December. The Office also held a youth consultation for the Second Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, where young participants shared reflections on the first decade of the agenda and their hopes for the next.
SRSG Imnadze engages Tajik authorities and regional partners in Dushanbe
During his visit to Dushanbe from 22 to 24 October, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met with Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin for an in-depth discussion on regional cooperation, including transboundary water management and developments in Afghanistan. Both welcomed progress on the Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan border agreement as a step toward stability and confidence-building. The SRSG also met Bunafsha Fayziddinzoda, Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, to discuss advancing women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy under the Women Leaders’ Caucus.
While in Dushanbe, Imnadze participated in the 3rd CIS ATC Conference on Combating Terrorism and Extremism, where he launched a joint UNRCCA–UNOCT briefing highlighting regional counter-terrorism initiatives, including the Early Warning Network supported by China and the “Prevention and Countering Extremism” project supported by the Russian Federation.
UN and Iraqi counterparts coordinate to advance women’s participation in elections
On 21 October, UN in Iraq and national partners met in Baghdad to review progress in promoting women’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Discussions focused on training for women candidates, engagement with political parties, and measures to counter cyberbullying. Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Claudio Cordone joined representatives from UNAMI, UNFPA, UN Women and UNDP, alongside senior Iraqi officials, reaffirming the UN’s continued advocacy for women’s full, equal and safe participation in Iraq’s political life.
UN supports Iraq’s efforts to advance sustainable development goals
On 21 October, DSRSG and Resident Coordinator Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai joined an event at the Ministry of Planning in Baghdad to discuss Iraq’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR). The report highlights progress in education, health, women’s empowerment and economic development. DSRSG Isaczai commended the VNR as a genuine national effort and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to helping Iraq translate its recommendations into concrete, lasting results.
UNAMI trains young human rights defenders on election-related rights monitoring
On 22–23 October, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) held training sessions in Najaf and Karbala for 43 young human rights defenders and NGO representatives. The workshops, organized by the Mission’s Human Rights Office, aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to monitor and respond to human rights violations in the electoral context through practical exercises, group discussions and peer learning.
AUC and UNOAU launch 3rd edition of She Stands for Peace to mark 25 Years of Women, Peace and Security
Launched in Windhoek during the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the latest edition of the She Stands for Peace series celebrates African women and women-led organizations driving peace, mediation, and security across the continent. Produced by the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) and the African Union Commission (AUC), with support from Norway and Ireland, this inspiring publication highlights stories of leadership, resilience, and transformation.
On 18 October, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) joined a panel discussion in Fusagasugá, Cundinamarca (near Bogotá, in the central region of the country), organised by the Land Restitution Unit (URT) to mark the International Day of Rural Women. The event brought together key voices from the Gender Secretariat of Cundinamarca, the Mayor’s Office, the Ombudsperson’s Office, and inspiring women leaders from the Women’s Network of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. As part of the celebration, the URT and the Mayor’s Office hosted a fair in the town’s main square where women showcased their local products and shared their stories of resilience and empowerment.
Building a Culture of Peace with Children and Youth in Meta
On 18 October, in La Macarena, Meta, UNVMC joined the “Misión por la Niñez” initiative alongside the Meta Governor’s Office, Pastoral Social – Cáritas Colombiana, and El Cuarto Mosquetero. Children, youth and members of the academic community participated in dialogue spaces and a Communication for Peace workshop to foster peacebuilding values, critical thinking, and social participation.
Mine action partners strengthen coordination to address explosive contamination in Libya
On 15 October, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Libyan Mine Action Centre co-chaired the third Mine Action Implementing Partners meeting in Tripoli, bringing together national authorities, NGOs, and international partners. Participants discussed progress and challenges in clearance, risk education, and ammunition management across Libya. DSRSG and Resident Coordinator Ulrika Richardson underscored the urgency of joint action to prevent further tragedies and enhance community safety, while partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination, national ownership and assistance to victims.
High-Level Meeting on the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge
On 28 October, DPPA will convene a High-Level Meeting on the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes at UN Headquarters in New York. The event will spotlight women mediators, negotiators and peacebuilders, and showcase how adopters of the Common Pledge are advancing from commitments to concrete action. Speakers include Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, ASG Martha Ama A. Pobee, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous and UN Global Advocate for Peace Maryam Bukar Hassan.
Virtual briefing on safeguarding human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
On 30 October, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a virtual briefing titled “Safeguarding Human Rights, Ensuring Accountability and Ending the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine.” The event will feature presentations from UN Special Procedures mandate holders, including Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.
On 29 October, the Heroes of Tomorrow: 2025 UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony will take place in Rome, celebrating individuals and initiatives driving creativity and innovation toward a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world. Among this year’s finalists is Women for Peace and Democracy Nepal, recognized for empowering women and marginalized groups to participate in peacebuilding and democratic governance through grassroots leadership and civic engagement. Organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, the annual awards recognize outstanding contributions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, with finalists selected from more than 5,500 nominations across 190 countries.
TRIPOLI – Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya Hanna Tetteh joined thirty-five young women from across Libya on Monday in a discussion on youth empowerment as they...
As the United Nations turns 80, while pursuing change and reform, Lebanon is passing through a momentous period of its modern history that will determine its path...
Today, on United Nations Day and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) joins the global community in reaffirming the enduring...
As the United Nations turns 80, while pursuing change and reform, Lebanon is passing through a momentous period of its modern history that will determine its path forward. Meanwhile, major regional shifts and global forces continue to shape a new security and geopolitical landscape.
In 1945, Lebanon was one of the founding States which gathered to form the United Nations as an attempt to avoid further suffering for...
The UN Security Council meets at the top of the hour in New York to debate the Middle East, with Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the region expected to brief. The session comes amid faltering progress on the fragile Gaza ceasefire and mounting humanitarian needs after two years of war, with famine still looming in parts of the territory. Ambassadors will likely discuss yesterday's ICJ advisory opinion affirming Israel’s obligation to allow agencies aid access under international law. Follow our in-depth live coverage from 10am; UN News app users can go here.
Russian forces carried out “another massive wave of overnight attacks” targeting energy facilities, the UN said on Wednesday, killing and injuring civilians – including children.
The people of Haiti have not given up and “their fortitude gives us hope,” the UN Special Representative to the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
As Syria’s humanitarian needs soar and aid funding dries up, UN officials urged the Security Council on Wednesday to step up support, warning that millions face continuing hardship even as the country rebuilds its political institutions.
Following renewal of the Security Council’s sanctions regime in Haiti and a resolution to create a new Gang Suppression Force to combat the scourge of gang violence, ambassadors heard this afternoon from the top UN official in the country. In his first briefing as head of the UN office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu reported on latest developments, as brutal violence and insecurity continues to rage, increasing pressure on diplomats to act fast and decisively to protect millions of Haitians facing impunity and chaos. UN News app users can follow live coverage here.
Patuma casts her vote at a polling station during the 2025 Malawian general elections on 16 September 2025. Photo credit: Ayamba Kandodo, NICE Trust
In Buluma Village, Malawi, Patuma, 82, woke at 4 a.m. to make her way to the Changamire Polling Centre to cast her vote in the country’s recent general elections. She hoped to elect a candidate who could bring down the price of fertilizer — a vital need for her family.
Across the globe, people head annually in great numbers to the ballot box — from remote villages to urban centres, from first-time voters to elders like Patuma. Each vote cast is a personal act of hope, trust and political participation — a symbolic yet tangible moment in democratic processes. Elections are among the largest peacetime mobilization efforts any country undergoes. They are also the moment when each individual citizen gets a meaningful say in the decisions that shape their lives.
In any given year close to one hundred countries might hold elections. Behind a number of these elections is the support of the United Nations. Working alongside national institutions and local partners, the UN system helps foster electoral processes that are peaceful, inclusive and credible — and has done so in over one hundred countries worldwide. At any given moment, more than 40 countries receive UN support — always at the request of the Member State or by mandate, and under national ownership. Most support is technical: strengthening electoral bodies, improving laws, furthering inclusion and providing operational assistance to ensure that every eligible citizen can take part.
A Global Effort Based on Local Context
The Somalia National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) conducted a pilot voter registration exercise in Shangani District, Mogadishu, as the first phase of preparations for the local council elections scheduled for 30 June 2025. 15 April 2025. Photo credit: NIEBC
In Malawi, where voters like Patuma took part in the recent general elections, the UN supported national efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, promote participation and help ensure that citizens had access to information.
But Malawi is just one example.
In Liberia, the UN helped reinforce electoral institutions. In Vanuatu, it assisted with organizing elections after a major earthquake. In Ecuador, the UN supported efforts to strengthen information integrity and civic engagement.
Support in each country looks different. In some contexts — such as the Central African Republic or Libya — assistance is multidimensional, part of UN peacekeeping or special political missions. In others, like Armenia, Panama or Timor-Leste, support has been more targeted. In every case, the approach is guided by national priorities and adapted to local contexts.
In countries without a UN peacekeeping or special political mission, UNDP plays a leading role as the UN system’s main provider of support — while also contributing to efforts in mission settings — helping strengthen institutions, sustain national capacities and forge partnerships.
As part of its support, the UN also works to make elections more inclusive — helping ensure that women, youth, persons with disabilities and other groups can take part in shaping their country’s political future.
Placing Women’s Participation at the Forefront
Polling staff apply indelible ink to a voter’s finger after she casts her ballot in the 2024 Mozambican general elections on 9 October 2024. Photo credit: UNDP Mozambique
Around the world, women continue to face barriers to participation in elections — from discriminatory laws to online harassment. UN electoral assistance places inclusion at the centre of its work, helping ensure that women not only vote, but can also stand as candidates, lead electoral bodies and shape their communities’ futures.
In Jordan, the UN supported efforts to make elections more accessible for women and persons with disabilities. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mozambique, hundreds of women benefited from UN-supported training and outreach initiatives. Through partnerships with regional organizations, the UN has helped bring together women electoral officials and supported training on women’s leadership and inclusion.
These efforts continue to reflect a simple but powerful idea: every voice — including women’s — should be heard and recognized.
Responding to Sustained Demand
As the Organization marks its 80th anniversary, demand for UN electoral assistance shows no sign of slowing. In the past two years alone, 43 Member States have formally requested electoral assistance — including several for the first time — a clear sign of continuing trust in the UN’s role and expertise.
The Secretary-General’s latest report on electoral assistance (A/80/277) takes stock of UN support over the last two years, noting that during this period 58 Member States and territories received some form of UN electoral support. That demand also reflects a broader recognition that credible elections require constant attention and commitment.
At the same time, the report notes that declining funding — particularly in non-mission settings — risks limiting the UN’s ability to respond. It underscores that UN electoral assistance remains a cost-effective investment in good governance and conflict prevention.
Echoing the Secretary-General’s message in her recent presentation of the report to the Third Committee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama A. Pobee said:
“Genuine elections that reflect the will of the people are not guaranteed. Gains can be reversed. Sustained commitment and investment are essential to ensure inclusion, protect electoral integrity and maintain public trust.”
The Many Hands of UN Assistance
Electoral officials prepare ballot boxes for deployment to remote constituencies ahead of the 2024 Tuvaluan general elections on 26 January 2024. Photo credit: UNDP Tuvalu
Behind every election supported by the UN is a network of people — staff, experts, volunteers — who work with quiet dedication. Some work with national election commissions to train officials or support voter education; others help procure materials or move them across difficult terrain. Still others focus on fostering inclusion and helping enable a peaceful electoral environment.
This work is led and coordinated by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the UN’s focal point for electoral assistance, supported by the Department’s Electoral Assistance Division. Across these system-wide efforts, DPPA, the Department of Peace Operations, UNDP, UN Women, OHCHR, UNOPS, UNESCO, UNV and others each contribute according to their mandates and areas of expertise. Together, these efforts give tangible meaning to the UN’s commitment to support Member States at their request.
From young voters to displaced communities, from national commissions to civil society, the UN continues to support elections — one vote, and millions of voices at a time. For voters like Patuma, the simple act of marking a ballot is a reminder that every vote counts.
In Gaza, the ceasefire is enabling UN humanitarians to reach more desperate people with life-saving food – but greater access is needed to contain the spread of famine.
Women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are trapped in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and face rampant insecurity, a senior United Nations official warned on Tuesday following a visit to the country.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has warned of an alarming rise in violence and restrictions by Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinian farmers, as the crucial olive harvest season gets underway.
More than a million people have returned to Sudan’s war-ravaged capital in the past ten months, the UN migration agency said on Tuesday, warning that basic services remain shattered amid continuing disease outbreaks.
The UN on Monday said it was encouraged by renewed Gaza ceasefire commitments, warning that recent violence risked undermining fragile progress, as recovery efforts – including a large-scale rubble removal project – slowly gain momentum across the war-ravaged enclave.
To Sudan, where the people of government held El Fasher in the west of the war-torn country remain trapped without food, water or medical care, UN aid coordinators, OCHA, said on Monday.
TRIPOLI – Representatives of the United Nations in Libya, joined by Libyan ministers and officials, ambassadors, members of the public, and Special Representative of the Secretary General, Hanna Tetteh,...
TRIPOLI – Representatives of United Nations in Libya joined Libyan ministers and officials, ambassadors, members of the public and Special Representative of the Secretary General, Hanna Tetteh, to...
TRIPOLI- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomes the holding of municipal council elections today, 18 October, in 16 municipalities in eastern, central and southern Libya, following the...
A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Great Lakes region: UN Envoy urges renewed coordination and ceasefire in eastern DRC
On 13 October, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for the Great Lakes region Huang Xia briefed the Security Council on recent diplomatic progress in the region, including the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Declaration. He welcomed African Union-led efforts to unify regional peace initiatives but warned that the ceasefire in eastern DRC remains unimplemented. SESG Xia called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, stronger support for peace agreements, and renewed coordination among regional and international actors. He emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict and reaffirmed the Addis Ababa Framework as a key instrument for achieving sustainable peace.
Libya: Special Representative briefs Security Council on political roadmap
Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna S. Tetteh briefed the Security Council on 14 October on progress toward implementing the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap aimed at unifying institutions and preparing for national elections. She noted that despite initial meetings between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, key milestones—such as reconstituting the High National Elections Commission and agreeing on an electoral framework—remain incomplete. Tetteh urged Libyan leaders to act swiftly, warning that UNSMIL will explore alternative approaches if consensus is not reached. She also highlighted plans for a Structured Dialogue in November to engage a broad cross-section of Libyan society on governance, security, and reconciliation.
UNOWAS Special Representative discusses regional cooperation with Togolese President
On the margins of the second Lomé Peace and Security Forum, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simão met on 12 October in Lomé with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers, a new post which is the highest office in the government’s executive branch. Discussions focused on peace efforts, regional cooperation, and development challenges in West Africa and the Sahel. SRSG Simão commended Togolese authorities for the successful organization of the second Lomé Peace and Security Forum, highlighting it as a valuable contribution to stability across Africa. He encouraged sustained dialogue among political, economic, and social actors, and called for strengthened regional partnerships to address insecurity, climate change, migration, and governance.
Empowering young women’s leadership in West Africa and the Sahel
UNOWAS, in partnership with ECOWAS, UN Women, and GIZ, co-organized a regional seminar from 13 to 15 October in Abuja to strengthen the political leadership of young women. The training covered electoral frameworks, communication strategies, and digital advocacy. UNOWAS emphasized intergenerational mentorship by connecting members of the Network of Young Women in West Africa and the Sahel (ROAJELF) with ECOWAS female parliamentarians. The initiative aims to amplify young women’s voices within political parties and parliaments. UNOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and women’s participation as essential pillars for peace, democracy, and sustainable development across the region.
Central Asia: UNRCCA participates in first Fergana Peace Forum
SRSG for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze took part in the first Fergana Peace Forum, held on 15–16 October in Fergana, Uzbekistan. Organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, the Forum brought together more than 300 participants from Central Asia and beyond to promote cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley. In his remarks, SRSG Imnadze welcomed the convening of the Forum as a timely and significant initiative, reinforcing recent progress in regional diplomacy and cooperation.
On the margins of the Forum, SRSG Imnadze participated in a Troika meeting with EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais and OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Director Kate Fearon. The partners discussed key regional developments, including Afghanistan, water management, border security, and connectivity, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation on inclusive governance, gender equality, and youth empowerment. SRSG Imnadze reaffirmed UNRCCA’s commitment to close coordination with the OSCE and the EU in advancing stability, dialogue, and sustainable cooperation across Central Asia.
Preventive Diplomacy Academy hosts OSCE Ambassador for session on regional security
UNRCCA hosted Ambassador William R. Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, for a session of its Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event brought together around 60 participants from Central Asia and Afghanistan. Ambassador Leaf delivered a keynote presentation titled “The OSCE: Confidence Building, Trust, and Peace,” highlighting the Organization’s evolution, mandate, and comprehensive approach to security. He also underscored the OSCE’s engagement in Central Asia and its contribution to fostering dialogue and trust. UNRCCA reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with the OSCE in promoting stability, preventive diplomacy, and regional connectivity.
UNRCCA co-organizes fifth regional conference on counter-terrorism early warning
From 13 to 16 October, UNRCCA and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), with support from China through the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, held the fifth regional conference on the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia. The event aimed to strengthen information exchange and coordination among national and regional entities addressing violent extremism and terrorism, including issues linked to Afghanistan. Representatives from all five Central Asian states, UN agencies, and regional organizations discussed counter-terrorism trends, the regional impact of developments in Afghanistan, and the use of AI-based early warning tools. A dedicated training session covered open-source intelligence, cybersecurity, and data management to bolster regional cooperation and early warning capacities.
Iraq has launched its National Housing Policy 2025–2030, marking a major step toward strengthening the housing sector and promoting equitable development. Developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, the policy introduces national building codes to improve fire safety, structural integrity, and climate resilience. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and Resident Coordinator for Iraq Ghulam Isaczai emphasized that “housing is not merely about buildings — it’s about equity, dignity, and social justice.” The initiative aims to enhance access to affordable, safe, and sustainable housing while supporting Iraq’s broader development goals.
UNAMI promotes human rights in elections and anti-corruption efforts
UNAMI’s Human Rights Office organized several capacity-building activities across Iraq to strengthen the integration of human rights principles in governance. In Basra, a training on 15 October brought together 25 young human rights defenders and NGO representatives to enhance their ability to monitor and respond to election-related violations through practical exercises and peer learning.
In cooperation with OHCHR and the Federal Commission of Integrity, UNAMI also held workshops in Karbala and Najaf on 15–16 October on applying a human rights-based approach to anti-corruption. The sessions engaged 81 participants from civil society, media, and local authorities, emphasizing public engagement, accountability, and protection for whistleblowers.
Rural women of Tumaco celebrated as guardians of peace
On 16 October, in observance of the International Day of Rural Women, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) joined the municipal authorities of Tumaco, UN Women Colombia, and networks of Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and rural women leaders and human rights defenders to celebrate their resilience and transformative role along Colombia’s Pacific coast. The event highlighted the cultural richness, ancestral knowledge and traditional products that women in the region cultivate to safeguard life, identity and food sovereignty within their communities. These expressions of heritage and strength stand as powerful symbols of peacebuilding and reconciliation across Colombia’s territories.
Strengthening Indigenous participation in peace implementation in Caquetá
In Caquetá, the UNVMC, together with the Territorial Renewal Agency (ART), held a pedagogical session on 10 October in the Nasa El Portal Indigenous Reserve to promote awareness of the Peace Agreement. The activity strengthened the State’s engagement with Indigenous communities and underscored their vital role in advancing implementation of the Agreement. Participants also took part in “Saberes y Sabores” (“Knowledge and Flavors”), an intercultural exchange where traditional authorities and members of the Nasa community reflected on the Ethnic Chapter and the importance of Indigenous participation in building a reconciled and peaceful society.
"Reporting without Stigma": Journalists reflect on reintegration and reconciliation
In Bucaramanga, journalists from regional and national media outlets participated in the workshop “Narrar sin estigmas” (“Reporting without Stigma”), organized on 11 October by the UNVMC and the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN). The session, part of the Mirémonos de Cerca campaign, provided practical tools to promote informed and respectful media coverage of reintegration processes. Participants reflected on the media’s vital role in shaping narratives that foster peace and reconciliation while avoiding the stigmatization of former combatants. “It is painful to be labelled without recognizing the choice for peace that former combatants made. Our journalism must be based on respect,” one participant noted, emphasizing communication that builds empathy and understanding.
Peacebuilding Fund donors visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assess progress and partnerships
DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office and leading contributors to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF)—including Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 6 to 10 October to learn how PBF support and UN partnerships with international financial institutions are strengthening national peacebuilding and conflict prevention priorities. The delegation met with national and provincial authorities, PBF project partners, and representatives from the World Bank, the United Nations, academia, and civil society. In Tanganyika, they observed how PBF investments in police training and accountability, local security committees, and community early warning systems have helped reduce crime and improve trust in authorities. With the support of the UN–IFI Partnership Facility, the UN is working with the World Bank and the African Development Bank to scale up PBF impact and align efforts with Government priorities to address the root causes of conflict and lay the foundations for sustainable development.
PBSO newsletter highlights peacebuilding priorities and global impact
The latest newsletter from DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) reflects on the urgent need to invest in prevention amid rising global conflicts and declining resources. It features insights on the Peacebuilding Fund’s new prioritization strategy—focusing on fewer countries for greater catalytic impact—and underscores strengthened partnerships with Member States and international financial institutions. The issue also showcases local peacebuilding success stories from Sierra Leone, Niger, South Sudan, and Guinea, demonstrating how community-led initiatives can foster inclusion, reduce violence, and advance sustainable peace.
Luxembourg contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal
This week, we thank Luxembourg for its contribution of $113,960 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal. These funds will support our work to strengthen peace and security in the Middle East.
On 22 October, Security Council members will discuss the situation in Syria and hear a briefing from SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). On 23 October, the Council will consider the situation in the Middle East. On 24 October, in commemoration of United Nations Day, the Council will convene a high-level debate on the maintenance of international peace and security, under the theme “The United Nations Organization: Looking into the Future.”
Up to 500,000 illegal weapons ranging from handguns to battlefield-grade semi-automatic rifles are thought to be in the hands of gangs in Haiti, even though the Caribbean country has been under a UN arms embargo for the last three years.
The Security Council on Friday welcomed Lebanese Government efforts to exercise full national sovereignty through the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), as the UN warned that peacekeepers are continuing to find unauthorised weapons caches in the south.
As the disarmament team approached, combatants from the Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R) armed group stood in two orderly lines expectantly, youthful faces and greying heads alike.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Friday that renews sanctions in Haiti for another year as armed gangs continue to terrorize the population.
The UN has condemned Madagascar’s military takeover, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order following last week’s ouster of President Andry Rajoelina.
A severe funding shortfall is threatening to cripple UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with the Organization warning that it will have to scale back patrols, close field offices and repatriate thousands of ‘blue helmets’ due to delayed payments from Member States.
KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has received credible reports of significant civilian casualties, including women...
Windhoek, Namibia – 16 October 2025: As part of the High-Level Commemoration of the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325...
The UN relief chief on Wednesday urged Israel and Hamas to honour their agreement to return deceased hostages and allow aid at scale into Gaza, warning that it should not be used as “a bargaining chip” amid reports of new civilian killings and extrajudicial executions.
Around $70 billion will be needed to reconstruct Gaza and make it safe after two years of war, UN development experts said on Tuesday, while aid agencies reported that far too little aid is getting in to meet the needs of desperate Palestinians.
Israel announced late on Tuesday that it will limit the flow of aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement by returning only four of the bodies of deceased hostages so far.
The UN’s top envoy for Libya warned on Tuesday that the country’s long-delayed political transition will stay on hold unless rival institutions swiftly resolve differences over election laws and key appointments.
Russian drones hit a “clearly marked” UN convoy on Tuesday which was bringing desperately needed aid to a war-torn frontline town in southern Ukraine.
As the UN Secretary-General on Monday welcomed the release of all living hostages from Gaza, aid agencies said that lifesaving relief supplies are now flowing at scale into the shattered enclave.
As the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate in Haiti, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday that women, children and displaced families are disproportionately affected as malnutrition and hunger rise.
There is now “real hope” for a ceasefire which would pave the way for a lasting and definitive settlement of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, Huang Xia, told the Security Council on Monday.
The UN is stepping up its emergency response in Gaza, releasing $11 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to meet urgent needs before winter – a move that underscores both the expanding humanitarian effort and the funding shortfall threatening to stall it.
Ramallah, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory of the West Bank, is a bustling urban centre, but it is ringed by barriers and checkpoints which dominate every aspect of life. Speaking at the UN Forum of Mayors in Geneva, Issa Kassis, the mayor of Ramallah, says that the challenges faced by city leaders are amplified by conflict and occupation.
At least 17 children, including an infant just seven days old, have reportedly been killed in an attack on the Dar al-Arqam Displacement Centre in El Fasher, North Darfur, early on Saturday morning.
