2025

• 23 Dec 2025
  USG DiCarlo briefs Security Council on Iran sanctions snapback and divisions over resolution 2231

  Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo’s

  Remarks to the Security Council on Non-proliferation

  New York, 23 December 2025

  Mister President,

  Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).

  As the Secretary-General noted in the report before you, despite intensified diplomatic efforts during the second half of 2025, there was no agreement on the way forward regarding the Iran nuclear programme.

  On 28 August 2025, France, Germany and the United Kingdom – referred to as the E3 States - notified the Council of their intention to trigger the snapback mechanism of resolution 2231 (2015).

  They attributed their decision to what they described as the “significant non-performance” by the Islamic Republic of Iran of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

  In accordance with the snapback procedure, as the Council did not adopt a resolution to continue the termination of measures within 30 days from the E3 letter, the previously existing sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran were re-applied on 27 September 2025.

  This entailed reinstating the website of the 1737 sanctions Committee and the corresponding sanctions list.

  Several relevant Member States rejected the validity and effect of the snapback process. Specifically, some members asserted that the process was “procedurally and legally flawed.”

  Member States also expressed differing viewpoints regarding the status of the resolution in the aftermath of 27 September.

  Mister President,

  In its latest report of 12 November 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recalled that the Islamic Republic of Iran had stopped implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA as of 23 February 2021.

  The Agency was nevertheless still able to verify and monitor some of these commitments through activities implemented pursuant to Iran’s NPT Safeguards Agreement.

  Specifically, the Agency has verified that, during this period, Iran has exceeded the limits on its nuclear programme as stipulated in the JCPOA.

  On 18 October 2025, the Agency reported that it had no information on the status of the stockpiles of enriched uranium in Iran.

  The IAEA concluded that a commonly agreed framework with the support of countries concerned was necessary to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme was exclusively peaceful.

  The agency also noted the readiness of its Director General to engage with Iran at the earliest opportunity to work constructively to this end.

  Turning to the remaining restrictive measures set out in annex B to resolution 2231 (2015), namely, those pertaining to nuclear activities and transfers, the Secretariat did not receive any allegations of violations of these provisions during this reporting period.

  Furthermore, no new proposals have been submitted through the procurement channel during the reporting period.

  The Security Council did, however, receive six notifications regarding the nuclear-related restrictive measures for certain activities consistent with the JCPOA.

  Mister President,
  Notwithstanding the significant differences between the relevant parties on the way forward regarding resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA, all of them have continued to emphasize the importance of a diplomatic solution and expressed overall readiness to engage with each other for this purpose.

  Indeed, as the Secretary-General has stated, a negotiated settlement that would secure the overall objectives of ensuring a peaceful Iranian nuclear programme and providing sanctions relief is the best option available to the international community. 

  The Secretariat remains at the full disposal of the parties in the pursuit of these objectives.

  Thank you, Mister President.

• 22 Dec 2025
  ASG Khiari warns indiscriminate drone strikes and arms flows are driving Sudan’s war

  Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Khaled Khiari's

  Remarks to the Security Council on Sudan

  New York, 22 December 2025

   

  Mr. President,

  Since the Secretariat’s last briefing on Sudan in October, the conflict has again intensified - confirming fears that the dry season would bring increased fighting and renewed attacks on civilians.

  Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction. Civilians are enduring immense, unimaginable suffering, with no end in sight.

  In recent weeks, the conflict has centred in the Kordofan region, where the Rapid Support Forces have made significant territorial gains.

  On 1 December, the Rapid Support Forces captured Babanusa in West Kordofan, followed on 8 December by their capture of Heglig in South Kordofan – an oil field and critical processing station for South Sudanese crude oil pumped to Port Sudan for exportation. Kadugli and Dilling, both in South Kordofan, are now under tightening siege conditions.

  Reports indicate that Sudanese Armed Forces personnel withdrew from Babanusa and Heglig into South Sudan, and that South Sudanese forces moved into Sudan to protect the Heglig oil infrastructure.

  Beyond Heglig, movements of armed groups across Sudan and South Sudan’s border have been reported in both directions, with potentially de-stabilizing effects for both countries.

  These developments reflect the increasingly complex nature of the conflict and its expanding regional dimensions. If unaddressed, Sudan’s neighbours could become embroiled in a regional conflict in and around Sudan.

  Excellencies,

  For months, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned of the dangers of the escalation of hostilities in the Kordofan region and called for urgent action to prevent the repetition of atrocities documented in North Darfur, and El Fasher in particular.

  A particularly alarming feature of the conflict is the growing use of indiscriminate drone strikes by both parties, which are causing significant civilian deaths.

  On 4 December, drone strikes in Kalogi, South Kordofan, hit a kindergarten and then the hospital where victims of the initial attack had been taken for treatment. More than 100 people were killed in this despicable attack, including 63 children.

  On 13 December, drone attacks targeted the UN logistics base at the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism headquarters in Kadugli, South Kordofan.

  Six members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) were killed, and nine others injured.

  UNISFA has launched an investigation and is working to preserve evidence, under challenging circumstances, that would help identify those responsible.

  Due to the prevailing insecurity, all UNISFA personnel are being evacuated from Kadugli until further notice.

  As the Secretary-General has stressed, attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and called for accountability. The safety and security of our peacekeepers is non-negotiable.

  In addition to the rising civilian death toll, there are concerns about increasing cases of detention of civilians accused by one party of ‘collaboration’ with the opposing side. In November, OHCHR documented that 93 civilians were arrested and detained in the Kordofan region for reasons of 'collaboration'.  

  Mr. President,

  The continued supply of weapons – increasingly sophisticated and deadly - remains a key driver of the conflict. Sudan is saturated with arms.

  Calls to end these flows have gone unheeded, and there has been no accountability.

  Meanwhile, the parties remain unwilling to compromise or de-escalate. While they were able to stop fighting to preserve oil revenues, they have so far failed to do the same to protect their population.

  The backers of both sides must use their influence to help stop the slaughter, not to cause further devastation.

  Excellencies,

  Preventing a further deterioration of the situation – and preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan – requires swift and coordinated action.

  The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, is in contact with both warring parties to encourage them to engage in discussions on concrete and implementable measures to de-escalate violence and advance the protection of civilians in Sudan.

  Personal Envoy Lamamra is engaging closely with members of the Quad. Consistent coordination of peace efforts is essential to increase our collective impact.

  Equally important is the deepening collaboration among the Quintet of multilateral organizations – the African Union, European Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States and the United Nations.  

  Together, we are currently focused on supporting an African Union-led inter-Sudanese dialogue that can pave the way for a credible, inclusive and civilian-led transition.

  To support these efforts, the Office of Personal Envoy Lamamra is developing a Consensus Document aimed to synthesize the visions put forward by Sudanese political actors and prominent individuals.

  The goal of this exercise is to identify convergences in views that can assist Sudanese stakeholders in shaping a credible political horizon.

  To foster complementarity and coordination of peace efforts, preparations are underway for the fifth Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives. The next meeting is expected to be held in Cairo, Egypt, in early 2026.  

  Mr. President, Excellencies,

  As mediation efforts continue, the strong support of this Council is needed.

  With the conflict nearing the tragic milestone of one thousand days, the Secretary-General has renewed his call on the parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and to re-engage in talks toward a lasting ceasefire and an inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process.

  We urge the Council to send a clear, united message: those who enable this war will be held accountable.

  We also look to the Council to use all the tools at its disposal to demand peace, protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations of international law.

  The United Nations is fully committed to working with all international actors to end the violence and to support an inclusive path towards peace and security, for the sake of the people of Sudan and regional stability.

  Thank you.

• 22 Dec 2025
  Synthetic drug market disrupted in Syria after regime change

  Past geopolitical tensions related to the synthetic drug “captagon” are now being mitigated with the Syrian authorities’ commitment to dismantle illicit manufacturing, says the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

• 22 Dec 2025
  LIVE: Security Council meets on escalating violence in Sudan

  Senior UN political and humanitarian officials are set brief the Security Council this afternoon as members meet to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in Sudan, where intensified fighting – including in the Kordofan region – has driven widespread civilian harm and displacement. The region has seen a sharp escalation, including a deadly drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers. The meeting was requested by Sudan and Transitional Prime Minister, Kamil Eltayeb Idris, is expected to attend. Follow live below and UN News app users can click here.

• 22 Dec 2025
  UN warns Sudan war entering deadlier phase as fighting spreads in Kordofan

  The war in Sudan is entering a deadlier phase, the United Nations has warned, as intensified fighting in the Kordofan region, mounting civilian casualties from drone strikes and growing risks of regional spillover push the conflict toward the 1,000-day mark.

• 19 Dec 2025
  This Week in DPPA: 13 - 19 December 2025

  A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

  USG DiCarlo briefs Security Council on Syria’s transition, security challenges, and path toward reconciliation

  On 18 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on developments in Syria. Noting the progress made one year after the fall of the Assad government, she also underscored that significant obstacles remain. “True healing can only begin through a full reckoning with [Syria’s] history,” she said, underscoring that inclusive dialogue among all of Syria’s society, genuine national reconciliation, sanctions relief and sustained international support will be essential for the security of the country and the region. She concluded by emphasizing that, despite years of loss and suffering, the Syrian people remain hopeful for their future, and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting them as they navigate the challenges ahead. Read her full remarks

  DSRSG Freeman warns of the persistent fragility of West Africa and the Sahel and calls for increased regional and international support

  Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel Barrie Freeman briefed the Security Council on 18 December on recent political, security and humanitarian developments in the region. The DSRSG noted that the region continues to face complex and interlinked challenges, while also demonstrating notable resilience. She warned of the erosion of democratic norms, the expansion of violent extremism and the worsening humanitarian situation, exacerbated by climate shocks and funding gaps. The DSRSG underscored the need for inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation, urging the Council to support ECOWAS efforts to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and protect the region’s democratic gains. Read her full remarks

  Council discusses continuing Middle East peace and security On 16 December, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov warned in the Security Council that the ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile amid continued attacks and strikes. He said the United Nations is working to support the ceasefire and address the population’s urgent humanitarian needs, while urging Israel and Hamas to fully implement the agreement, exercise restraint and adhere to international law. While food availability has improved, severe shortages of water, medical care and shelter persist, and humanitarian access remains constrained, Alakabarov added. He also condemned the escalation of settler violence in the West Bank, particularly during the olive harvest. Read his full remarks

  Secretary-General marks UNAMI’s closure as UN–Iraq relations enter new phase

  On 15 December, Secretary-General António Guterres was in Baghdad to attend the official ceremony marking the closure, after 22 years, of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). In his message, the Secretary-General noted that the special political mission has acted with humility and determination to help Iraqis rebuild following decades of oppression, war and instability. “UNAMI’s contributions prove the valuable role of the United Nations in helping countries navigate political transitions, and build peace and stability.” He stressed that, as UNAMI’s mandate concludes, the United Nations will continue its development work in support of Iraq through its agencies. The Secretary-General paid tribute to the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people.

  Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert visits LAF operations in Southern Lebanon

  The Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, this week visited areas of the South Litani Sector, where the Lebanese Armed Forces are implementing their Nation Shield plan in line with a government decision and the Cessation of Hostilities arrangement of November 2024. The Special Coordinator said the efforts of the Lebanese army, in difficult conditions, demonstrate its credibility as a national institution key to supporting the State to consolidate stability and advance a brighter future for all of Lebanon.

  Peacebuilding Commission convenes ambassadorial meeting on peaceful settlement of border disputes in Central Asia

  On 15 December, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an ambassadorial-level meeting on the peaceful settlement of border disputes in Central Asia, at the request of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The meeting provided a platform for the three countries to present the treaties and declaration adopted in 2022 and 2025, resolving long-standing border disputes. The meeting opened with statements by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan and the Permanent Representatives of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, who underscored political leadership, national ownership and sustained dialogue as key factors enabling peaceful dispute resolution. Speakers also highlighted the importance of confidence-building and good-neighborly relations. Many Commission members welcomed the agreements as encouraging examples of what can be achieved through dialogue, mediation and regional cooperation, and encouraged the Commission to continue capturing and sharing lessons learned.

  PBF Group of Friends highlights impact in South Sudan and future strategic priorities On 16 December, the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) Group of Friends of voluntary donors held its final quarterly meeting of 2025, co-chaired by Sweden and the United Kingdom. The meeting featured an update from Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, who highlighted how PBF-supported initiatives are strengthening nationally led peacebuilding priorities, including community-level conflict prevention, inclusive political processes and institutional capacities for sustaining peace. Partners were also briefed on the PBF’s current funding status and plans for the development of the next five-year PBF strategy (2027–2031).

  UNSMIL inaugurates Structured Dialogue in Libya On 14–15 December, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) concluded the successful inauguration of the Structured Dialogue, a core pillar of the UN-facilitated political roadmap. The Dialogue brought together more than 120 Libyan stakeholders representing the country’s geographic, political, social and cultural diversity, including women, youth and persons with disabilities. It provides an inclusive platform for consultations on governance, security, economic reform and national reconciliation, with a mandate to develop practical, consensus-based recommendations to support credible elections, advance reforms and promote human rights. Read more Education milestones strengthen reintegration in Colombia In Meta and Casanare, departments in eastern Colombia, former combatants marked an important step in their reintegration journeys by celebrating new academic achievements. In Villavicencio, the capital of Meta, three former combatants graduated from secondary school, while more than twenty others completed additional learning cycles. A similar milestone took place in Yopal, the capital of Casanare, where three graduates received their high school diplomas and fifteen participants were recognized for their commitment to continuing education. These accomplishments were made possible through the Maestro Itinerante programme, led by the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN) and UNAD University. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia accompanied the 13 December ceremonies, highlighting how access to education empowers former combatants to transform their lives and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in the territories.

  High-level stocktaking event marks 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) on youth, peace and security On 15 December, the United Nations marked the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) with a high-level stocktaking event that reaffirmed a central principle: young people are not just beneficiaries of peace—they are co-leaders and co-architects of it. Convening Member States, UN entities, civil society and youth peacebuilders, the event, co-hosted by the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Secretariat (DPPA, UN Youth Office, UNFPA), served as both a moment of reflection and a call for accountability as the agenda enters its second decade. Throughout the discussions, DPPA underscored that “nothing about youth without youth” must remain the operational core of the agenda, emphasizing that global policy frameworks only deliver impact when accompanied by inclusive processes, adequate and flexible financing, and meaningful power-sharing.

  United Nations marks inaugural International Day against colonialism On 5 December, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/80/106 to set 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. As part of the inaugural observance of the International Day, the General Assembly hosted on 18 December a high-level plenary meeting to mark the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and advance dialogue on the full implementation of UN resolutions on decolonization. In his remarks, the Secretary-General noted that the United Nations helped more than 60 territories – home to over 80 million people – pursue self-determination and emerge as independent states, while cautioning that “the vestiges of colonialism persist.” He called on Member States to renew their collective commitment, not only to ending colonialism in its traditional forms, but also to dismantling its enduring remnants wherever they remain. Read more

  United Kingdom contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal  This week, DPPA thanks the Government of the United Kingdom for its contribution of GBP 200,000 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities. The United Kingdom’s contribution will support our work on women, peace and security. Learn more about the MYA

  Next Week

  On 22 December, the Security Council will hold a briefing on Sudan, focusing on political, security and humanitarian developments. On 23 December, Council members will be briefed on non-proliferation, including the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) concerning Iran. The Council will also hold a briefing on threats to international peace and security related to Venezuela.

• 19 Dec 2025
  Sudan war: Kordofan’s El-Obeid ‘one or two steps’ away from being attacked

  As fighting escalates in Sudan, “people are scared, people are fleeing their homes”, the UN migration agency, IOM, said on Friday, noting that more than 50,000 people have been uprooted since late October in the Kordofans region alone.  

• 19 Dec 2025
  Gaza famine pushed back, but millions still face hunger and malnutrition, UN says

  Food security in Gaza has improved since the ceasefire declared in October, pushing back famine conditions, but the situation remains critical with more than three-quarters of the population still facing acute hunger and malnutrition, a new UN-backed analysis has found.

• 19 Dec 2025
  South Sudan: UN condemns killing of staff member in Wau, calls for swift investigation

  The United Nations on Friday condemned the killing of a civilian staff member serving with its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), calling on the authorities to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

• 19 Dec 2025
  UN urges calm in Bangladesh after killing of protest leader sparks unrest

  The United Nations has urged calm in Bangladesh after the killing of a prominent youth protest leader sparked fresh unrest, raising concerns about political violence and the safety of civic space as the country prepares for elections early next year.

• 19 Dec 2025
  Security Council renews DR Congo peacekeeping mission amid renewed M23 offensives in the east

  The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for another year, as fighting in the country’s east intensified amid renewed offensives by the M23 rebel group.

• 19 Dec 2025
  World News in Brief: More UN staff detentions in Yemen, peacekeepers killed in Sudan sent home, attacks in Ukraine

  The UN Secretary-General on Friday condemned the arbitrary detention of 10 more UN personnel by Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen, warning that the growing crackdown is crippling humanitarian operations and putting millions of lives at risk.

• 19 Dec 2025
  Security Council hears of fading election prospects in Libya

  The path to long-awaited elections in Libya is paved with complications but they can be overcome, the UN Special Representative for the country said on Friday in a briefing to the Security Council.

• 18 Dec 2025
  USG DiCarlo briefs Security Council on Syria’s transition, security challenges, and path toward reconciliation

  Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo’s

  Remarks to the Security Council on Syria

  New York, 18 December 2025

   

  Mr. President,

  One year ago, the hope of millions of Syrians was realized when then President Assad fled the country. As they celebrated earlier this month the events that culminated on 8 December 2024, Syrians again reaffirmed their abiding belief in peace, stability, prosperity, and justice for their country, despite the undeniable and daunting challenges before them.

  During the Security Council’s visit to Syria on 4 December, Council members saw firsthand the opportunities and difficulties the country is facing.

  The hopes and expectations are high, and the challenges ahead are immense. 

  Syrians have made great strides since a year ago, but serious obstacles remain.

  The Government of Syria has restored state institutions and begun to integrate armed factions under a single command. It has issued a constitutional declaration and formed a new cabinet. Also, indirect legislative elections were held in October. A day of National Dialogue also took place. Several key institutions, including the full formation of the People’s Assembly and the Constitutional Court, could be established soon.

  Syrians have also returned home in high numbers; over 1 million refugees and almost 2 million IDPs have gone back to their areas of origin.

  Many countries have lifted bilateral sanctions on Syria. Just yesterday, the US Congress repealed the Caesar Act, and last month, the Security Council adopted resolution 2799, which removed designations on President Sharaa and Minister of Interior Khattab.

  Humanitarian access has improved, but more needs to be done. You will hear more about this from my colleague from OCHA, Assistant Secretary General Joyce Msuya.

  In another positive development, the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces reached an agreement on 10 March. As the end-of-year target for implementation of the agreement approaches, we encourage the parties to engage in constructive steps on its security and political aspects.

  We also urge the parties to engage with the Amman roadmap of September and implement confidence-building measures to restore trust and bring stability to Sweida.

  Mr. President,

  The levels of violence in Syria have declined notably; however, the situation on the ground is fragile, and inter-communal dynamics remain tense.

  Years of conflict and decades of repressive rule and human rights violations exacerbated tensions along sectarian lines.

  Tragically, these tensions have boiled over in the past year: the large-scale violence in the coastal region in March, a terrorist attack targeting a church in Damascus in June, and the violence in Druze-majority Sweida in July.

  In the north and east, tensions also persist between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

  In many cases, hate speech and disinformation campaigns have fueled communal strife and fear.

  Hundreds of civilians have been killed in the violence, leading to new displacement. Demands for protection and accountability have intensified as reports of summary executions and abductions targeting specific communities, including Alawites, continue.

  The United Nations condemns the violence unreservedly.  We urge that transparency remain central to the investigations launched by the authorities into these episodes, and that perpetrators are held accountable.

  As the Council members saw during your visit, including in the meetings with the National Commissions on Missing Persons and Transitional Justice and the Investigative Committees for the Coast and Sweida, work has begun on dealing with the past and on reconciliation. But more remains to be done. International encouragement and expertise can complement national efforts to sustain peace, justice, and accountability.

  Mr. President,

  Israeli airstrikes and incursions in the south have aggravated the security situation.

  In late November, an incursion and accompanying strikes by the Israel Defense Forces into the town of Beit Jinn killed 13 people according to the Syrian authorities. They also caused displacement, forcing families from Beit Jinn to flee to nearby areas.

  I reiterate the Secretary-General's call on Israel to refrain from violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. I also call on the parties to respect the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Resuming dialogue between Syria and Israel on security arrangements is imperative.

  Strong international and regional engagement to support this track is essential.

  Mr. President,

  There is continued domestic, regional, and international focus on counter-terrorism efforts in Syria, with concerns regarding the presence of foreign terrorist fighters and an ISIL resurgence.

  In a worrying development, a joint US-Syrian patrol was attacked late last week near Palmyra, killing two US soldiers and one civilian interpreter, and injuring several others. The Syrian government has condemned the attack, which they stated was carried out by a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of harboring extremist views. The United States has attributed the attack to ISIL and vowed serious retaliation.

  The prevalence of conventional arms and challenges with stockpile management pose an additional security challenge.

  Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to kill and maim Syrians daily.

  All this points to the need for the political transition to be accompanied by a Syrian program of security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration.

  Mr. President,

  The Office of the Special Envoy continues to be fully engaged with the Government of Syria and Syrian society.

  Over this past year, the Office continued to support the Syria-led and Syria-owned transition process with advice on constitutional and electoral matters. They have also supported reconciliation and transitional justice efforts in close consultation with national authorities.

  All of their work is to support an inclusive transition that fosters trust and legitimacy, as this Council has called for. To do so with greater impact, the Office seeks to be on the ground to engage in a structured and supportive way throughout this transition.

   

  Mr. President

  The shadows of the past continue to haunt the Syrian people. True healing can only begin through a full reckoning with this history—by addressing the fate of the missing, ensuring accountability for the gravest atrocities, including the use of chemical weapons, and confronting the horrors of war without compromise.

  Inclusive dialogue among all of Syria’s components, genuine national reconciliation, sanctions relief, and sustained international support will be essential for the security of Syria and the region. It will be key to restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for Syria’s reconstruction.

  The full and meaningful participation of Syrian women in shaping that future is essential.

  I am pleased to note that Mariam Jalabi will brief today from civil society. Long a stalwart for the participation of women in Syrian political life, she is a co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement.

  Mr. President,

  We welcome the continued dialogue with the Security Council at this pivotal moment for Syria. After so much loss of life and suffering, the Syrian people are hopeful for their future and ready to take on the challenges before them. The UN is here to support them.

  Thank you.

   

• 18 Dec 2025
  Sudan war: World urged not to ignore ‘gruesome sexual violence’

  Harrowing new details emerged on Thursday in a UN report detailing targeted sexual violence and summary executions in Sudan’s North Darfur region, attributed to paramilitary fighters who overran the city of El Fasher in late October.

• 18 Dec 2025
  Civilians at risk amid escalating Thailand-Cambodia conflict: UN rights chief

  Intensifying air strikes and heavy artillery fire across Thailand and Cambodia have left civilians increasingly at risk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned on Thursday.  

• 18 Dec 2025
  Syria’s humanitarian needs remain high despite reduced violence, UN warns

  Humanitarian needs in Syria remain immense despite a year of reduced violence and political change, with millions still displaced, basic services strained and funding shortfalls threatening aid operations, senior UN officials said on Thursday.

• 18 Dec 2025
  World News in Brief: UN to evacuate Kadugli base in Sudan, celebrating migrant contributions, ending colonialism

  The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) will evacuate its logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, in the wake of the “heinous attack” this past weekend that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and seriously injured eight others. 

• 17 Dec 2025
  Yemen on the brink: Guterres urges restraint, calls for release of UN detainees

  UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Yemen’s leaders to return to the path of peace and release all UN personnel detained there, following a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday.  

• 17 Dec 2025
  Ukraine suffering continues as electricity is cut for days amid ongoing Russian attacks

  Imagine living through a war and not being able to make a meal or heat your home; that’s the reality today for thousands of Ukrainians who’ve seen repeated Russian attacks knock out their electricity for days at a time.

• 17 Dec 2025
  Sudan: Needs rise as people continue to flee fighting in Kordofan

  Families continue to flee intense hostilities across the Kordofan region of Sudan and humanitarian needs are surging, the UN said in an update on Wednesday. 

• 17 Dec 2025
  Aid agencies warn Gaza response at breaking point as Israel urged to lift new restrictions

  Humanitarian agencies working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) have warned that life-saving aid operations risk collapse unless Israel immediately lifts new barriers that are blocking access and forcing international charities to shut down. 

• 16 Dec 2025
  New demolition order for West Bank camp is ‘more devastating news’

  Israel has issued new demolition orders for the Nur Shams camp in the north of the occupied West Bank effective this week, which a senior official with the UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) labelled as “more devastating news” for the region.  

• 16 Dec 2025
  Sudan: Intensifying hostilities bring new displacement, more casualties

  The situation across Sudan’s Kordofan region is rapidly worsening, the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) warned on Monday. 

• 16 Dec 2025
  Gaza ceasefire still fragile as cold turns deadly, Security Council hears

  The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, while humanitarians continue to face obstructions in delivering aid to the people, a senior UN official working to promote greater peace in the region told the Security Council on Tuesday. 

• 15 Dec 2025
  Ex-UN chief Ban warns Security Council risks irrelevance without reform

  Gathered around the Security Council’s iconic horseshoe table, ambassadors were challenged on Monday to look backwards – when, despite deep rivalry and distrust, the body chose leaders capable of steering the world away from catastrophe towards active cooperation.

• 15 Dec 2025
  Six peacekeepers laid to rest following deadly drone attack in Sudan

  A solemn farewell ceremony was held on Monday at the headquarters of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack on a UN logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan.

• 14 Dec 2025
  ‘Almost invisible crisis’: UN urges world not to look away from Myanmar

  Despite widespread suffering driven by conflict, displacement and disasters, Myanmar’s humanitarian emergency has become “almost invisible” to the world, the UN’s senior official in the country has warned.

• 14 Dec 2025
  Guterres condemns deadly attack on Hannukah celebration in Sydney

  UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the “heinous deadly attack” on Sunday against Jewish families gathered in Sydney, Australia, to celebrate Hanukkah.

• 13 Dec 2025
  In Baghdad, Guterres hails ‘new chapter’ in Iraq as UN mission draws to a close

  The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is ending operations this month but support for the country will continue, Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed at the official closing ceremony in Baghdad on Saturday.

• 13 Dec 2025
  Sudan: UN strongly condemns deadly drone attack on peacekeeping base in Kordofan

  Drone attacks targeting the UN logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, on Saturday killed six peacekeepers and injured eight others – all members of the Bangladeshi contingent serving in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

• 12 Dec 2025
  This Week in DPPA: 6 - 12 December 2025

  A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

  USG DiCarlo reaffirms UN support for impartial election observation at Declaration of Principles anniversary

  On 10 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo addressed the conclusion of the 20th Anniversary Implementation Meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation in Geneva. The meeting, held from 10 to 12 December, brought together 54 endorsing organizations—up from 21 at the time of adoption—representing every region of the world. “The UN is seeing growing demand for electoral assistance. In an increasingly complex global context, this places an ever-higher premium on working effectively together,” USG DiCarlo said. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to impartiality, professionalism, cooperation with national authorities, and the protection of human rights, while highlighting new tools to strengthen observation missions and support genuine democratic processes worldwide.

  Deputy Special Representative Gagnon briefs the Security Council on Afghanistan

  On 10 December, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Georgette Gagnon told Council members that the situation of Afghan people demands both urgent attention and greater international support. She highlighted the continued exclusion of women and girls from public life, growing restrictions on media freedom, and the return of nearly 2.5 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, often under duress. The DSRSG called on the support of Council Members to ensure this situation does not become normalized. “We can continue to build bridges of engagement and work towards our common vision of an Afghanistan at peace, reintegrated into the global community and where the human rights of all Afghans are realized and respected,” she said.

  UN urges halt to attacks on civilians and renewed push for diplomacy in Ukraine Briefing the Security Council on 9 December on Ukraine, Officer-in-charge for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Kayoko Gotoh said that despite cautious optimism around resumed diplomatic efforts, 2025 has been one of the deadliest for the people of Ukraine. She said that the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine between January and November 2025 was 24% higher than in the same period in 2024. And the figures keep rising as the Russian Federation escalates aerial attacks. She added that ensuring the long-term stability of the region must remain our collective focus and priority.

  Security Council hears update on political transitions and security challenges in Central Africa

  On 11 December, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry briefed the Security Council on developments in the region. He said that in the six months since his last briefing, the region has made some progress. Electoral processes continue to pose risks, as do the war in Sudan and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin, he said, which are causing significant population displacement and threatening the stability of the region's states. He noted that by the end of the year, there will be no more political transitions underway in Central Africa. After Chad, Gabon’s transition is scheduled to be finalized by the end of December. In Cameroon, the SRSG said that post-election tensions were a cause for great concern. He called on council members to support current efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.

  DPPA brings global civil society partners together for third UN–CSO peacebuilding dialogue

  On 10–11 December, the third annual CSO–UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme “Operationalizing a Whole-of-System Approach to Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace.” Co-hosted by DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) and the CMI–Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, the Dialogue convened more than 200 peacebuilders, women’s and youth networks, and community leaders from across regions, where participants exchanged views on key peacebuilding priorities and deepened collaboration across the peacebuilding architecture. Opening the event, USG DiCarlo stressed that “peacebuilding is, at its core, a people-centered endeavour,” underscoring the essential role of civil society in prevention, mediation, and trust-building, as reaffirmed in the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR).

  Security Council and Peacebuilding Commission advance youth, peace and security implementation at 10-year mark

  On 9 December, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission held an Informal Interactive Dialogue (IID) on YPS, marking ten years since the adoption of Security Council resolution 2250 (2015), which established the YPS agenda. The dialogue underscored a shared priority for the next decade: moving from commitments to measurable implementation, including by ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of young people in conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and transitions, and by addressing persistent barriers. Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger linkages between the YPS and WPS agendas, particularly to advance the participation and protection of young women peacebuilders. The exchange also reflected the direction set by SC resolution 2805 (2025) on the 2025 PBAR, which calls for stronger Council, Commission and system-wide coherence, and more effective use of the Commission’s advisory role to support nationally owned peacebuilding outcomes.

  Peacebuilding partners underscore national ownership during PBSO-led visit to The Gambia From 8 to 12 December, the PBSO led an expert-level delegation to The Gambia, joined by Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) partners from Austria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Switzerland. The delegation met with government officials, civil society actors, women’s and youth organizations, as well as human rights defenders and victims’ associations. The visit highlighted the strategic and catalytic role of the PBF in supporting The Gambia’s sustaining peace agenda since 2017 and provided insights into the national peacebuilding context and UN engagement. Participants noted strong national and local ownership, progress on localization and civic space, and cross-border dynamics, reaffirming the value of sustained, locally driven approaches in The Gambia’s ongoing peacebuilding priorities.

  UNMHA Officer-in-Charge concludes diplomatic engagements in Riyadh From 9 to 11 December, the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) Mari Yamashita conducted a series of diplomatic engagements in Riyadh with the Yemeni Foreign Minister and representatives of China, France, Greece, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United States Chargé d’Affaires. Discussions focused on the ongoing review of the Mission’s mandate and operational posture, as well as continued United Nations support for stability in Hudaydah Governorate. She underlined UNMHA’s commitment to staff safety while continuing to implement its mandated tasks. UNMHA amplifies Hudaydah women’s peacebuilding voices ahead of Feminist Summit in Aden UNMHA and UN Women Yemen co-organized a side event in Aden from 7-8 December ahead of the Feminist Summit, bringing together women leaders and local peacebuilders from Hudaydah Governorate. With the participation of the UNMHA Officer-in-Charge and the UN Women Country Director, discussions highlighted women’s contributions to community resilience, peace efforts, and humanitarian response. Participants, including beneficiaries of UNMHA-funded Quick Impact Projects, emphasized how skills development, livelihoods, and local networks are strengthening confidence and protection at community level, reinforcing recognition of women as drivers of recovery and solutions.

  Special Representative Imnadze meets with National Leader of Turkmenistan on the occasion of Neutrality Anniversary On 9 December, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met in Ashgabat with the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The SRSG conveyed greetings from Secretary-General António Guterres on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s consistent support to the United Nations. Discussions covered preventive diplomacy priorities, regional cooperation, and upcoming initiatives linked to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025). Read more

  Special Representative Imnadze engages OSCE Secretary General on preventive diplomacy cooperation in Central Asia On 11 December, SRSG Imnadze met in Ashgabat with the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, during his visit marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Discussions focused on cooperation between UNRCCA and OSCE on security and stability in Central Asia, including joint efforts to advance preventive diplomacy approaches. The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the two organizations in promoting dialogue, peace, and regional resilience. Read more

  UNRCCA participates in Awaza Forum on women’s leadership and regional cooperation On 10 December, SRSG Imnadze participated in the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development” in Turkmenistan’s Awaza National Tourist Zone. The Conference explored women’s roles across political, economic and socio-humanitarian spheres and highlighted how enhanced international and regional cooperation can advance sustainable development and expand leadership opportunities for women. Addressing participants, he highlighted how growing regional cooperation and conflict resolution efforts in Central Asia are creating new opportunities for women’s leadership. He encouraged sustained momentum to ensure women help shape regional security and development priorities. The conference concluded with commitments to advance gender equality in line with UN frameworks. Read more

  UN Great Lakes Office briefs diplomatic community on regional peace and strategy On 5 December, the Office of the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region met with members of the Diplomatic Community in Nairobi to discuss ongoing peace efforts and the UN Great Lakes Strategy. The briefing highlighted progress in dialogue and stability initiatives and presented the UN Great Lakes Strategy Plan of Action 2025–2027, which focuses on consolidating peace, preventing conflict, and fostering regional integration. The meeting strengthened collaboration with international partners and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working closely with regional actors to address security challenges and promote sustainable solutions for peace and development in the Great Lakes region.

  Five youth organizations honored at UNSCR 2250 anniversary in Nairobi On 9 December, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, together with UNFPA, UNDP, and UNICEF, recognized five youth-led organizations during an event marking the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in Nairobi. The “Youth in Action” Award, part of the UN Great Lakes Strategy, drew 169 submissions from six countries. Awardees from Burundi (RETFARMER GL), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (JAMAA Grand Lacs), Tanzania (Wote Margin/No Taka Hub), and Uganda (Rural Smiles Foundation) will receive grants totaling $55,000 to expand initiatives promoting social cohesion, resilience, and sustainable development across the region.

  SRSG Jenča engages communities advancing peace in Nariño and Guaviare From 5 to 7 December, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) Miroslav Jenča visited Tumaco and San José del Guaviare to assess progress in peace implementation nine years after the Accord. In Tumaco, he met with Indigenous Awá and Eperara Siapidaara women, Afro-descendant leaders, and local authorities, who shared advances and ongoing challenges. The visit included a collective fish-farming initiative supporting livelihoods and reintegration. In Guaviare, the SRSG met with the Governor to discuss the department’s security and peace implementation context. The Mission also visited “Casa de Saberes y Sabores,” an Amazonian cuisine initiative led by a Tukano family—former combatants and conflict survivors—whose entrepreneurship fosters reconciliation and community-based reintegration.

  Next Week

  The Security Council will hold an open debate on Maintenance of international peace and security: Leadership for Peace (15 December), followed by briefings on the Middle East pursuant to resolution 2334 (16 December), Yemen (17 December), Syria (18 December, AM), UNOWAS (18 December, PM), and UNSMIL and the Libya sanctions (19 December).

• 12 Dec 2025
  UN mission’s exit marks milestone in Iraq’s post-conflict transition

  After more than two decades working alongside Iraq through war, political upheaval and the fight against ISIL terrorists, the UN Assistance Mission there (UNAMI) ends its mandate on 31 December – a closure its top official describes as “honourable, dignified, and earned”.

• 12 Dec 2025
  Deep concerns for Palestinians amid intense Israeli raids in occupied West Bank

  The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has expressed alarm at reports of a so-called “settler road” being built in the occupied West Bank.

• 12 Dec 2025
  Peace falters as fighting in eastern DR Congo raises fears of regional war

  Civilians across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are facing collapsing health services and mass displacement as fighting spreads, undermining recent peace efforts and raising fears of a wider regional crisis.

• 12 Dec 2025
  Sudan war: Aid teams say deal struck to reach stricken El Fasher

  In Sudan, deep concerns persist for the many tens of thousands of people believed to still be trapped in El Fasher in the Darfur region, but UN aid agencies believe they may soon get access to the embattled city.

• 12 Dec 2025
  Security Council LIVE: Ambassadors debate deepening crisis in eastern DR Congo

  The UN Security Council meets at 10 AM in New York to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid intensified fighting and mass displacement. UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix is due to brief on recent peace efforts – including the Washington Accords between the DRC and Rwanda, signed just days before violence surged again, heightening fears of a worsening humanitarian emergency and regional spillover. Follow live below and UN News app users can click here. Find our recent reporting here on the crisis and go here for all our in-depth meeting coverage.

• 11 Dec 2025
  UN warns of ‘regional conflagration’ as DR Congo violence uproots 500,000

  More than half a million people have now been uprooted by escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) the UN said on Thursday, warning that the M23 rebel offensive is driving a rapidly worsening humanitarian emergency.

• 11 Dec 2025
  Risks mount for pregnant women in Ukraine

  Pregnant women took shelter in a bunkerised maternity unit in the Ukrainian city of Kherson last week, after a hospital was struck just 1.5 km from the frontline.

• 11 Dec 2025
  Gaza’s maternal and newborn health system ‘decimated’, UN warns

  Gaza’s health system for mothers and newborns has been “decimated”, the UN said on Thursday, with Israeli attacks destroying almost all hospitals, cutting off medical supplies and driving sharp rises in maternal deaths, miscarriages and newborn fatalities amid mass displacement and hunger.

• 10 Dec 2025
  UNSMIL Statement on Human Rights Day: Putting Human Rights at the Heart of Libya’s Political Roadmap

  TRIPOLI - Today, on Human Rights Day, we are reminded that human rights are not distant ideals—they are the essentials of everyday life: dignity, freedom of...

• 10 Dec 2025
  Young women from across Libya share experiences with UN officials on female leadership

  TRIPOLI – Thirty-five participants from the UN in Libya’s Ra’idat training programme joined UNDP Resident Representative, Sophie Kemkhadze, and UNSMIL officials for a discussion on female and youth leadership...

• 10 Dec 2025
  USG DiCarlo addresses 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation

  Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo's 

  Remarks at the Implementation Meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation

  Geneva, 10 December 2025

   

  Distinguished members of the Convening Committee,

  Representatives of endorsing organizations,

  Colleagues and friends,

  It is a great honour to welcome you, on behalf of the United Nations, to this anniversary meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.

  As the Secretary-General observed [in his video remarks], the principles in the Declaration are as valid as when they were adopted twenty years ago.

  But the world in which we try to apply these principles has changed almost beyond recognition.

  In most countries elections go smoothly and result in peaceful transfers of power. But today, democracy faces challenges that we did not foresee in 2005, such as cyber threats, and the effects of profound geopolitical shifts.

  We also continue to face more familiar headwinds, often engineered by incumbents to stay in power irrespective of the popular will. These include political polarization, information manipulation, violence, shrinking civic space, suppression of opposition voices, and logistical hurdles.

  Too many elections follow the letter of the law but don’t involve a genuine, inclusive process. People don’t feel heard or represented. They lose trust in their governments and in each other.

  I am pleased that you will have the opportunity at this meeting to reflect in depth on how the electoral observation community can navigate these complexities.

  Excellent background papers have already been prepared to inspire conversation but allow me to add some thoughts of my own to the mix.

  Taking the categories offered by the Secretary-General, let me ask you how the election observation community can adapt or contribute.

  First, transparency.  

  The challenges  of new technologies and information integrity are clear. What is less clear is how to distinguish election-related disinformation from “general” disinformation, and, thus where responsibility lies for tackling the problem.

  The observation community can make an important contribution by further defining its role in the realm of information integrity, and by developing new methodologies to match the complexities.   

  Second, participation and inclusion.

  We look to States to implement their commitments to the equal treatment of men and women, and to the inclusion of minorities and persons with disabilities.

  Your findings and recommendations on these issues are critical, particularly to keep attention focused on commitments made.

  And these goals can also guide observation missions themselves. How can the composition of observation teams model the ideals of inclusion?

  Young people deserve special consideration. This past year we have again seen the consequences when young generations feel systemically excluded from politics.

  The call for governments to integrate the voices of youth is not new.

  But it needs to be heard even more clearly and urgently, including from observers and the assistance community.

  As a basis for better analysis and policy design, the UN has begun encouraging electoral authorities to publish voter and candidate data disaggregated by age and gender.

  I would welcome your support for this, including similar encouragements through your recommendations.

  Third, protection.

  The election observation community also faces extreme pressures, including threats and acts of violence. 

  I hope that this gathering will enable you to share lessons on how to manage these impediments to your work and to find solidarity in this community.

  Which brings me to the fourth area, namely partnership.

  When the Declaration was adopted, it had twenty-one endorsing organizations. Today we have fifty-four.

  As the Secretary-General recalled, the UN is seeing growing demand for electoral assistance. In an increasingly complex global context, this places an ever-higher premium on working effectively together.

  Which is why I am so pleased to see you all gathered here on this anniversary.

  I trust that you will come away from these two days with a shared sense of how the Declaration can remain part of the normative scaffolding of genuine elections.

  May your discussions in the coming days be productive, forward-looking, and guided by the same spirit of collaboration that inspired the Declaration twenty years ago. 

  Thank you. 

• 10 Dec 2025
  DSRSG Georgette Gagnon briefing to the Security Council

  NEW YORK - The UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Georgette Gagnon, today briefed the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan.

  ...
• 10 Dec 2025
  Transcript of the briefing by DSRSG Gagnon to the UN Security Council

  NEW YORK - The following is the transcript of the briefing by the Deputy Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Georgette Gagnon, to the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan...

• 10 Dec 2025
  Briefing to the UN Security Council by DSRSG Georgette Gagnon

  Briefing to the United Nations Security Councilby the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Georgette Gagnon, New York, 10 December 2025

  ...
• 10 Dec 2025
  DiCarlo highlights civil society’s critical role at 2025 CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding

  Under-Secretary-General Rosemary A. DiCarlo's 

  Opening Remarks at the 2025 CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding

  Geneva, 10 December 2025

   

  Distinguished civil society representatives, excellencies, colleagues,

  It is a pleasure to address you today at this third annual CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding. I am grateful to see so many of you here today – peacebuilders, youth and women’s networks, community leaders and human rights defenders from across the globe.

  Your presence reminds us that peacebuilding is at its core, a people-centered endeavor. Institutions matter, but it is people and communities who insist every day that peace is possible.

  We meet at a moment of profound global turbulence. Geopolitical tensions continue to rise, adding to the already considerable strain on the tools for safeguarding international peace and security.

  Armed conflicts have surged to unprecedented levels, with one in eight people regularly exposed to violent conflict. Climate change, environmental degradation, and competition over natural resources continue to exacerbate insecurity and stoke instability.

  Even in places spared by war, polarization, manipulation of information and declining trust in institutions erode the social contract and threaten stability. All these factors make prevention harder and peace more fragile, while threatening sustainable development.

  In short, we are facing complex, interconnected challenges. None of us – Member States, regional organizations, the UN, or civil society –can address them alone. This is why the theme of this Dialogue, focused on comprehensive, multi-level action, is so timely and relevant. And among the multiple actors that must come together to meet this defining moment, you play a critical role.

  As the Secretary-General underscores in his policy brief on A New Agenda for Peace, civil society is one of the UN’s most valued partners.

  You are often the first to detect risks, the first to respond to emerging tensions, and the first to support communities in crisis. You are indispensable in mediating disputes, documenting violations, rebuilding trust and holding institutions accountable.

  We are proud to support this work, including through the Peacebuilding Fund. And as the following examples demonstrate, the impact of your work is undeniable:

  • In Niger, local NGO Adkoul supported 60 mediators—half of them young women—in Tahoua, who helped resolve a decade-long conflict between two Tassara communities. Across the communes, they facilitated intergenerational dialogues on gender, youth, peace and Islam, resulting in a framework for youth participation in local decision-making.
  • In Sri Lanka, civil society has revived regional and issue-based dialogue through a new common platform and launched joint initiatives on securing land rights. They provide psychosocial support for victims of violence, and address gender-based violence in their communities.
  • In Burundi, a nationwide network of women mediators has trained more than 500 women in mediation, peacebuilding and trauma healing. They addressed over 34,000 conflicts—from family and land disputes to gender-based violence and political tensions—resolving more than 60% and referring the rest to local authorities. Such impact is the women, peace and security agenda in action.

  This ongoing, often unseen, work by civil society is unfolding as an overwhelming majority of Member States at the global level reaffirms prevention and peacebuilding as collective priorities.

  The Pact for the Future adopted last year reflects this renewed Member State focus, placing people at the center of peace efforts and emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance, civic space and the meaningful participation of women, youth, and broader civil society. It recognizes that peace is an endeavor that needs to engage the whole of society.

  The twin resolutions from the recently concluded 2025 UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review reaffirm prevention as a highly cost-effective investment and emphasize that it must be nationally led and owned.  The resolutions also stress the importance of partnerships with civil society organizations, especially local peacebuilders, grassroot organizations, and women- and youth-led organizations.

  Ladies and gentlemen,

  These commitments create momentum. But momentum only matters if it translates into better outcomes for communities. 

  This is where your insight, advocacy and leadership remain essential. The CSO-UN Dialogue should not be just another meeting – it should continue to reinforce an infrastructure for cooperation between global decision-making and local realities.

  We should use this platform to elevate your insights into global policy spaces.

  The Peacebuilding Commission is meeting during this Dialogue. It is an immediate opportunity to turn your recommendations into inputs for Member States as they consider how the recent Peacebuilding Architecture Review can lead to more effective implementation and impact.  

  My hope for this Dialogue is that we leave Geneva with a clear sense of how to keep this platform dynamic and relevant: how we maintain the network, how we ensure follow up and how we make our work for peace ever more consequential.

  Thank you.

• 10 Dec 2025
  Afghanistan’s crisis deepens as human rights recede and aid funding falls

  Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis is being driven by the accelerating erosion of fundamental rights – especially for women and girls – alongside mass displacement, economic decline and shrinking aid, senior UN officials warned on Wednesday.

• 10 Dec 2025
  Eastern DR Congo fighting kills scores, cuts food aid and drives mass displacement

  Intensifying fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed more than 70 civilian lives, displaced over 200,000 people and cut thousands off from food assistance, prompting UN warnings of a rapidly expanding humanitarian emergency spilling across borders.

• 10 Dec 2025
  Peace proves relative in Gaza with no let-up in deadly airstrikes

  In Gaza, as airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continued to kill and maim Palestinians, UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Wednesday rejected suggestions by the Israeli military that the so-called “Yellow Line” of concrete blocks it has erected inside the enclave represented a new border.