SESG Cong brief Security Council on Sudan–South Sudan dynamics, urge action on Abyei

On 5 November, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong briefed the Security Council, alongside Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee, on developments related to Sudan and South Sudan. SESG Cong warned that the bilateral relationship between Sudan and South Sudan remains deeply affected by the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In particular, he said the conflict in Sudan continues to impact the security situation in South Sudan with cross-border movements of armed groups on both sides, increasing the insecurity in and around the border area.

USG DiCarlo joins discussion on UN electoral assistance in evolving global context

On 5 November, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN focal point for electoral assistance, participated in a discussion on United Nations electoral support. The meeting, co-hosted by Ireland and Liberia, brought together a cross-regional group of Member States to reflect on how the UN can continue to help ensure credible, inclusive elections amid shifting global dynamics. USG DiCarlo emphasized that elections are vital moments of civic engagement and highlighted the need to adapt assistance to meet emerging challenges.

New cohort graduates from Women in Ceasefire Negotiations course

On 5 November, a new cohort completed the Women in Ceasefire Negotiations course, part of DPPA’s efforts to advance women’s meaningful participation in peace processes. The initiative supports the women, peace and security agenda by equipping women peacebuilders and mediators with tools to engage in ceasefire design and negotiation at national and regional levels. Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo congratulated the graduates, noting that their perspectives and insights are essential for shaping more inclusive and effective peacemaking processes.

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert engages Lebanese leaders on resolution 1701 implementation

This week in Beirut, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with senior Lebanese officials to discuss the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (pictured), and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal, among others, followed similar engagements last week with Israeli officials. Discussions focused on both the challenges and opportunities for advancing the resolution’s implementation and sustaining the cessation of hostilities understanding reached in November 2024. 

UN Iraq envoy engages senior Iraqi and Kuwaiti officials ahead of elections and diplomatic milestone

In Baghdad on 1 November, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (pictured) to discuss the political and security situation in Iraq and the region, as well as preparations for the parliamentary elections set for 11 November 2025. SRSG Hassan welcomed the Government’s commitment to holding credible and inclusive elections reflecting the will of all Iraqis. On 2 November, he held similar discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who echoed the importance of ensuring a transparent process amid regional uncertainties. On 3 November, SRSG Al Hassan met with Chief Justice Faiq Zidan of the Supreme Judicial Council and reiterated UNAMI’s confidence in Iraq’s judiciary as a key guarantor of electoral integrity. That same day in Kuwait City, the SRSG observed Iraq’s handover of a new batch of Kuwaiti national properties—marking progress on Security Council-mandated obligations and underscoring positive momentum in Kuwait-Iraq relations rooted in cooperation and mutual respect.

UNAMI supports briefing for diplomats on election observation in Iraq

On 2 November in Erbil, the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq (IHEC), with technical support from the UNAMI Office of Electoral Assistance, held a briefing for the diplomatic community on accreditation procedures for international observers ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections on 11 November 2025. The session offered an opportunity for open dialogue between diplomats and IHEC officials on key aspects of election preparation, including observer roles, polling procedures, and safeguarding transparency. UNAMI reaffirmed its support to Iraq’s electoral institutions as they work to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of all Iraqis.

Special Envoy Grundberg engages regional actors to advance Yemen peace process

On 3 November, the SESG for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded a regional visit to Oman and Bahrain aimed at advancing a negotiated political settlement. From 31 October to 3 November in Manama, on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue, he held talks with Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya Zindani, Lt. Gen. Sagheer Aziz, and a range of regional and international partners. Discussions focused on de-escalation and resuming an inclusive political process under UN auspices. He also reiterated calls for the immediate release of UN personnel arbitrarily detained by Ansar Allah, noting that their continued detention hampers humanitarian operations and peace efforts.

UN Mission in Hudaydah visits community resilience projects

On a recent visit to Al-Khawkha and Hays districts in Hudaydah governorate, the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) Officer-in-Charge Mari Yamashita reviewed the Mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) supporting community resilience and stability. In Al-Khawkha, she observed the Wave Breaker Project, designed to protect coastal areas from sea erosion, as well as a Humanity & Inclusion initiative focused on inclusive economic recovery for persons with disabilities, youth, and women-headed households. In Hays, she met with women participating in a livelihood project led by the local partner For Human Development Foundation, which provides training in sewing and home gardening. 

UNSMIL engages Libyan leaders and civil society ahead of Structured Dialogue launch

On 3 November in Tripoli, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh and Deputy SRSG Stephanie Koury met with Government of National Unity Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh to review political and economic developments and provide updates on preparations to launch the Structured Dialogue. That initiative is a core component of the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap that aims to create conditions conducive to elections, shape a shared national vision, and address long-term conflict drivers.

On 4 November, the senior UN officials met with Libyan organizations of persons with disabilities to discuss the challenges they face and their priorities and views on participation in the political process, including the Structured Dialogue. Participants raised concerns about the implementation of their rights in public and private life. The SRSG underscored the importance of including persons with disabilities in all aspects of national life.

UNOWAS launches study on climate change, peace, security and rule of law in the Sahel

On 3 November, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) launched a landmark study conducted with the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions and supported by Norway. The report underscores that climate change is not only an environmental threat but a crisis of justice and security, exacerbating fragility across West Africa and the Sahel. It highlights links between weak rule of law, climate vulnerability, and insecurity, as environmental stress fuels resource scarcity, migration, and cross-border crime. 

UNRCCA supports regional efforts to curb weapons supply to terrorists

From 4 to 6 November, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) hosted capacity consultations in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, focused on eliminating the supply of weapons to terrorists. the consultations, organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism brought together 25 Turkmen officials, who were briefed on UN efforts to prevent terrorist use of small arms and light weapons, improvised explosive devices, and unmanned aircraft systems, in line with Security Council resolution 2370 (2017).

UNTMIS supports gender-responsive training for Puntland security forces

This week, the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) conducted a two-day gender-responsive training workshop in Garowe for 27 members of the Puntland Darwish Forces, including 16 women officers. The workshop aimed to strengthen inclusivity and gender awareness within the security sector, promoting greater participation of women in peace and security efforts. By enhancing the capacity of security personnel to integrate gender perspectives, the initiative contributes to advancing Somalia’s progress toward equitable and sustainable development.

UNAMI advances human rights-based governance through workshops on anti-corruption and media freedom

On 5 and 6 November, the UNAMI Human Rights Office organized two capacity-building workshops in southern and northern Iraq to promote rights-based governance and media freedoms. On 5 November in Nasiriyah, Dhi-Qar Governorate, UNAMI, together with the Federal Commission of Integrity and OHCHR, convened 68 civil society, legal, media, and local authority representatives to explore how corruption undermines economic and social rights. Participants discussed ways to integrate human rights principles into anti-corruption efforts, including strengthening cooperation between the Commission and communities and protecting whistleblowers. 

On 6 November in Sulaymaniyah, UNAMI partnered with the Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy to train 26 media professionals and NGO representatives on the national and international legal framework protecting freedom of expression and journalist safety. Both workshops form part of UNAMI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rights-based institutional practices across Iraq.

UNAMI marks 25th anniversary of resolution 1325 with Fijian Guard Unit

On 3 November in Baghdad, UNAMI commemorated the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, alongside its Fijian Guard Unit. The event highlighted the contributions of the 22 women peacekeepers within the contingent and ongoing efforts to advance gender balance in military settings. “We shared important experiences on reducing gender imbalance and empowering women in the military, as in other walks of life,” said DSRSG Claudio Cordone. He commended the Guard Unit’s leadership and members for their progress and reaffirmed their vital role in ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel in Iraq.

UNDP, DPPA and EU renew flagship partnership on conflict prevention

On 6 November, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the European Union (EU) have signed a renewed agreement to strengthen nationally led efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. The partnership—first launched in 2016—supports joined-up UN engagement in conflict-prone contexts, enhancing early warning capacities, inclusive dialogue, and resilience-building.

From reincorporation to renewal: Communities growing peace together

On 2 November, former combatants and their families, together with the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalisation (ARN), carried out a community activity at the Aldemar Galán ETCR in Patía, Cauca, to enhance local coexistence and environmental care. Through tree planting and improvements to shared areas such as the playground, participants strengthened their collective commitment to reconciliation and sustainable peacebuilding in southern Cauca.

Sharing peacebuilding pathways in Colombia

On 4 November, in Ibagué, Tolima, in the centre of the country, at the stand of the UK embassy in Colombia and its TEFOS programme, the UN Verification Mission shared the Virtual Reality experience of Pathways Colombia, with the community of experts and students attending the 9th National Forestry Congress. The Mission presented how the initiative contributes to the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Colombia.

Technical Committee on Youth retreat in Amman to build trust across Cyprus

On 1 and 2 November in Amman, young people from across Cyprus took part in a retreat of the Technical Committee on Youth, convened by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, with support from the Folke Bernadotte Academy. Participants aimed to build trust and exchange ideas for addressing shared challenges. 

Next Week

The Security Council will convene on Monday, 10 November for an open debate under the agenda item “Small arms” (S/2025/670). The discussion is expected to focus on the threat to international peace and security posed by the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. Later in the week, on Thursday, 13 November, Council members will be briefed on the situation in Yemen.

Side event on climate finance for underserved communities at COP30

On 12 November, the Climate Security Mechanism, together with the Group of Friends on Climate and Security and ODI Global, will host a side event at COP 30 titled “Bridging the Gap: Making Climate Finance Work for the Underserved.” The discussion will focus on ensuring that climate finance mechanisms better reach vulnerable and marginalized communities facing the most acute climate-security risks. Organized with support from UNFCCC and the COP30 Presidency, the event will explore opportunities to advance inclusive, conflict-sensitive financing in adaptation and resilience-building.