Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo warn of deepening Israel-Iran conflict, urge de-escalation and diplomacy

Addressing the Security Council on 20 June, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the world is “racing toward” crisis amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. He urged both sides to pursue peace and emphasized the need for diplomacy and Iran’s compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, including full access to inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo echoed these concerns, citing mounting civilian casualties. “International humanitarian law must be respected, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack,” she said. USG DiCarlo also welcomed diplomatic talks in Geneva today. She urged all parties to pursue every possible opportunity to de-escalate, to cease the hostilities and to settle disputes by peaceful means. 

Deputy Special Envoy warns of regional escalation risks, urges inclusive political process in Syria

On 17 June, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Najat Rochdi briefed the Security Council, warning that the escalation between Israel and Iran threatens progress toward peace and recovery in Syria. She noted that Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Geir Pedersen remains engaged with Syrian officials in Damascus, focusing on the need for a genuinely inclusive and credible political transition. Ms. Rochdi also welcomed the presidential decree establishing a Supreme Committee for Elections to the People’s Assembly and encouraged the body to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and openness in the electoral process.

ASG Jenča underscore urgency of ceasefire in Ukraine amid deadly escalation

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Addressing the Security Council on 20 June, ASG Miroslav Jenča reported a sharp intensification of hostilities in Ukraine, including large-scale Russian aerial attacks on major cities and a dramatic rise in civilian casualties. He condemned all attacks on civilians and urged adherence to international humanitarian law. Jenča also highlighted diplomatic progress, including exchanges of prisoners and mortal remains following Ukraine–Russia talks in Istanbul. He reiterated the UN’s call for an immediate ceasefire and its continued support for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group puts spotlight on opportunities in the face of global crises

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The 8th Advisory Group of the Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) held its second session in New York from 18 to 20 June. Secretary-General António Guterres and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed received the Group and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar. Discussions centered on the PBF’s strategic direction in the context of the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the UN80 Initiative. The Group advised on priorities and opportunities for the Fund and UN peacebuilding support, informed by a meeting with the Executive Coordinator of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund, and briefings on trends in Official Development Assistance and pooled funding; lessons from the PBF Thematic Review on Youth, Peace and Security; and a focus on private sector engagement in peacebuilding. The Group learned from the UN Resident Coordinator for Burundi and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) about a PBF-supported blended finance initiative focused on natural resource management and conflict prevention and held a roundtable discussion with representatives of development finance institutions, impact investors, Somalia’s Bank for Development and Reconstruction, and UNCDF. The Group concluded with a meeting with the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).

PBC annual session highlights peacebuilding successes on 20th anniversary of UN architecture

On 19 June, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held its Annual Session, titled ‘Lessons from Peacebuilding Success Stories," commemorating the 20th anniversary of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture. The meeting was chaired by Serap Güler, Minister of State in the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, delivered the keynote address via pre-recorded message. Foreign Ministers of The Gambia and Timor-Leste, along with a Youth Representative from The Gambia, shared their national experiences and recommendations. On behalf of the Secretary-General, USG DiCarlo as well as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar underscored the UN's commitment to supporting Member States in their peacebuilding efforts. Member States highlighted national experiences in inclusive governance, transitional justice, institutional resilience, regional cooperation, and South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

DPPA hosts preparatory meeting ahead of 20th anniversary of election observation principles

On 17–18 June, DPPA hosted the Convening Committee meeting for the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, marking a key step toward the 20th anniversary gathering set for December in Geneva. USG DiCarlo opened the meeting, reflecting on the UN’s role in developing the Declaration in 2005. She emphasized its continued relevance, stating that while the UN rarely observes elections today, the Declaration and its code of conduct remained vital for upholding standards and public trust in electoral processes, particularly in complex political environments. 

Store in southwest Colombia promotes reconciliation through joint efforts of peace signatories and victims

On 13 June, a new store jointly managed by peace signatories and victims of the Colombian conflict opened in Neiva, Huila, in southwest Colombia. The initiative seeks to strengthen sustainable livelihoods for women and communities in the Care Network, while fostering reconciliation. The store showcases locally produced goods—including coffee, crafts, and food—made by those affected by the conflict. It is supported by government agencies overseeing reintegration, land, and cooperative labour, alongside the Cooperativa University and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The initiative highlights regional cooperation in advancing peace.

SRSG Ruiz Massieu welcomes progress on housing for peace signatories in Arauca

On 13 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Carlos Ruiz Massieu joined local authorities in Arauca for the presentation of a housing project for peace signatories at the ETCR in Filipinas. The initiative—supported by the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and government partners—is a key step toward securing sustainable reintegration through decent housing. In his remarks, the SRSG commended the signatories' perseverance in building peace despite persistent challenges. “You never gave up on the dream of consolidating this space. You can continue to count on the UN on this journey,” he affirmed.

SRSG Al Hassan engages leaders and civil society in Kuwait, Baghdad and Kirkuk

This week, SRSG Mohamed Al Hassan, Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), held a series of high-level meetings and outreach activities in Kuwait and Iraq. In Kuwait on 15 June, he met with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to discuss Iraq-Kuwait cooperation under UNAMI’s mandate. In Baghdad on 17 and 18 June, he met with the Speaker of the Council of Representatives and the National Security Advisor to discuss humanitarian, human rights, and electoral matters, as well as the regional situation. In Kirkuk on 19 June, the SRSG convened a roundtable with civil society leaders from diverse communities, who emphasized women’s and youth engagement in peacebuilding and proposed a permanent dialogue forum. Local officials voiced strong support for the initiative.

UNAMI trains Iraqi oil sector officials on human rights and environmental protection

From 16 to 19 June in Baghdad, the UNAMI Human Rights Office held a four-day training course for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, in collaboration with the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) and the Ministry’s Training and Qualification Institute. The session—third in a series following trainings in Basra and Kirkuk in May 2025—aimed to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry’s human rights trainers. It focused on Iraq’s international obligations and the right to a healthy and safe environment, addressing issues such as air and water pollution and land degradation linked to oil extraction and its impact on local communities.

SRSG Al Hassan awards medals to Nepali Guard Unit ahead of repatriation

On 19 June, SRSG Mohamed Al Hassan awarded United Nations Medals to the 14th Nepali Guard Unit serving in Kirkuk, marking their final ceremony ahead of repatriation under UNAMI’s planned withdrawal. The unit’s service reflects Nepal’s strong commitment to global peacekeeping—ranking first globally in the number of women deployed and contributing nearly 6,000 uniformed personnel across UN missions. The SRSG commended the guards for their dedication and professionalism, noting their vital role in ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel in Iraq.

UNAMI and IHEC discuss annual plan for women’s empowerment in elections

On 17 June in Baghdad, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) Commissioner and head of the Women’s Empowerment Team, Ahlam Al-Jaberi, met with Senior Advisor Fernanda Lopez from UNAMI’s Office of Electoral Assistance. The discussion focused on the annual plan of the IHEC Women’s Empowerment Team and strategies for its effective implementation. The meeting reaffirmed continued cooperation in promoting women's participation and leadership in electoral processes across Iraq.

UNRCCA promotes disability inclusion in peacebuilding with youth from Central Asia and Afghanistan

On 18 June, the Preventive Diplomacy Academy of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) held an online session with young leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan to explore the implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS). Participants discussed how intersecting identities—including disability, gender, and ethnicity—shape experiences in conflict and peace processes, and called for stronger inclusive policies. Megan Smith, Social Affairs Officer of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General emphasized the link between disability inclusion and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, underlining the need to involve young persons with disabilities in peacebuilding to fully realize the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda.

UNSMIL launches youth consultations on Libya’s political process across four cities

On 15 June, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) launched a nationwide youth consultation initiative to engage 500 young Libyans (aged 18–35) in shaping the country’s political future. Meetings have already taken place in Zintan, Misrata, Benghazi, and Nalut, where youth called for stronger representation, unified institutions, economic opportunity, and equitable service access. The effort supports broader outreach on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations for advancing elections and unifying governance. An online poll has also been launched to gather wider input. SRSG Hanna Tetteh emphasized the importance of including youth voices, stating that “a process meant for the Libyan people needs the meaningful participation of all Libyan people.”

European Union contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, we thank the European Union for its generous contribution of $1,126,900 to support DPPA’s work on mediation. Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

On Monday, the Security Council will hear from SRSG and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva. On Tuesday, SRSG and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh will brief. On Friday, the Security Council will receive a briefing on the situation in Sudan, including the implementation of resolution 2715 terminating UNITAMS and updates from the 1591 Sanctions Committee on Darfur.