Special Representative urges action to protect populations and strengthen institutions in Haiti

On 22 October, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Carlos Ruiz Massieu briefed the Security Council for the first time since assuming his post, outlining Haiti’s grave security, humanitarian and political situation. He described how gang violence continues to devastate communities, with over 1.4 million people displaced, and underscored the urgent need to protect populations, particularly women and children. Welcoming the Council’s adoption of resolution 2793 establishing the new UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) and the transition to the Gang Suppression Force, he urged sustained international support to restore security, strengthen justice institutions, and advance the political transition.

Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov calls for urgent action to sustain ceasefire and aid delivery in Gaza

On 24 October, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov briefed the Security Council on the situation in Israel and Palestine, noting that the ceasefire agreement offers hope but remains extremely fragile. He urged all parties to fully implement their commitments, release remaining hostages, and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians across Gaza at scale. Alakbarov reported a 46 per cent increase in aid entering the Strip during the first week of the ceasefire under the UN 2720 Mechanism but stressed that more crossings, fuel deliveries, and safe operational conditions for humanitarian partners are urgently needed.

UN underscores need for inclusive and sovereign solutions in Syria’s political process

On 22 October, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi briefed the Security Council from Damascus, reporting that meetings with Syrian interlocutors reflected broad support for indirect electoral arrangements amid challenges in civil registration, though some criticized the process as rushed and opaque. She stressed that any proposed solution must uphold Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and address the safety and rights of the Druze and Bedouin communities. Marking the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325, she also called for greater transparency and stronger inclusion of Syrian women in the country’s political transition, stressing that their full and meaningful participation is essential to shaping Syria’s future.

PBC discusses upcoming UN–Civil Society Dialogue on Peacebuilding

On 23 October, the Peacebuilding Commission held an expert-level meeting to prepare for the third annual UN–Civil Society Dialogue on Peacebuilding, scheduled for December in Geneva. Briefers from the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Crisis Management Initiative – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, which co-chairs the Dialogue, outlined plans and priorities. Member States emphasized the importance of locally driven peacebuilding approaches and discussed themes and modalities for the upcoming Dialogue, with some expressing caution regarding civil society engagement.

African peacebuilders at global civil society forum in Nairobi

Last week, DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office took part in Peace Connect, a global civil society peacebuilders’ gathering in Nairobi, Kenya. In partnership with ACCORD and WANEP, the event convened 55 African peacebuilders and three UN entities to discuss strengthening UN–CSO collaboration and advancing a whole-of-system approach to sustaining peace. Participants explored ways to align global agendas for greater regional and local impact, with outcomes feeding into the upcoming CSO–UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding in Geneva this December. The Office also held a youth consultation for the Second Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, where young participants shared reflections on the first decade of the agenda and their hopes for the next.

SRSG Imnadze engages Tajik authorities and regional partners in Dushanbe

During his visit to Dushanbe from 22 to 24 October, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met with Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin for an in-depth discussion on regional cooperation, including transboundary water management and developments in Afghanistan. Both welcomed progress on the Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan border agreement as a step toward stability and confidence-building. The SRSG also met Bunafsha Fayziddinzoda, Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, to discuss advancing women’s leadership in preventive diplomacy under the Women Leaders’ Caucus.

While in Dushanbe, Imnadze participated in the 3rd CIS ATC Conference on Combating Terrorism and Extremism, where he launched a joint UNRCCA–UNOCT briefing highlighting regional counter-terrorism initiatives, including the Early Warning Network supported by China and the “Prevention and Countering Extremism” project supported by the Russian Federation.

UN and Iraqi counterparts coordinate to advance women’s participation in elections

On 21 October, UN in Iraq and national partners met in Baghdad to review progress in promoting women’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Discussions focused on training for women candidates, engagement with political parties, and measures to counter cyberbullying. Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Claudio Cordone joined representatives from UNAMI, UNFPA, UN Women and UNDP, alongside senior Iraqi officials, reaffirming the UN’s continued advocacy for women’s full, equal and safe participation in Iraq’s political life.

UN supports Iraq’s efforts to advance sustainable development goals

On 21 October, DSRSG and Resident Coordinator Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai joined an event at the Ministry of Planning in Baghdad to discuss Iraq’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR). The report highlights progress in education, health, women’s empowerment and economic development. DSRSG Isaczai commended the VNR as a genuine national effort and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to helping Iraq translate its recommendations into concrete, lasting results.

UNAMI trains young human rights defenders on election-related rights monitoring

On 22–23 October, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) held training sessions in Najaf and Karbala for 43 young human rights defenders and NGO representatives. The workshops, organized by the Mission’s Human Rights Office, aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to monitor and respond to human rights violations in the electoral context through practical exercises, group discussions and peer learning.

AUC and UNOAU launch 3rd edition of She Stands for Peace to mark 25 Years of Women, Peace and Security

Launched in Windhoek during the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the latest edition of the She Stands for Peace series celebrates African women and women-led organizations driving peace, mediation, and security across the continent. Produced by the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) and the African Union Commission (AUC), with support from Norway and Ireland, this inspiring publication highlights stories of leadership, resilience, and transformation.

Celebrating rural women in Colombia

On 18 October, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) joined a panel discussion in Fusagasugá, Cundinamarca (near Bogotá, in the central region of the country), organised by the Land Restitution Unit (URT) to mark the International Day of Rural Women. The event brought together key voices from the Gender Secretariat of Cundinamarca, the Mayor’s Office, the Ombudsperson’s Office, and inspiring women leaders from the Women’s Network of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. As part of the celebration, the URT and the Mayor’s Office hosted a fair in the town’s main square where women showcased their local products and shared their stories of resilience and empowerment.

Building a culture of peace with children and youth in Meta

On 18 October, in La Macarena, Meta, UNVMC joined the “Misión por la Niñez” initiative alongside the Meta Governor’s Office, Pastoral Social – Cáritas Colombiana, and El Cuarto Mosquetero. Children, youth and members of the academic community participated in dialogue spaces and a Communication for Peace workshop to foster peacebuilding values, critical thinking, and social participation.

Mine action partners strengthen coordination to address explosive contamination in Libya

On 15 October, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Libyan Mine Action Centre co-chaired the third Mine Action Implementing Partners meeting in Tripoli, bringing together national authorities, NGOs, and international partners. Participants discussed progress and challenges in clearance, risk education, and ammunition management across Libya. DSRSG and Resident Coordinator Ulrika Richardson underscored the urgency of joint action to prevent further tragedies and enhance community safety, while partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination, national ownership and assistance to victims.

Mexico contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, we thank Mexico for its contribution of $10,000 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal. These funds will support our Verification Mission in Colombia.

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

On 31 October, the Security Council will hold its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Members are also expected to consider mandate renewals for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), on 30 October, and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), on 31 October. Sierra Leone will assume the presidency of the Council on 1 November. 

High-level meeting on the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge

On 28 October, DPPA will convene a High-Level Meeting on the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes at UN Headquarters in New York. The event will spotlight women mediators, negotiators and peacebuilders, and showcase how adopters of the Common Pledge are advancing from commitments to concrete action. Speakers include Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, ASG Martha Ama A. Pobee, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous and UN Global Advocate for Peace Maryam Bukar Hassan.

Virtual briefing on safeguarding human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

On 30 October, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a virtual briefing titled “Safeguarding Human Rights, Ensuring Accountability and Ending the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine.” The event will feature presentations from UN Special Procedures mandate holders, including Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. 

UN SDG Action Awards to honor global changemakers

On 29 October, the Heroes of Tomorrow: 2025 UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony will take place in Rome, celebrating individuals and initiatives driving creativity and innovation toward a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world. Among this year’s finalists is Women for Peace and Democracy Nepal, recognized for empowering women and marginalized groups to participate in peacebuilding and democratic governance through grassroots leadership and civic engagement. Organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, the annual awards recognize outstanding contributions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, with finalists selected from more than 5,500 nominations across 190 countries.