A whirlwind of diplomacy: USG DiCarlo meets with senior officials, world leaders at UNGA79

The General Debate of the General Assembly, which began on 24 September, is winding down. This high-level segment of the annual Assembly session took place following the Summit of the Future, the culmination of which was the signing of the Pact for the Future.

Over the course of the week, there has been a staggering number of diplomatic meetings and events. DPPA helps prepare for, or participated in, many of these events. Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, along with Assistant Secretaries-General Miroslav Jenča, Khaled Khiari, Martha Pobee and Elizabeth Spehar, held 28 bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers or other senior officials from all regions as well as representatives of regional organizations. By the close of the day on Friday, they will have accompanied the Secretary-General in 125 of his meetings with world leaders.

"We cannot let Afghan women down": USG DiCarlo discusses UN involvement in Afghanistan engagement process

On 23 September, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo spoke at a high-level side event on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. She said that the United Nations was shepherding a process of principled engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, for the benefit of the Afghani people. She also highlighted that unless the de facto authorities recognize the rights of women — one half of its population — Afghanistan would not take its proper place in global affairs.

The Peacebuilding Commission holds ministerial-level meeting on the road to the 2025 Review

On 26 September, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held a Ministerial-level meeting entitled "The Road to the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR): Perspectives and Priorities." The Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized that the PBAR represents a crucial opportunity to operationalize commitments from the Pact for the Future. Echoing this statement, dignitaries shared their expectations, highlighting the need to enhance peacebuilding efforts through national ownership and a strengthened role for the PBC. Discussions focused on the importance of conflict prevention, ensuring the impact of peacebuilding investments, and promoting the role of women and youth. Participants reinforced the need for predictable, sustainable financing, as well as stronger partnerships with regional organizations and international financial institutions to support peacebuilding efforts.

USG DiCarlo stresses importance of "trust in diplomacy" in Action Day opening session

On 21 September, USG DiCarlo gave opening remarks on the Action Day session "A Peaceful Future for All." The day, she said, had as its focus intergenerational dialogue for peace, with young peacebuilders and former presidents discussing how to rebuild trust, both "Trust in diplomacy to resolve conflicts, and trust in each other." She also introduced a session on "Dismantling Patriarchal Power Structures." This, she said, was based on the "simple idea" that as long as gendered dynamics and power inequalities hold back half of our societies, peace will remain elusive. "With today’s event, we aim to put the accent on doing, and not talking," she said. "We want to put a spotlight on individuals who are taking action for peace. I know they will inspire us. In these difficult times, we need to celebrate those who persevere and show us, in ways big and small, that peace is possible."

"Diplomacy can succeed" in Ukraine war, Secretary-General tells Security Council

On 24 September, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged a ministerial-level Security Council meeting to "intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine." Guterres recalled that on 22 September, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations. “Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States — within their internationally recognized borders,” he stressed. He also expressed his concern over a resurgence of incidents around the Zaporizhzhia and Kursk Nuclear Power Plants, noting that "The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.” Nonetheless, he pointed out that the continued exchanges of war prisoners served as a reminder that, when there is political will, "diplomacy can succeed — even in the darkest hour."

Security Council holds session on challenges of conflict prevention

On 25 September, addressing a ministerial-level meeting “leadership for peace: united in respect of the UN Charter,” the Secretary-General underlined that “from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond— wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined.” He said that "leadership for peace" meant that all Member States should live up to their commitments under the UN Charter and international law, as well as those in the recently adopted Pact for the Future. He noted that the Pact called for the strengthening of the tools and frameworks used to prevent conflict, sustain peace, and advance development. 

"Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon," Secretary-General tells Council

On 26 September, at an emergency Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that "Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon" and that the country was "on the brink." Although the Blue Line had "seen tensions for years," he said, exchanges of fire had expanded in scope, depth, and intensity since October. Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces had exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities. The exchanges of fire had been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. He went on to note that UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert had travelled to Israel for consultations.

Assistant Secretary-General, Elizabeth Spehar, joins side events in support of peacebuilding during Action Days and UNGA high-level Week

During the Summit of the Future Action Days and the UN General Assembly High-level week, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Elizabeth Spehar participated in a variety of side events. These included a high-level panel discussion on "Investing for Prevention: Scaling up Peace, A Call to Action for DFIs," highlighting the critical role of Development Finance Institutions in advancing peace-positive investments; the high-level event on climate, peace and human mobility organized by the COP29 presidency and IOM, highlighting UN tools for analysis, cross-sectoral partnerships, inclusive approaches & catalytic funding; and an event on "Resolution on Financing for Peacebuilding: Two Years On, From Theory to Practice," where ASG Spehar emphasized the need to build on the momentum generated by the UN General Assembly's Resolution on Financing for Peacebuilding (A/RES/76/305) to ensure adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding. Representing the Secretary-General at the g7+ Summit chaired by the President of Sierra Leone, ASG Spehar commended the call for strong multilateralism and global solidarity, and underscored the importance of good governance, empowering youth, and fostering transformative partnerships for sustainable peace and development. ASG Spehar stressed the importance of local implementation, technology, and partnerships to accelerate the SDGs at the side event organized by Nigeria Governors' Forum on ‘Accelerating Sustainable Development: Harnessing Technology and Partnerships for SDGs 3 and 11.’ ASG Spehar was also interviewed in the SDG Media Zone and joined the UN News podcast, Focus on the Future.

UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert visits Israel

On 23 September, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert began an official visit to Israel. Over the course of the week, the Special Coordinator met with senior Israeli officials to discuss recent developments. In a statement announcing the visit, the Special Coordinator underscored that "there is no military solution that will make either side safer."

DSRSG Isaczai attends international conference on climate change

On 22 September, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, attended the International Conference on Climate Change and Health Security in Baghdad. In remarks, Isaczai emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges of climate change and said that the United Nations in Iraq remains fully committed to supporting the country's climate resilience efforts.  

UNAMI marks Sustainable Development Goals Day

On 25 September, UNAMI’s Development Support Office in Ninawa marked Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Day. Alongside local government, NGOs and community groups, the Office discussed how the Global Goals are guiding the international community's efforts. Ninawa is among the first governorates in Iraq to align its strategic vision with the 2030 Agenda. 

Head of UNAMI Office in Kurdistan region meets with senior political leader

On 26 September, the Head of UNAMI Office in the Kurdistan Region, Francesc Revuelto-Lanao, met in Erbil with Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Politburo member. They discussed the current political situation in the Region, including the forthcoming elections for the Kurdistan Region Parliament.

SRSG Abarry meets with French Senators

On 24 September, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry met with French senators Patrice Joly and Ronan Le Gleut. They discussed the transition process in Gabon, as well as issues related to peace and security in Central Africa. 

Next Week

The General Debate of the General Assembly will conclude on 30 September. Switzerland will take up the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of October.