Ramiz Alakbarov briefs Security Council on fragile ceasefire

On 24 November, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov briefed the Security Council via videoconference, describing “a moment of renewed hope” amid persistent uncertainty. He said the ceasefire in Gaza has largely held since taking effect last month, though recent Israeli airstrikes on populated areas and sporadic attacks by Palestinian militants have caused casualties and damage. The Deputy Special Coordinator reported that the United Nations has redoubled efforts to mobilize and scale up humanitarian assistance, seizing the moment to reach the population. “We must not risk a reversal. The coordinated international effort needs to be expanded, both in the immediate term to consolidate the ceasefire, and over the longer term to realize a more secure and just future for all,” he said. 

UN commemorates International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

On 25 November, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People commemorated the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General Courtenay Rattray delivered remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to dignity, justice and self-determination. The Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and the Security Council resolution on the situation there and urged full implementation. 

Peacebuilding Fund surpasses $1 billion in approvals under its 2020–2026 strategy

On 26 November, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar told the media that the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) has surpassed $1 billion in approvals since 2020 under its current global strategy. About three quarters of funding has supported programmes in Africa, including initiatives in Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic that advance women’s participation, prevent electoral violence, strengthen youth engagement and reinforce local governance in transition settings.

PBC–PBF Advisory Group meeting showcases national peacebuilding efforts and innovative financing

On 25 November, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held its third annual meeting with the Advisory Group of the PBF, highlighting how PBF-financed programmes are supporting nationally led peacebuilding initiatives, including innovative financing approaches such as those in Burundi. Chaired by Ricklef Beutin, Permanent Representative of Germany, the Commission received briefings from Macharia Kamau, Chair of the PBF Advisory Group, Zéphyrin Maniratanga, Permanent Representative of Burundi, Pradeep Kurukulasuriya of the UN Capital Development Fund and ASG Spehar. Speakers underscored the growing urgency of peacebuilding amid global pressures and the need to broaden support for national prevention strategies in the context of the Peacebuilding Architecture Review.

PBF Advisory Group discusses strategic positioning and peacebuilding priorities

From 24 to 26 November, the 8th Advisory Group of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) held its third session in New York. The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, received the Group together with ASG Spehar. Discussions focused on the PBF’s strategic positioning in the context of the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the UN80 Initiative, alongside the implications of the evolving global landscape for peacebuilding. Members also reviewed the Fund’s prioritization approach and the programming of the assessed contribution for 2027.

New impact evaluations in Guatemala show PBF investments reducing conflicts by 80%

On 21 November, DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office and the Permanent Mission of Guatemala, in partnership with Germany and Canada, launched two new impact evaluations of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) investments in Guatemala. The evaluations find that PBF financing significantly contributed to conflict prevention, leading to an 80% reduction in the number of conflicts in areas where initiatives implemented by FAO, WFP and OHCHR were carried out. The event featured remarks from the ASG for Peacebuilding Support and the Permanent Missions of Guatemala, Germany and Canada, followed by presentations of key findings from the International Security and Development Center (ISDC) and International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie). 

UNRCCA co-organizes regional Women, Peace and Security conference

On 25 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze participated in the “Women, Peace and Security” Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Dialogue in Dushanbe. The event, chaired by Tajikistan and co-organized by UNRCCA, UN Women, and UNFPA, reviewed regional progress on the WPS agenda and discussed women’s participation in peacebuilding. Participants also focused on Afghan women’s inclusion in education and economic initiatives and explored the Dialogue’s future governance. The conference concluded with a draft address to the UN Secretary-General and the handover of the WLC chairmanship to Uzbekistan for 2026.

Central Asian experts discuss regional cooperation on water, energy, environment and climate in Almaty

On 26–27 November, UNRCCA convened a regional expert meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together officials from national ministries, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) Executive Committee and international specialists. The meeting offered a platform to exchange national experiences, review preliminary findings, and explore coordinated approaches to shared challenges in water, energy, environment and climate — reflecting key elements of the draft 2026–2030 UNRCCA Strategy. Participants reaffirmed UNRCCA’s role as a unique expert platform for regional engagement and water diplomacy, aiming to strengthen collaboration on transboundary water, energy, and environmental issues in Central Asia. 

UNRCCA holds fifteenth annual meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers in Almaty

On 27–28 November, UNRCCA convened the 15th Annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian States in Almaty. Delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participated, joined by the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), reflecting Afghanistan’s continued relevance to regional stability. Discussions covered climate change, transboundary water management and preventing violent extremism, alongside presentations of UNRCCA’s 2026–2030 Programme of Action and Water Strategy. The meeting also featured the Seventh Regional dialogue with youth. The next session will take place in late 2026 in Tajikistan.

UNOAU and Norway reaffirm strategic partnership with launch of new edition of She Stands for Peace

On 27 November, the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) and the Norwegian Embassy in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union launched the Third Edition of She Stands for Peace and conducted a ceremonial exchange of the renewed project agreement supporting UN–AU cooperation on peace and security. The NOK 6 million project, running from October 2025 to December 2026, seeks to reinforce joint efforts in conflict prevention, mediation and peace support operations, while integrating the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOAU Parfait Onanga-Anyanga and Ambassador Stian Christensen reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that peace processes in Africa reflect women’s leadership and experiences. The programme also included a book reading and contributions from partners, including the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations. 

UNAMI leadership discusses political developments with Iraqi and Kurdistan Region authorities

On 25 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan met in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to review political developments in Iraq and the region. Both expressed satisfaction with the recent electoral process and reaffirmed the UN–Iraq partnership. 

On 24 November in Erbil, the Special Representative held separate meetings with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and with Minister of Interior Rêber Ahmed, discussing political developments, ongoing dialogues, and support for the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to ensure security and stability and to strengthen the federal relationship in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution.

UN coordinates with Iraqi government on development, climate and social issues

From 25 to 27 November, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq (DSRSG/RC/HC) Ghulam M. Isaczai met with senior Iraqi leaders to advance cooperation between the UN and Iraq across multiple sectors. On 25 November, he joined national partners in launching the 16-Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls campaign, calling for collective action to end digital violence against women and girls and urging the Government of Iraq to adopt comprehensive legislation protecting online safety. On 26 November, Isaczai and Minister of Environment Dr. Hallo Al-Askari co-chaired a high-level briefing on the outcomes of COP30 and Iraq’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution, discussing climate resilience, water security, and national priorities. On 27 November, the DSRSG met with Foreign Affairs Minister Fuad Hussein to discuss strengthening the UN–Iraq Cooperation Framework to support Iraq’s development and sustainable development goals. 

UNAMI and OHCHR conclude training on human rights-based approaches to anti-corruption

On 26–27 November in Erbil, the UNAMI Human Rights Office and OHCHR, in partnership with Iraq’s Federal Commission of Integrity, concluded a two-day hybrid training titled “Complementary Pathways: Strengthening Justice for Corruption Offences through a Human Rights-Based Approach.” The workshop gathered 24 staff from the Federal Commission of Integrity, the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, and the Commission of Integrity of the Kurdistan Region. Participants examined the human rights impacts of corruption, reviewed relevant UN human rights recommendations to Arab States including Iraq, and discussed indicators and methodologies for data collection and reporting. The event marked the final activity in an 18-month UNAMI/OHCHR series supporting a human rights-based approach to anti-corruption.

Nine years on: renewed commitment to Colombia’s peace agreement

On 26 November, Colombia commemorated the ninth anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement. SRSG and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) Miroslav Jenča joined the main ceremony alongside President Gustavo Petro, government authorities, former combatants, civil society and international actors. He noted that the Agreement remains a historic achievement and a global reference point, providing essential tools to reduce the influence of armed groups and strengthen the security of communities, social leaders, and former combatants. The SRSG underscored the need for effective, complementary implementation of peace and security policies. 

Women peacebuilders lead dialogue in Guaviare

In San José del Guaviare, the UN Verification Mission joined the ARN-led “Let’s Talk, Heal, and Act” initiative on 25 November to raise awareness about the forms of violence against women and the support pathways available for survivors. Women former combatants took part in activities that helped identify strengths, challenges and collective solutions, reinforcing the importance of trust building, women’s leadership and community protection mechanisms for advancing sustainable peace in the region.

Spain contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of the Spain for its contribution of EUR 300,000 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. Spain’s renewed contribution reinforces its steady backing for the UN’s political work and reflects its continued partnership in advancing conflict prevention and mediation efforts globally.

Next Week

Slovenia will assume the presidency in December.