USG DiCarlo notes "brutal surge in large-scale Russian attacks" across Ukraine

On 29 May, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said that when she last briefed the Security Council, there was "cautious hope of progress on the diplomatic front to stop the fighting" in Ukraine. However, she said, instead of steps towards peace, the world "witnessed a brutal surge in large-scale Russian attacks across the country." The escalation came after a relative reduction in the intensity of attacks, including a unilateral 72-hour truce declared by the Russian Federation from 8-11 May. The USG noted that for three consecutive nights last weekend, Russian armed forces attacked Ukrainian cities and towns with record numbers of long-range missiles and drones, killing and injuring dozens of civilians. Most of the casualties were recorded in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Mykolaiv, as well as in other densely populated areas. In total, she said, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, at least 13,279 civilians, including 707 children, have been killed. The confirmed number of civilians injured stands at 32,449, including 2,068 children.

"The two-State solution is on life support," Special Coordinator Kaag tells Security Council

On 28 May, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim Sigrid Kaag said that since the collapse of the ceasefire in March, civilians had constantly come under fire and were deprived of life-saving relief. Israel must halt its devastating strikes on civilian life and infrastructure in Gaza, she said. On 18 May, the UN was informed by Israeli authorities of the approval for the resumption of limited aid entry into Gaza. This was comparable to “a lifeboat after the ship has sunk”, she said, stressing that aid cannot be negotiable. On the West Bank, she noted the acceleration of the “de facto annexation through settlement expansion, land seizures and settler violence." The General Assembly’s high-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be held in June, must not end up as “another rhetorical exercise”, she said, adding: “Statehood is a right, not a reward.”

Peacebuilding Commission's Country-Specific Configuration on Liberia convenes an Ambassadorial level meeting

On 28 May, the Peacebuilding Commission's (PBC) Country-Specific Configuration on Liberia convened an Ambassadorial level meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Gender, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace Kollie, to consider Liberia's peacebuilding priorities. The Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, a civil society representative, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia also participated. Member States commended Liberia for the progress towards implementing its second National Action Plan on WPS (2019–2024) and welcomed Liberia's commitment to developing a third Plan as well as efforts towards developing a first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. Member States also noted Liberia’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  

Peacebuilding Commission convenes Ambassadorial level meeting with President of São Tomé 

On 29 May, the PBC convened an Ambassadorial level meeting to hear a presentation from the President, Carlos Vila Nova, on São Tomé  and Principe’s newly adopted Conflict Prevention Strategy and to also consider the country’s peacebuilding priorities. The Conflict Prevention Strategy was developed with close support from the UN System, including from the Resident Coordinator, the PBC and the Peacebuilding Fund, and further also to recommendations contained in the Pact for the Future. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Abdou Abarry, a representative of the African Development Bank, a civil society representative, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support also briefed. Member States recognized that the Strategy will serve as a crucial framework to guide peacebuilding efforts. They also encouraged the provision of political and resource-mobilization support to help ensure its effective implementation. A joint PBC-São Tomé statement is planned for issue.

USG DiCarlo addresses Jeju Forum

In recorded remarks to the 20th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in the Republic of Korea, held from 28-30 May, USG DiCarlo highlighted the need to reimagine approaches to global peace and cooperation. “Innovation for peace is not only about technology. It is about fresh mindsets, new partnerships, and the ways we work together” she noted. USG DiCarlo emphasized that at a time of global uncertainty, regional cooperation matters more than ever, and a stronger and more efficient UN is in the interest of all of us. She underscored the importance of meaningful inclusion of women and youth, stating they are “not just beneficiaries of peace; they are builders of it”.

As part of its engagement at the Forum, DPPA also organized a youth-led panel under the Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia initiative. The session brought together young peacebuilders Japan, the ROK and China, which presented forward-looking policy recommendations aimed at shaping a more inclusive digital future for the region. From expanding rural digital infrastructure and launching youth-led AI and innovation hubs, to piloting cross-border data-sharing, the youth recommendations offer a blueprint for regional digital governance grounded in equity and collaboration. The panel called for strengthening cooperation in Northeast Asia, including with youth as co-creators of peace and innovation in the digital age.

Special Coordinator for Lebanon and Special Envoy for Syria meet with Lebanese officials

This week, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen held a round of joint meetings with Lebanese officials in Beirut. The enoys met with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for discussions on the situation in Lebanon and the region. Amid fast-paced developments on both sides of the Lebanon-Syria border, the envoys highlighted the importance of harnessing opportunities to advance regional security and stability, including by addressing outstanding issues related to the implementation of United Nations resolutions, in particular resolution 1701 (2006), as well as by addressing border disputes and management, and formulating solutions to support sustainable refugee returns.

Special Coordinator discusses reforms and resolution 1701 with Lebanese officials

Special Coordinator for Lebanon Hennis-Plasschaert also held meetings with Lebanese officials this week on the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and reforms necessary for Lebanon’s recovery and sustainable development. In a meeting with Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Rodolphe Haykal, the Special Coordinator discussed the critical role played by the army in the extension of State authority across Lebanon and the wider implementation of resolution 1701. The Special Coordinator also stressed, in a meeting with Minister of Justice Adel Nassar, the need for the enactment of a draft law approved by Lebanon’s cabinet to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, as well as for progress in the ongoing investigation into Beirut’s 2020 port explosion and judicial proceedings against suspects in the 2022 killing of UNIFIL peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney.

SRSG Imnadze visits the Russian Federation

This week, SRSG and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze visited Moscow for consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergey Vershinin, Mikhail Galuzin, and Alexander Pankin. Discussions focused on regional security, transboundary water, terrorism, and the situation in Afghanistan. Both sides stressed stronger cooperation and UNRCCA’s vital role in Central Asia. SRSG Imnadze also met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev and CSTO Deputy Secretary-General Samat Ordabaev, highlighting growing collaboration and shared priorities.

UNRCCA session reinforces role of youth in promoting human rights

On 27 May, UNRCCA convened a session of its Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) on the theme “Universality of Human Rights.” The interactive session, held virtually, gathered 45 young participants from Central Asia and Afghanistan.

SRSG Imnadze participates in Forum of Central Asian Women Leaders Caucus

This week, SRSG Imnadze participated in the opening of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC), held under the chairmanship of Tajikistan and within the framework of the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation. Centered on “Women in Glacier Preservation,” the event highlighted women’s roles in climate resilience, featuring panels on women-led initiatives and gender-responsive environmental governance. The Forum adopted the CAWLC Action Plan for 2025, prioritizing Women, Peace and Security (WPS), climate action, and regional cooperation.

SRSG Imnadze highlights importance of regional cooperation

On 29 May, UNRCCA co-hosted a High-Level Regional Forum in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, addressing glacier retreat and its consequences for water security and climate resilience in Central Asia. Organized ahead of the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, the event brought together senior officials, experts, and partners to explore science-based, preventive solutions. SRSG Imnadze highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, diplomacy, and integrated governance in tackling climate risks. UNRCCA led a session on strengthening policy coordination and transboundary governance.

Great Lakes leaders meet to discuss regional peace and security

On 28 May, government leaders from the Great Lakes region met in Kampala, Uganda, under the chairmanship of President Yoweri Museveni, to discuss the political and security situation in the region. The high-level summit brought together key stakeholders, including UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia, as well as representatives from the Africa Union, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). Discussions focused on the persistent insecurity in eastern DRC. The leaders also reviewed ongoing peace efforts, underscoring the need to include women and youth in peace initiatives.

SRSG Al Hassan meets Iraqi Minister of Oil

On 29 May, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, met in Baghdad with the Deputy Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Hayyan Abdul-Ghani. They discussed issues relating to the energy sector and the efforts to protect the environment.

SRSG Al Hassan participates in anti-money-laundering conference

On 28 May, SRSG Al Hassan participated in the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Conference in Baghdad. The conference was an opportunity to share expertise and address confidence building, as well as how to attract investment and international partnerships. Al Hassan said that "the United Nations believes that good governance, transparency and compliance with international regulatory frameworks are not only pillars for the prevention of money laundering and financing terrorism, but also tools to enhance trust building measures between states and institutions, especially in the financial sector, which is the lifeline for economic growth.”

United Nations in Iraq discusses supporting Iraqi women’s participation

On 29 May, representatives of United Nations entities and the Permanent Committee on Support for Women’s Political Participation met to discuss Iraqi women’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections.Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance Claudio Cordone and Director General, National Directorate for Iraqi Women, under the Council of Ministers Secretariat Yossra Karim Mohsen led the discussions. Committee members outlined their plans and strategies on protection, training, media campaigns, countering hate speech and providing civic and voter education. UN participants underscored areas where their expert advice and support can benefit Iraqi women.

Memory, identity and peace: Afro-Colombian Day in Arauca

On 25 May, at the ETCR in Filipinas, in the department of Arauca, UNVMC joined peace signatories and local communities in commemorating Afro-Colombian Day. This gathering affirmed the value of ethnic and cultural diversity as the foundation for sustainable peace, recognizing the historical contributions of Black, Afro-Colombian, Raizal and Palenquero peoples to the reconciliation processes in the territory. The event included a collective reflection on ancestral memory and the role of ethnic peoples in building a more inclusive and equitable nation.

Youth cultural expression as a path to peace in Cauca

On 26 May, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) attended the "Youth Cultural Encounter for Life and Peace" event in Popayán, Cauca. This initiative, promoted by Pastoral Social, highlighted the artistic and cultural expression of children and adolescents as tools for resilience in the face of the effects of armed conflict. The event recognized the diversity of youth voices that, through art, contribute to building a culture of peace and transforming their territories.

Progress in rural reform and housing in Antioquia

On 28 May, in Medellín, together with representatives of the national government, the Government of Antioquia, Proantioquia, Comfama, Hacemos Memoria, the Casa de la Memoria Museum and peace signatories, UNVMC hosted the forum "Implementation of the Peace Agreement in Antioquia: Progress in Comprehensive Rural Reform and Housing." At the event, UNVMC presented the recent quarterly report of the UN Secretary-General on Colombia, highlighting that access to adequate housing for ex-combatants and their families strengthens their ties to the community, promotes local stability, and facilitates their full reintegration into society.

Women signatories of the peace agreement create gender plan

This week, in Bogotá, more than 60 women signatories of the Peace Agreement gathered to participate in the crafting of a District Gender Plan, with the support of the Mayor's Office, the National Reintegration Agency (ARN), and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. In the activity, the peace signatories shared their experiences and challenges in building peace in the city.

Next Week

Guyana will assume the Presidency of the Security Council for June.