A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

USG DiCarlo heads UN delegation to commemoration of 80th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz

On 27 January, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo headed the UN delegation to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. Holocaust survivors, world leaders, and other dignitaries participated in the event at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site in Oswiecim, Poland.

Security Council "looks forward to the outcome of the 2025 review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture"

On 27 January, the Security Council unanimously adopted a presidential statement noting with appreciation the release of the Secretary-General’s report on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace. The Council also took note of the inputs for the 2025 review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture by the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). It also acknowledged submission of a letter dated 21 November 2024 by the Group of Independent Eminent Persons and the inputs from thematic and regional consultations. The Statement also noted that the Council looked forward to the outcome of the 2025 review. It said that the review offers an opportunity to reflect on two decades of peacebuilding efforts and assess the effectiveness of the current architecture. Its outcome will shape the future direction of the UN's peacebuilding initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to preventing conflict and sustaining peace worldwide.

Peacebuilding Commission opens 2025 session with new leadership

The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened on 30 January and elected new officers for its 19th session. Germany was elected as the new Chair, taking over from Brazil, which remains as Vice-Chair. Japan, Poland, and Morocco were also elected as Vice-Chairs, doubling the number of Vice-Chairs from two to four in the 19th Session. The Commission also re-elected Morocco, Brazil, and Sweden as the Chairs of the Country-Specific Configurations on the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, and Liberia, respectively. In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General, António Guterres, saluted the Commission for its advisory role to the Security Council, including in the context of UN Mission Transitions, and called for a strengthening of the PBC through this year’s Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture and for a “quantum leap” of USD 500 million per year in financing for the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

UNOWAS and UNOCA hold joint high-level mission to Nigeria

From 27 to 31 January, as part of the implementation of Security Council resolution 2349 (2017) on the Lake Chad Basin crisis, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, and SRSG and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa Abdou Abarry visited Nigeria. The two officials visited Bama Borno State, where they met with local authorities and populations displaced by the violence in north-east Nigeria. They also participated in the fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum on Stabilization, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development, held in Maiduguri, Borno State and renewed the commitment of the United Nations to support efforts for stabilization, peacebuilding and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin region.

SRSG Al Hassan meets with Iraqi Private Banks League

On 29 January, SRSG and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan visited the Iraqi Private Banks League in Baghdad. He met with the League’s president and several heads and representatives of private banks operating in Iraq, who briefed him on achievements in the banking sector, as well as the challenges and obstacles they face and the international support required for their operations. Al Hassan stressed the importance of the banking sector in strengthening and diversifying the economy, emphasizing the need to uphold transparency and adhere to international standards.  

Deputy SRSG Cordone meets with Independent High Electoral Commission Chairman

On 29 January, the Deputy SRSG for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Claudio Cordone, met with the Chairman of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), Judge Omar Mohammed, and board members to discuss planning for the 2025 Council of Representatives elections, including work on the Kirkuk voters’ register. 

RC Isaczai visits Basmayah Model Police Station

On 29 January, UN Resident Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai visited the Basmayah Model Police Station to observe the progress of Iraq’s Model Police Stations initiative. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative is driving Iraq’s security transition from militarized to people-centered policing. By fostering trust, enhancing safety, and expanding access to justice—particularly for women and girls—these stations are playing a crucial role in community-oriented law enforcement.

UN Mission and Inga authorities discuss peace and reconciliation in Putumayo

On 28 January, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia visited the authorities of the Inga Indigenous people in Puerto Guzmán, department of Putumayo, to follow up on the processes of the Special Indigenous Jurisdiction as part of the Mission's mandate to verify the implementation of the Ethnic Chapter of the Peace Agreement. During the meeting, the Indigenous authorities shared their perspectives on achievements and challenges in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, highlighting key issues such as Comprehensive Rural Reform, collective reparation, land restitution and reconciliation. They also expressed their expectations about the role of these areas in the construction of peace in their territories.

Sweden and the UN Mission strengthen commitment to women's rights in Quibdó

On 29 January, SRSG and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu, together with the Swedish Foreign Minister, the Swedish Ambassador to Colombia, UN Women Colombia, representatives of the Vice-Ministry of Women and the Colombian Foreign Ministry, held a dialogue in Quibdó, capital of the department of Chocó. They met with ethnic authorities, victims and women's organisations. Participants discussed peacebuilding, the role of women in promoting culture, development, territorial transformations, and the defence of human rights and reconciliation in the territory. During the meeting, the SRSG highlighted the Mission's commitment to continue supporting the inclusion of women's voices in dialogue efforts and the implementation of the Peace Agreement with the necessary security guarantees.

Next Week

China will commence its Presidency of the Security Council for February.