Ukraine war at "potential inflection point," says USG DiCarlo

On 29 April, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, briefing the Security Council, described the war in Ukraine as “an egregious challenge to the Charter of the United Nations and international law”, reaffirming that any peace must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She noted the war has reached a “potential inflection point,” offering a glimmer of hope for progress toward a ceasefire and a peaceful settlement. She added that the continued exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation also shows that with political will, diplomacy can yield tangible results even in the most difficult circumstances.

Guterres urges action and unimpeded aid to Gaza

In a briefing to the Security Council on 29 April, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the promise of a two-State solution for Israel and Palestine is at risk of disappearing entirely, calling on political leaders to choose action over silence. He condemned the collapse of the recent Gaza ceasefire and expressed alarm over Israeli officials’ comments suggesting aid could be used as a tool of military pressure. Emphasizing that humanitarian assistance is non-negotiable, he called for unimpeded aid access, protection of civilians, the immediate release of hostages, and a permanent ceasefire grounded in international law. 

ASG Spehar calls for a “new generation of partnerships” at International Conference on Financing for Development

On 30 April, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar addressed a roundtable at the Final Preparatory Committee of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, chaired by the Permanent Mission of South Africa. The discussion, titled “Preventing Violence, Investing in Peace,” featured opening remarks from IDB Vice President Anabel Gonzalez and the Permanent Representative of Chad, with closing remarks delivered by Norway. Participants—including speakers from Croatia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Yemen, the European Union, and civil society—underscored the importance of integrating prevention, peacebuilding, and development agendas. They also emphasized aligning the Peacebuilding Architecture Review with the forthcoming Financing for Development Conference in Seville. ASG Spehar highlighted the urgency of nationally-led prevention amid rising global risks and called for a “new generation of partnerships,” including with the private sector, to scale up sustainable financing for peacebuilding.

Ambassadorial Retreat explores opportunities to strengthen UN Peacebuilding Architecture

The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation (DHF), in partnership with DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), hosted an Informal retreat for Ambassadorial-level members of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and of the Security Council on 1-2 May 2025, at Greentree Estate in Manhasset, New York. The retreat aims to discuss how the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review can strengthen the work of the UN in peacebuilding including the Peacebuilding Commission’s advisory, convening and bridging roles.

Secretary-General appoints Personal Envoy on Cyprus

Secretary-General António Guterres announced on 2 May the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus. The Secretary-General has asked Ms. Holguín to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him. Ms. Holguín completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.

Advancing gender equality in Libya's public sector

To mark Libyan National Women’s Day, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and UN Women co-hosted a webinar on women’s representation in public service. While women make up nearly 46% of the workforce in Libyan ministries, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Speakers, including the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs and the UN Women Representative, emphasized the need for policy reform, supportive work environments, and stronger institutional frameworks to advance women’s participation in decision-making. 

Benghazi hosts dialogues on election integrity and community peacebuilding 

From 21 to 23 April, Benghazi hosted two forums organized by UNSMIL, bringing together over 85 participants from youth groups, civil society, media, and government authorities. The first forum addressed election security, focusing on combating disinformation and misinformation, with discussions on media practices and strategies to safeguard electoral integrity. The second forum emphasized the role of youth and civil society in advancing security sector reform and reducing community violence, highlighting the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaboration in promoting peace and stability across Libya.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain receives SRSG Al Hassan

On 30 April in Manama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, received the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan. They discussed regional developments, prospect of cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations and its various agencies, as well as matters of common interests. 

UNAMI closes offices in Kirkuk

On 29 April, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Claudio Cordone, visited Kirkuk Governorate where he met with the President of Kirkuk Governorate’s Council, Muhammad al-Hafith, and Council members. DSRSG Cordone thanked the officials for the local government’s support and noted that "UNAMI is closing its Kirkuk office, but it will continue implementing its mandate until the end of the year." The DSRSG also participated in a positive discussion between civil society, local government and UNAMI on supporting political participation of women and youth. 

ONE UN Plan Steering Committee highlights joint achievements and future goals

The ONE UN Plan Steering Committee, chaired by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (DSRSG/RC/HC), Ghulam Isaczai, convened at the UN Headquarters in Baghdad on 29 April. The meeting reviewed implementation progress and advocacy priorities and reaffirmed strong collaboration between the UN and the donor community in support of the Government of Iraq’s efforts to accelerate the return of Iraqi nationals from Northeast Syria. 

Iraq Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group convenes in Baghdad

The Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group, co-chaired by Minister of Environment Hallo Al-Askari and DSRSG/RC/HC Ghulam Isaczai, convened on 28 April, at UN Headquarters in Baghdad. The meeting brought together key government representatives and UN agencies, discussed strategic priorities, including advancing the Nationally Determined Contribution process (efforts by each country to reduce national emissions), improving air quality monitoring, and scaling up UN-supported climate initiatives. 

UNAMI Human Rights Office holds dialogue session in Basra 

On 29 April, the UNAMI Human Rights Office jointly with the Federal Commission of Integrity (CoI) organized a one-day dialogue session in Basra governorate to discuss the linkages between corruption and human rights violations and the need for collaborative approaches, including with relevant authorities, to prevent and combat corruption and promote human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights. The session was attended by representatives of civil society organizations, journalists, defense lawyers and officials from the Commission of Integrity on the human rights-based approach to anti-corruption efforts in Iraq. Participants also discussed the challenges in maintaining a safe and enabling environment that allows human rights defenders, journalists, defence lawyers, anti-corruption activists and whistleblowers to support the efforts of the authorities to prevent corruption and protect human rights. 

SRSG Kaha Imnadze engages with Kazakh leaders on regional peace and security priorities

From 28 to 30 April, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze visited Astana for high-level meetings with senior Kazakh officials, regional organizations, UN counterparts, and the diplomatic community. Discussions focused on Kazakhstan’s current priorities, including its Chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), as well as regional efforts in preventing violent extremism, managing transboundary water resources, and promoting the role of women in peace and security. Kazakh counterparts reaffirmed their support for preventive diplomacy and welcomed UNRCCA’s initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation.

UNRCCA co-hosts cross-regional dialogue on returnees from conflict zones

On 30 April, UNRCCA, in partnership with Kazakhstan, UNOCT, and OSCE, convened a Cross-regional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (PRR) of returnees from conflict zones. Bringing together over 100 participants from Central and South-East Asia, Iraq, Morocco, civil society, and international organizations, the event fostered the exchange of experiences and best practices. SRSG Kaha Imnadze emphasized the need for continued vigilance and preparedness amid evolving security dynamics, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation and the work of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council on PRR. 

UNRCCA empowers Central Asian youth through Model UN to mark UN’s 80th anniversary

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, UNRCCA hosted a virtual Model UN simulation through its Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA), bringing together youth from Central Asia and Afghanistan. Guided by PDA alumni, participants engaged in simulated sessions of the General Assembly, Security Council, and ECOSOC, debating issues such as youth inclusion in diplomacy, post-conflict peacebuilding, and economic opportunities. The event underscored the importance of youth voices in advancing the UN’s mission for a more peaceful and sustainable future.

In Qatar, Special Envoy Xia discuss peace and development in Africa’s Great Lakes Region

Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia met with the Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi during his visit to Doha. The meeting focused on UN-led efforts to advance peace and sustainability in the Great Lakes region and highlighted Qatar’s continued role in supporting stability and development across the African continent.

“UN Security Council in Review” for April is out

This week, the UN Security Council Affairs Division published “UN Security Council in Review,” its monthly newsletter covering the work of the Council this month. Under the Presidency of France for the month of April, the Council held 22 formal meetings, 9 consultations, 4 Arria-formula meetings and issued three press statements. Ukraine and Sudan and South Sudan were the most frequently considered country- or region-specific items in open and closed discussions. 

Next Week

On 6 May, the Security Council will hold a debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 8 May, DPPA will convene an expert-level discussion with the adopters of the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes.