USG DiCarlo meets with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders

Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo traveled to Cyprus this week to meet with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar. The USG said she had discussed with the leaders preparations for their meeting next month in Geneva under UN auspices. DiCarlo also met with civil society groups and spoke about women's participation in peacemaking efforts. From Cyprus the USG traveled to Greece and Türkiye for discussions on Cyprus and other issues.

Special Envoy Pedersen updates Security Council on political transition in Syria

On 12 February, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen updated the Council on the status of the political transition in the country. He noted that on 29 January, a broad range of military factions assembled in Damascus and issued a declaration dissolving the 2012 Constitution, exceptional laws, the former Parliament, the former army, former regime-allied militias and the Ba’ath Party. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa had pledged to “work to form a comprehensive transitional Government that expressed the diversity of Syria” towards “free and fair elections”. However, he noted that many Syrians were concerned that "there has been no rule-of-law, with no constitutional or legal framework for appointments and policy decisions, nor systematic communication or transparency." In addition, Syrians had been expressing their concern over reports of discriminatory practices targeting women. "Syrian women also want more than protection - they want meaningful participation in decision-making or appointments in key positions," he said.

"A sustainable resolution to this conflict is possible," Special Envoy for Yemen tells Council

On 13 February, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg told the Council that "a sustainable resolution to this conflict is still possible." He said that a reduction in hostilities, including a cessation of attacks by Ansar Allah on vessels in the Red Sea offered a foundation for further de-escalation. “Yet, while we welcome this reprieve, we must also acknowledge the magnitude of challenges still facing Yemen,” he said, noting a further wave of arbitrary detentions of United Nations staff by Ansar Allah. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of the staff and an investigation of the death in detention on 10 February of a World Food Programme staff member. He detailed his engagement with the parties to the conflict to advance sustainable, achievable and practical solutions that will benefit the Yemeni population. “Only a political settlement of the conflict will support the Yemenis in their aspirations for lasting peace,” he said.

DPPA holds event on sidelines of African Union Summit

This week, on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, DPPA together with the Republic of Burundi, the African Union, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, organized a High-Level event on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). The event was held under the patronage of Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and African Union Champion for YPS, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi, Albert Shingiro. DPPA was represented by Awa Dabo, Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) Director and Deputy Head. This event served as the Africa Regional Consultation for the second Independent Progress Study on YPS mandated by Action 20 of the Pact for the Future. Coordinated by DPPA, the study will present new narratives and data on the positive contributions that young people have made in peace processes and conflict resolution. More than 250 participants, a majority of which were youth, from civil society, Member States, the UN system and other stakeholders, joined the first hybrid consultation.

UNRCCA holds event on Tajikistan's counter-terrorism strategy

On 12 February, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Government of Tajikistan held a side event titled "Prevention of Violent Extremism through the Implementation of Tajikistan’s “National Strategy on Countering Extremism and Terrorism (2021-2025)”, at UN Headquarters in New York.  In his opening remarks, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, welcomed the willingness of Tajikistan to discuss lessons learned regarding the implementation of the national strategy. The event, which gathered relevant UN entities, member states as well as officials and civil society representatives from Tajikistan, provided an opportunity to share key achievements and lessons learned during the implementation phase of the Strategy, including through a whole-of-society approach.  

UN Special Coordinator promotes implementation of resolution 1701

This week, following the formation of a new Lebanese Government on 8 February, Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, accompanied by Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, held a round of meetings with Lebanese officials to discuss opportunities for the UN to support the new government. In her meetings with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, the Special Coordinator underlined the importance of consolidating stability across Lebanon and implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), while advancing much-needed reforms. The Special Coordinator also met with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lebanese Parliament to discuss outstanding commitments under resolution 1701.

UN Special Coordinator meets with Lebanese students

This week, hosted by the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert met with a group of students from the Department of Political and International Studies. Discussions focused on the importance of fostering peace and stability in Lebanon, the critical role of youth in shaping Lebanon’s future and the efforts of the UN to support both Lebanon and Israel to implement resolution 1701.

Iraqi Prime Minister receives SRSG Al Hassan

On 12 February, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan met with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Baghdad. They discussed the situation in Iraq and the region as well as enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and Iraq in the service of Iraq and its people.

SRSG Al Hassan meets with Amir of Kuwait

On 9 February, SRSG Al Hassan met with the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Separately, Al Hassan also met with the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The meetings were also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. 

SRSH Al Hassan meets with Head of Al Hikma National Movement

On 13 February, SRSG Al Hassan met in Baghdad with the Head of Al Hikma National Movement, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakim. They discussed the situation in Iraq and the region as well as the work of the UN in Iraq.

DSRSG Cordone visits Salah Al-Din Governorate

On 10 February, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance Claudio Cordone visited Salah Al-Din Governorate, where he met with First Deputy Governor Hashem Azzawi Al-Sammarrai. They discussed developments in the governorate, including the potential for tourism. The DSRSG also met separately with representatives from the Tadaruk non-governmental organization in Samarra, where discussion focused on human rights issues, including enforced disappearances, and the forthcoming parliamentary elections. While in Tikrit, the DSRSG paid his respects to the memory of 1,700 young cadets of the Tikrit Air Academy (Camp Speicher) massacred by Da'esh on in 2014.

UN Mission attends book donation day

On 10 February, In the rural area of Popayán, department of Cauca, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia participated in a book donation day by the Banco de la República. This initiative, promoted by peace signatories and community leaders, provides access to academic and recreational activities children and adolescents from marginalized communities. The books will form a library for learning and culture-building in the Sinai community.

UN supports Indigenous children's soccer school in Alto Andágueda

On 10 February, the children's soccer school of the Tahamí Indigenous Reservation in Alto Andágueda took a step toward peace and reconciliation, as part of an initiative by ethnic peace signatories from Bagadó that uses sport to build a future free from violence. With the support of the Mission, the young players received new uniforms and sports equipment, reinforcing their commitment to teamwork, resilience, and hope. 

In Colombia, farrmers meet at land and rural reform event

On 9 February, the UN Verification Mission attended the department's farmers' assembly in the municipality of Chiquiza, Boyacá department, in the central region of Colombia. More than 1100 peasants took part under the auspices of the National Land Agency (ANT), the Boyacá administration, and the Territory Renewal Agency (ART), including rural inhabitants, women, youth, conflict victims, Afro-Colombians, indigenous people, and peace agreement signatories. This is the second land and rural reform event in Boyacá this month, promoting the implementation of the Peace Agreement's point one, which is the formalization of rural property.

UN mission attends Bogotá City Council meeting on peace agreement

On 8 February, the Bogotá City Council met for the first time in the Colombian capital's rural district. The UN Verification Mission joined the meeting. Community members, including peace agreement signatories, voiced concerns about security, institutional presence, roads, education, health, and peace agreement implementation before the District Mayor, councilors, and authorities.

Next Week

On 18 February, the Security Council will hold an open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security: practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance. On 19 February, the Council will be briefed on LIbya by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Officer-in-Charge of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Koury.