Bienvenidos a las Naciones Unidas

Reports and Policy Documents

2025

  • 23 Mayo 2025
    A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

    USG DiCarlo meets with Crown Prince of Kuwait

    On 19 May, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo met with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, to discuss cooperation between the United Nations and Kuwait, including on regional issues. The meeting, held at Bayan Palace, was attended by Mazen Al-Issa, Diwan Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs; Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations; and Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq.

    Syria faces "significant structural challenges", Pedersen tells Security Council

    On 21 May, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen told the Security Council that he welcomed recent announcements by the United States and the European Union to lift sanctions on Damascus and commended support from regional countries, notably Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar. However, he said, Syria faced "significant structural challenges, with an economy ravaged by over a decade of war and conflict, and a host of other destabilizing factors." He went on to welcome the announcement by interim authorities to establish the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons. “The creation of a dedicated commission for missing persons attests to the centrality of this issue in the Syrian national experience, which has impacted almost every Syrian household,” he said. Moreover, the creation of a transitional justice commission is another “essential stepping-stone” in Syria’s recovery from conflict and restoration of Syrians’ right to truth and justice.

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    Peacebuilding Fund’s Group of Friends highlights support to Guatemala

    The Peacebuilding Fund’s Group of Friends held its second quarterly meeting of 2025 on 21 May, convening at the ambassadorial level, co-chaired by Sweden and the United Kingdom. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the PBF’s support to Guatemala, showcasing a concrete example of peacebuilding in practice. Joining virtually from Guatemala City, Mónica Mazariegos Rodas, Deputy Chief of Staff and Under-Secretary for Political Dialogue and Governance of the Presidency of Guatemala, and Miguel Barreto, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Guatemala, shared insights on the PBF’s role in advancing political dialogue and governance in the country. Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, briefed on the global Peacebuilding Fund, highlighting increased prioritization in the coming months with fewer countries in order to focus efforts, build further on innovative financing and supporting National Prevention Strategies. 

    Secretary-General meets with UN staff in Iraq as UNAMI drawdown nears

    During a townhall meeting in Baghdad on 18 May, Secretary-General António Guterres met with UN personnel serving in Iraq. As the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) prepares to conclude its mandate this year, the Secretary-General acknowledged the emotional moment and expressed deep pride in the staff’s dedication and achievements over the years. “I share your emotions—and I am very proud of all the work you have done,” he told colleagues.

    USG DiCarlo meets with Iraqi officials and civil society

    On 18 May, USG DiCarlo met in Baghdad with government and civil society representatives, including the Prime Minister’s adviser on women’s issues, Shahbaa Ahmed Hussein Al-Azawi. Discussions focused on Iraq’s efforts to advance the women’s affairs file and ongoing collaboration with the United Nations to promote women’s participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections. USG DiCarlo commended the positive steps taken and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to advancing the role of Iraqi women across all areas of public life.

    UN and ASEAN advance partnership in Jakarta meetings

    On 19 and 20 May, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari led a United Nations delegation—comprising representatives from DPPA-DPO, ESCAP, UNDP, and OCHA—for discussions with ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The meetings served as an opportunity to take stock of the ASEAN-UN partnership and review progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action, including political and security priorities. ASEAN stakeholders reaffirmed the value of deepening cooperation with the United Nations. In Jakarta, ASG Khiari also held bilateral meetings with Armanatha Kristiawan Nasir, Vice Foreign Minister of Indonesia, and Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He further discussed progress on the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda in ASEAN with Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Executive Director of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and met with the UN Country Team in Indonesia.

    SRSG Kaha Imnadze visits Kyrgyzstan

    On 20 May in Bishkek, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met with Kyrgyzstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Asein Isaev. They discussed cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and UNRCCA, including counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, climate issues, and the Centre’s plans for 2025. SRSG Imnadze commended Kyrgyzstan’s active engagement in the United Nations, its leadership on the mountain agenda, and its advocacy for landlocked developing countries. Both sides affirmed the effectiveness of their collaboration and expressed readiness to further strengthen their partnership.

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    SRSG Imnadze participates in inaugural "Termez Dialogue" on Central and South Asia connectivity

    This week, SRSG Imnadze participated in the inaugural session of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia: Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity, held from 19 to 21 May in Termez, Uzbekistan. He praised the initiative as a vital platform to boost peace, security, and shared prosperity for nearly two billion people in the region.

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    SRSG Imnadze meets with Speaker of the Senate of Uzbekistan

    On 19 May, SRSG Kaha Imnadze met in Tashkent with Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. They discussed the role of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) in promoting preventive diplomacy and regional cooperation in Central Asia. They also spoke about the importance of continued institutional progress on advancing peace and security, sustainable development, and the promotion of human rights in the region.

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    ASG for Youth Affairs engages with UNRCCA’s Preventive Diplomacy Academy

    During a visit to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier met with UNRCCA leadership and the Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) team on 22 May to discuss peace and security priorities in Central Asia, including counter-terrorism, water and climate issues, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. He also held a hybrid session with the 2025 Cohort and Alumni Network, highlighting the vital role of youth in conflict prevention. “We are nurturing the next generation to drive peace, human rights, and development in Central Asia and beyond,” he said.

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    UNSMIL shares Advisory Committee recommendations, prepares for public consultation

    The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) released on 20 May a report outlining options developed by its Advisory Committee to help resolve key political issues obstructing progress toward national elections. The report, grounded in inputs from Libyans, aims to guide the next phase of the UNSMIL-facilitated political process to unify state institutions and end the country’s prolonged transitional phase. Four potential roadmaps are proposed, including simultaneous presidential and legislative elections or establishing a political dialogue committee. Public consultations will follow in the coming weeks, involving political parties, youth, women, civil society, and other stakeholders.

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    Youth and Educators Co-Create Peace Education Roadmap in Sarajevo

    With support from the Peacebuilding Fund, over 250 youth and educators from Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the region came together in Sarajevo from 19 to 21 May for the Regional Conference on Peace and Education: Vision 2030. The event culminated in the co-creation of a Regional Roadmap for Peace Education—a strategic tool aimed at advancing inclusive and transformative education systems that foster non-violence, inclusion and social justice. The conference was part of the regional Initiative for Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust, supported by the Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund and the Embassy of Italy through the “Moving Us Closer” project

    Exhibition "Seeds of Peace"

    On 20 May, the Bogotá Regional Office of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia opened the first local "Seeds of Peace" (Semillas De Paz) picture exhibition in Ibagué, Tolima. It features 70 photographs taken by signatories to the Peace Agreement and communities organized by the Colectivo Miradas, with sponsorship from the UN Mission, UNDP, and the Ministry of Culture, among others. The exhibition is open to all at the city's major museum, Museo Panóptico through mid June.

    Peacebuilding Fund launches Thematic Review on Youth, Peace and Security

    On 22 May, the launch event of the Peacebuilding Fund’s Thematic Review on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) brought together a dynamic panel of youth peacebuilders: Abdullah Bility (Liberia), Ndegen Jobe (The Gambia), Khalid Mishain (Sudan), and Sarra Messaoudi (Tunisia). The panelists shared experiences from their respective countries: developing a YPS National Action Plan in Liberia, increasing young women's participation in national decision-making in The Gambia, and monitoring conflict in Sudan. They emphasized the importance of mobilizing youth into regional and global coalitions to advocate for the full implementation of the YPS agenda.

    Learn more

    DPPA releases 2024 Annual Report

    The 2024 Annual Report of DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA) is now online, showcasing how voluntary contributions enabled the Department to prevent conflict, support inclusive political processes, and respond swiftly to crises around the world. Covering the second year of the Department’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2026, the report underscores how partner support—amid a challenging funding landscape— allowed the Department to meet rising demand for its assistance and expertise. For 2025, we are seeking for $43 million to sustain its prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding work. This funding is essential to bridging the current shortfall and to respond to future needs.

    Read the report

    Norway contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

    This week, we thank Norway for its generous contribution of $2,900,000 under the 2024–2026 Multi-Year Agreement. Part of Norway's 2024-2026 Multi-Year Agreement of support to DPPA, the funds will go towards our conflict prevention, mediation and peacemaking work. Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

    Next Week

    On 28 May, the Security Council will be briefed on the situation in the Middle East. Guyana will assume the presidency of the Council in June.

  • 23 Mayo 2025

    Dakar, 21 May 2025 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United...

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    On a bright morning of May 13, 2025, the air around the UN House in Beirut crackled with energy, not from political negotiations or...

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan 

    ...
  • 22 Mayo 2025

    BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan 

    ...
  • 22 Mayo 2025

    With more than 36,000 civilian deaths recorded in conflict zones in 2024 and sexual violence surging, senior UN officials warn that the international framework designed to protect civilians is collapsing.

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    UN agencies in Gaza confirmed on Thursday that desperately needed aid has finally arrived at warehouses inside the enclave after an 11-week blockade by Israeli authorities.

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the “appalling killing” of two Israeli embassy officials in the United States capital, stressing that “nothing can justify such a horrific act,” his Spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. 

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    We're live as the Security Council convenes for its annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, with the UN relief chief and the head of UN Women calling for urgent action to safeguard lives – especially those of women and girls caught in the crossfire. Non-combatants in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine are among the hardest-hit. Mobile app users can follow here.

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    The United Kingdom agreed to cede its control over the Chagos Islands to the Republic of Mauritius in an agreement signed between the two countries on Thursday. 

  • 22 Mayo 2025

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    ...
  • 21 Mayo 2025

    Noor, a 16-month-old toddler, is from the Lahj governorate in the southwest corner of Yemen. A UN-partner volunteer diagnosed her with severe malnutrition – and her story became headline news when the UN relief chief recounted it to the Security Council during an impassioned briefing last week.

  • 21 Mayo 2025

    Israel forces opened fire on a diplomatic delegation near the Jenin camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, drawing condemnation from several governments and the UN. 

  • 21 Mayo 2025

    After years of stalemate and suffering, Syria is beginning to see renewed international engagement.

  • 21 Mayo 2025

    An “horrific” attack on a school bus in Pakistan’s Baluchistan Province on Wednesday which left six dead – including four children – has been condemned by the UN children’s agency.

  • 21 Mayo 2025

    UN aid workers said on Wednesday that they are still waiting for permission from Israel to distribute five trucks’ worth of lifesaving relief that was allowed into Gaza at the start of the week, after an 11-week blockade.

  • 20 Mayo 2025

    In a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen information integrity, combat digital mis- and disinformation and promote pluralistic media in Lebanon, the United Nations in Lebanon and...

  • 20 Mayo 2025

    TRIPOLI – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya released a report today outlining the options put forth by the Advisory Committee to resolve key contentious...

  • 20 Mayo 2025

    Women and girls living through humanitarian crises are at risk of being overlooked – just as they are at their most vulnerable. 

  • 20 Mayo 2025

    The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday urged world powers to uphold international maritime law and overcome geopolitical rivalries, warning that growing threats are endangering global trade, marine ecosystems and international peace.

  • 20 Mayo 2025

    TRIPOLI – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya will launch of a new professional development programme for Libyans in the media sector on 21 May. 

    The programme, called Basira (بصيرة), is...

  • 20 Mayo 2025

    TASHKENT, Uzbekistan

    As part of his working visit to Uzbekistan to participate in the Termez Dialogue, SRSG Kaha...

  • 19 Mayo 2025

    TERMEZ, Uzbekistan

    SRSG Kaha Imnadze participated in the inaugural session of the Termez...

  • 19 Mayo 2025

    Amid intensifying Israeli bombing and ground operations in Gaza, the UN’s relief coordination agency, OCHA, said on Monday that it was in talks with Israel to re-start deliveries of lifesaving supplies to the stricken enclave. 

  • 19 Mayo 2025

    Repeated drone strikes over the past two weeks in Port Sudan have damaged key infrastructure across the crucial Sudanese aid hub, disrupted humanitarian operations, and placed civilians in danger, a UN-appointed human rights expert has warned.

  • 19 Mayo 2025

    Syrians trying to rebuild their lives in their war-torn country urgently need the support of the rest of the world to help them start again, UN aid agencies insist.

  • 19 Mayo 2025

    The UN humanitarian affairs chief has welcomed Israel’s decision to allow limited aid to cross into Gaza after 11 weeks of complete blockade – but significantly more is needed “starting tomorrow morning”.

  • 19 Mayo 2025

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    As part of ongoing efforts to build the capacity of young professionals in the areas of preventive diplomacy...

  • 18 Mayo 2025

    TRIPOLI – In line with its role as Supreme Commander of the Libyan Armed Forces, the Presidential Council and UNSMIL have established a truce committee building on the fragile peace...

  • 18 Mayo 2025

    TRIPOLI – In line with its role as Supreme Commander of the Libyan Armed Forces, the Presidency Council and UNSMIL have established a truce committee building on the fragile peace...

  • 17 Mayo 2025

    A drone strike in eastern Ukraine on Saturday could possibly be the deadliest in recent weeks, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, HRMMU, has said.

  • 17 Mayo 2025

    The UN Secretary-General renewed his call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and upheld the need for a two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians in a speech on Saturday to the League of Arab States Summit in Baghdad.

  • 17 Mayo 2025

    NEW YORK - The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the escalation of violence in Tripoli in recent days, with reports of civilian casualties.

    The members of...

  • 16 Mayo 2025
    A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

    USG DiCarlo holds talks in Iraq, will visit Kuwait 

    Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo will undertake her first official visit to the State of Kuwait on 19 May. She is expected to meet with senior government officials to discuss regional developments and cooperation between Kuwait and the United Nations. Prior to the visit, USG DiCarlo joined the Secretary-General’s visit to Iraq to address the Arab League Summit. While in Baghdad, she held a bilateral meeting on 16 May with Iraq’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Muhammad Hussein Mohammed Bahr al-Uloom, to discuss political and peacebuilding priorities in Iraq and the wider region. 

    ASG Khiari calls for full implementation of resolution 2474 (2019) on missing persons in armed conflict

    On 15 May at the Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari called for urgent action to implement resolution 2474 (2019), underscoring the obligation to protect the rights of missing persons in armed conflict and their families. He stressed the need for parties to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure accountability. 

    Read his full remarks

    ASG Khiari warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

    ASG Khiari, speaking on 15 May at a commemorative event on the Nakba organized by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, said the Israeli Palestinian conflict has led to the world’s longest refugee crisis. It is a crisis that remains unresolved, shaping identity, lives, and the enduring pursuit of justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people. “This event demonstrates the importance the international community attaches to the ongoing plight of Palestine refugees,” he said. The ASG added that, “since the atrocious terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and continued holding of hostages, over 1.9 million Palestinians – more than 85 per cent of Gaza’s population and almost 80 per cent of them Palestine refugees from 1948 – have been forcibly displaced, many repeatedly, some 10 times or more.” “Peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part,” the ASG said.

    Special Envoy Grundberg warns Yemen remains vulnerable to regional tensions

    On 14 May, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) Hans Grundberg briefed the Security Council on Yemen. He welcomed the 6 May announcement of a cessation of hostilities between the United States and Ansar Allah as a key step toward de-escalation. However, he warned that Yemen continues to be affected by broader regional tensions. Grundberg called for renewed international support for a sustainable political settlement and emphasized the need to advance inclusive, Yemeni-led peace efforts. 

    Read his full remarks
    Media stakeout

    Launch of Pedieos/Kanlı Dere River Project brings new connectivity to Nicosia

    On 16 May, Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, attended the official launch of the long-awaited Pedieos/Kanlı Dere River Project in Nicosia. The initiative will extend the city’s existing linear park along the island’s longest river, connecting the southern and northern parts of the capital through the Ledra Palace crossing point. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in coordination with the UN Good Offices mission in Cyprus, the project will feature wooden bridges, cycling paths, and green corridors. Scheduled for completion in 2027, it aims to enhance mobility, environmental preservation, and people-to-people contact across the divide.

    Ukrainian women and youth discuss meaningful participation in making and building peace

    On 14 May, DPPA organized a discussion in Kyiv focused on the inclusion of women and youth in peacebuilding and political processes in Ukraine. Supported by the UN Country Team and funded through DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal, the event brought together around 80 participants from across the country, including senior Ukrainian officials Participants explored ways to contribute to sustainable peace in Ukraine, advancing the implementation of the UN agendas on women, youth, peace, and security, as well as the newly adopted Pact for the Future.  

    Read more

    UNSCOL, UNDP and Lebanon’s Ministry of Defense signs MoU to coordinate international support for Lebanese Army

    On 14 May, the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), UNDP, and Lebanon’s Ministry of National Defense signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. Aligned with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, the agreement aims to improve the livelihoods of military personnel and support state stability under Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The initiative was made possible with funding from Denmark, the EU, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain.

    Read more

    UN joins campaign to combat stigmatization in Colombia 

    The UN Verification Mission in Colombia joined the national awareness campaign Miremonos de cerca (“Let’s Take a Closer Look at Each Other”), aimed at reducing stigmatization against peace signatories and their families. Speaking at the launch event, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu emphasized that most peace signatories are actively committed to reintegration alongside their communities. “Stigmatization generates exclusion, prevents reintegration, slows reconciliation, and fuels violence. Stigmatization distances peace,” he said in remarks to the media.

    Read more

    Special Representative Imnadze stresses preventive diplomacy in Central Asia

    Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze took part in a regional training for young diplomats from Central Asia, held in Ashgabat and co-organized by the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He highlighted UNRCCA’s preventive diplomacy efforts, underscoring the importance of early warning, confidence-building, and regional cooperation. The SRSG Imnadze also shared insights on the Secretary-General's A New Agenda for Peace and stressed the need for multilateral engagement to address regional and global challenges.

    Read more

    Preventive Diplomacy Academy trains youth from Central Asia and Afghanistan

    UNRCCA’s Preventive Diplomacy Academy wrapped up its May sessions in Ashgabat, training 48 young participants from Central Asia and Afghanistan in conflict prevention and mediation. With support from DPPA’s Mediation Support Unit, the programme blended theory and practice, emphasizing early warning, dialogue, and the role of women in peace processes under Security Council resolution 1325. Sessions also explored innovative UN approaches to AI and climate-related peace efforts, reinforcing the Organization’s commitment to inclusive, youth-driven peacebuilding.

    Read more

    Special Representative Al Hassan meets Iraqi Prime Minister ahead of Arab League Summit

    On 14 May, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan met in Baghdad with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. They discussed developments in Iraq and the region, including Iraq’s preparations to host the upcoming Arab League Summit. The SRSG highlighted the strong UN participation, led by Secretary-General António Guterres, and extended his best wishes for a successful summit. The meeting also covered ongoing UN-Iraq cooperation and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to deepening its partnership.

    SRSG Al Hassan engages with advocates for women’s empowerment and disability rights

    On 12 May in Baghdad, SRSG Mohamed Al Hassan met with members of the “It’s Time for Iraqi Women” Initiative, which champions greater participation of Iraqi women in political, social, and economic life. The group shared their perspectives on the current status of women in Iraq. SRSG Al Hassan emphasized the essential role of women in national development and reiterated the UN’s longstanding commitment to promoting gender equality. The same day, the SRSG also met with Marwa Shihab Al-Din Ahmed, Director of the Hayat Foundation for the Rights of the Deaf, member of the Assembly of the Arab Organization for Persons with Disabilities, and a participant in the “It’s Time for Iraqi Women” Initiative. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for persons with disabilities in Iraq and underlined the importance of inclusive engagement in advancing the country’s development and human rights agenda.

    Australia contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

    This week, we thank Australia for its generous $900,000 contribution under the 2024–2026 Multi-Year Agreement, supporting DPPA’s work in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

    Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

    Call for Applications: Women in Ceasefire Negotiations Course

    DPPA invites women mediators, negotiators, and peacemakers to apply for the Women in Ceasefire Negotiations Course (2 Sep – 12 Nov 2025). Applications are open until 11 July.

    Apply here

    Next Week

    The Security Council will hold an open debate on Tuesday, 20 May at 10 a.m. on "Strengthening maritime security through international cooperation for global stability” (S/2025/300). On Wednesday, the Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, will brief the Council. 

  • 16 Mayo 2025

    Photo credit: Iraqi PM Media Office

    As salaam alaikum.

     

    Your Excellency President Rashid, thank you for your invitation...

  • 16 Mayo 2025

    The inclusion of women and youth in peacebuilding and peacemaking as well as their active political participation topped the agenda on 14 May in Kyiv at a discussion organized by the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).  

    The event – titled, “Voices of Ukrainian Women and Youth for sustainable Peace in Ukraine” - was held with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, UN Women, UNDP and UNICEF.  

    It was made possible thanks to funding from DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

    The event brought together some 80 participants, representing civil society organizations from Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Volyn and Zaporizhzhia regions, municipal governments, independent institutions and line ministries.  

    The opening session featured the participation of Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador of Japan in Ukraine, whose government provided generous support for the conduct of the event.  

    Kayoko Gotoh, Director of DPPA’s Europe and Central Asia Division , said:  

    “When efforts towards peace are inclusive, the results are more lasting.Because inclusive peace is fairer, more representative of needs of various stakeholders, including women and young people, so has a broader base of engagement and commitment.”.  

    Gotoh added that DPPA was fully committed to meaningfully including and responding to the needs of women and youth across its conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts.  

    “I am heartened to see that here in Ukraine, women and young people, in particular young women, have valuable skills, expertise and experiences that can help shape the future of Ukraine towards peace and prosperity,”she concluded.   

    Participants explored ways to contribute to sustainable peace in Ukraine, advancing the implementation of the UN agendas on women, youth, peace, and security, as well as the newly adopted Pact for the Future. 

    The meeting also allowed participants to network and consolidate existing partnerships as they continue to engage in in humanitarian and peacebuilding processes. 

  • 16 Mayo 2025

    The United Nations has welcomed talks between Russia and Ukraine held on Friday in Türkiye.

  • 16 Mayo 2025

    A war reporter from Lebanon who lost a limb in the line of duty is calling for an end to impunity for attacks against journalists.

  • 16 Mayo 2025

    Amid reports that Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight into Friday killed at least 64 people, aid teams once again pushed back strongly at allegations that aid is being diverted to Hamas, demanding an end to Israel’s blockade.

  • 15 Mayo 2025

    Remarks by Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General, 

    Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations

    REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

    UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2474 (2019)

    New York, 15 May 2025

    Mr. President,

    Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on this important issue.

    Since the adoption of the Security Council resolution 2474 in 2019, the number of people affected by armed conflict, including those reported missing in this context has only continued to increase. In 2024 alone, the ICRC registered 56,000 new cases of missing persons.

    There is no comprehensive figure for those missing in conflict, but we know enough that the situation is dire.

    International humanitarian law, as it relates to missing persons, prohibits enforced disappearance and requires parties to conflict to take all feasible measures to account for those reported missing, while also enshrining the right of families to get information about the fate of missing kin.

    This issue is a pressing one among many current situations across the world.

    The ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestinian armed groups continue to generate grave concerns under Security Council resolution 2474 (2019).

    We welcome the recent release of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli national who had been held hostage in Gaza. This is a source of hope. I echo the Secretary-General’s words of profound relief that Mr. Alexander was able to return to his family and loved ones after this harrowing ordeal.

    However, many more remain missing. An estimated 58 Israeli hostages, 35 of them presumed dead, still remain unaccounted for in Gaza.

    Despite repeated calls by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, no credible information has been provided on the condition or whereabouts of the hostages. Access by impartial humanitarian actors has also been denied.

    Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians, including children, also remain missing, with many buried and unaccounted for under rubble, with their families still seeking information about their fate and whereabouts.

    In addition, Israel continues to withhold the remains of deceased Palestinians, including individuals reportedly buried in unmarked or numbered graves, hindering families’ access to information and closure.

    Serious concerns also persist regarding thousands of Palestinians detained by Israeli authorities since October 2023, many of whom remain unaccounted for.

    In Ukraine, following Russia’s full-scale invasion  in 2022, OHCHR reports that large numbers of Ukrainian civilians in areas under Russian occupation have faced detention, with some of them reportedly held incommunicado. According to OHCHR, some of these cases may amount to enforced disappearances. An unspecified number of Ukrainian civilians, including Ukrainian children, have also been reportedly transferred to the Russian Federation.

    We welcome the recent exchanges of prisoners of war and exchanges of mortal remains and encourage the sides to step up the frequency, scope, and scale of such exchanges and step up efforts to enable the safe return of Ukrainian children to their families.

    In Myanmar, instances of individuals believed to be missing or disappeared have arisen throughout the country since the 2021 military takeover. At least 2,000 people have reportedly died while in military custody. A key concern remains the lack of access to legal counsel and due process for some people detained arbitrarily, including members of the elected civilian government.

    Families of many of those that have gone missing in conflicts in years and decades past have yet to learn of the whereabouts of their loved ones.

    On the Korean Peninsula, we encourage all parties to build on previous efforts and continue the repatriation of remains from the Korean War to their respective countries.

    In Syria, the missing persons crisis has been a tragically defining feature of the conflict. Syrian families have made it clear that clarifying the fate of all the missing, regardless of who they are and why they disappeared, is essential to transitional justice and sustainable peace. Given the scale and complexity of the challenge, we need a collective effort. It has to be nationally led and internationally supported. The UN welcomes the commitment of the Syrian interim authorities and urges them to work closely with the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.

    Mr. President,

    Disappearances of loved ones create long term trauma on families and communities.  

    Providing answers for the families of the missing can take decades. For example, the human cost of the 1991 Gulf War still lingers, with 315 Kuwaiti and third country nationals missing to this day.

    The work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus illustrates how the issue of missing persons remains important not only for the families directly affected, but for whole communities, decades after the facts. This is clearly not unique to Cyprus. What is more unique is the continuous support of the authorities – which was reaffirmed publicly by both Cypriot leaders in April – and the existing good cooperation from both side when it comes to the work of the Committee built overtime.  These, together with the strong professional capacity of the bicommunal teams working in the field or in the laboratory, are the key ingredients for success. Success that also helps to build conducive conditions for the peaceful settlement of the Cyprus issue.

    Mr. President,

    When the issue of missing persons is left unaddressed, not only individuals but entire societies are unable to move on. This can perpetuate distrust and resentment and become an obstacle to sustainable peace.

    Goodwill, perseverance, and strong international support are crucial elements in the search for missing persons. So is respect for international law.

    Resolution 2474 must be fully implemented, with urgency.

    The United Nations remains committed to assist all concerned parties, including through the use of the Secretary-General’s good offices.

    Thank you Mr. President.

     

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