The report presents an overview of the progress made by the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) in its efforts to analyze and address climate-related security risks. It outlines priority areas, identifies lessons learned, and describes the partnerships and approaches that were critical for success.
The High Representative for Disarmament Affairs told the Security Council on Wednesday that Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), in the context of peacekeeping operations, are a "threat" that can "exacerbate conflict, render arms embargoes ineffective, endanger ‘blue helmets’, humanitarian workers and local populations, and complicate peace agreements."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday urged authorities in Ethiopia to allow vital humanitarian work there to continue, following the recent decision to declare seven of the Organization’s staff persona non grata and expel them from the country.
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Today, one quarter of the world’s population lives in countries affected by violent conflict. Geopolitical fragmentation, economic shocks, climate change, and the proliferation of hate speech and mis- and disinformation are putting people and institutions under extraordinary pressure. As the United Nations prepares to mark 80 years since it was created to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”, it is indisputable that our work has never been more critical, or difficult.
In 2024, support through the Multi-Year Appeal (MYA) enabled the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) to respond swiftly to evolving crises and support political solutions in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. In Ukraine, DPPA’s real-time analysis informed UN leadership amid ongoing conflict. MYA funding also enabled rapid deployment of electoral experts to Venezuela and enhanced mediation efforts in Sudan. In Haiti, it supported the launch of a body tasked with charting a new political roadmap and constitution. In the Middle East, MYA-backed efforts through UNSCO and the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria helped sustain pursuit of political solutions amid deepening instability.
In 2024, partner support—despite a challenging funding environment—enabled DPPA to respond to crises worldwide. Thirty-five partners contributed $28.9 million to the Multi-Year Appeal, 8% less than in 2023 and well below the $42 million target. This shortfall affected several areas of our work and forced difficult trade-offs, even as global demand for our support continued to rise. For 2025, we are appealing for $43 million to sustain our prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding efforts.
DPPA continued to manage some 40 special political missions (SPMs) engaged in conflict prevention, peacemaking, and post-conflict peacebuilding. While SPMs are primarily funded through assessed contributions, MYA funding plays a critical role in supporting the work of the Secretary-General’s Special Representatives and Envoys—strengthening their capacity to advance political solutions in the field and ensuring they are effectively connected to essential support from Headquarters.
DPPA deployed its Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers (SBT) 138 times in 2024 through the resources from the MYA, providing mediation expertise to UN entities, Member States, NGOs, and other partners across 27 contexts. MYA funding also enabled DPPA to deliver electoral assistance—supporting one-third of all elections held globally, sustaining long-term electoral projects in 50 countries, and conducting Needs Assessment Missions at the request of Member States.
In 2024, DPPA received 28 new requests from Member States for technical electoral assistance—a 75 per cent increase compared to 2023—reflecting the continued trust placed in the United Nations in this area. Amid shrinking funding resources, DPPA made sustained efforts to ensure timely and effective responses to the growing demand for UN electoral support.
In 2024, MYA funding enabled DPPA to act as a bridge between different components of the multilateral system for peace and security. Funding for liaison offices in 9 key locations strengthened our understanding of regional dynamics and facilitated coordination with relevant actors on the ground including UN Resident Coordinators and Country Teams, regional and sub-regional organizations. Thanks to the MYA, the Department was able to further consolidate partnerships with international financial institutions (IFIs), including the World Bank and regional development banks.
Advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains a core priority for DPPA, with 14% of the MYA budget dedicated to gender-focused initiatives in 2024. The projects included support for Afghan women’s capacity building (UNAMA), women’s participation in Haiti’s political transition (BINUH), online violence monitoring in Yemen (OSESGY), and the ECCAS Women Mediators Network in Central Africa.
Despite reduced funding in 2024, the Local Peace Initiatives window continued to prioritize inclusion and deliver results—supporting women-led community peace efforts in Haiti (BINUH) and aiding the UN Verification Mission in Colombia with economic reintegration, reconciliation, and implementation of the Peace Agreement’s ethnic chapter.
In 2024, DPPA continued to explore the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies and piloted innovative approaches to our work. MYA resources also supported critical activities not covered by the regular budget, including monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and strategic communications. By supporting innovation at scale, MYA helps turn new ideas into practical, field-tested solutions—advancing DPPA’s commitment to modern, adaptive peacebuilding.
In 2024, DPPA’s Innovation Cell advanced key initiatives—ranging from AI-enabled dialogue platforms and social media monitoring to regional foresight exercises and youth consultations with 115 young peacebuilders from 14 Arab countries—contributing directly to the Arab Strategy on Youth, Peace and Security. From AI-driven conflict prevention to climate security and digital inclusion, voluntary contributions have enhanced our mediation efforts and amplified diverse perspectives.
For 2025, the MYA is calling for $43 million to fund prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding work, and address both current and future needs. Support from partners is critical to ensure that DPPA is adequately positioned and resourced to meet the expectations stipulated in the Pact for the Future.
In northern Mozambique, worrying reports emerged on Tuesday that children as young as five have been shown how to handle weapons and indoctrinated to fight with insurgents.
The first round of food distributions to people in Afar and Amhara regions impacted by the spread of the conflict in northern Ethiopia has been completed, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.
Violence and access constraints in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to hamper humanitarian operations in a context where one in three people need assistance, the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Haiti is currently undergoing “one of the most fraught periods of its recent history”, the head of the UN office in the country told the Security Council on Monday.
New York, 4 October 2021
On this World Habitat Day, cities and towns across the globe are facing – and fighting – the dual crises of COVID-19 and climate change. Home to 4.5 billion people today, they are projected to grow by almost 50 per cent by 2050.
By mid-century, over 1.6 billion urban residents may have to survive through average summertime...
The UN Secretary-General has condemned an attack against peacekeepers in Mali on Saturday which left one Egyptian ‘blue helmet’ dead, and four others seriously injured.
In his message for the International Day of Non-Violence, on Saturday, the UN chief noted that the day provides an opportunity to usher in a “new era of peace, trust and tolerance”.
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New York, 2 October 2021
It is no coincidence that we mark the International Day of Non-Violence on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
For Gandhi, non-violence, peaceful protest, dignity and equality were more than words. They represented a guiding light for humanity, a map to a better future.
They also provide a template to address...
Growing polarization and intolerance are fuelling a rise in hate speech worldwide, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday, in remarks to the opening of an online forum to counter this “global firestorm” through the power of education.
Secretary-General António Guterres voiced his shock on Thursday after the Ethiopian Government declared seven UN staff persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 72 hours.
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday recognized the “remarkable achievements and resilience of the Sudanese people, and its transitional government” since the overthrow of Omar Al-Bashir in 2019, as they “chart a new future together.”
An “urgent” international response is needed to prevent the crisis in Myanmar from becoming a “catastrophe” in the heart of Southeast Asia and beyond, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned. In a report sent to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, the UN chief also said he feared that the military’s grip on power would become increasingly difficult to counter.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Wednesday that he was “encouraged” by the recent engagement of senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Unresolved issues surrounding parliamentary quotas, and women’s participation in elections in Somalia were highlighted by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in the Security Council on Tuesday, with the aim of increasing their involvement in the political process.
Read here the latest UNSOM Quarterly Newsletter.
Following a decade of appalling suffering and losses in Syria, and amid a current period of relative calm, now is the time to push for a political process to end the fighting, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen told the Security Council on Tuesday.
The Yemen conflict killed or maimed 2,600 children as hostilities intensified in 2019 and 2020; that’s according to a new report of the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed conflict in the country.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement on 10 September 2021 of the formation of a new government in Lebanon led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the 20 September 2021 vote of confidence by the Parliament of Lebanon as necessary first steps towards the resolution of Lebanon’s crisis.
They reaffirmed their strong support for the stability, security, territorial integrity...
The Security Council on Monday marked the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, with calls for its entry into force and the elimination of nuclear weapons everywhere.
New York, 27 September
On World Tourism Day, we recognize the power and potential of tourism to advance prosperity and drive inclusive, sustainable development. The tourism sector touches almost every part of our economies and societies, enabling historically marginalized people and those at risk of being left behind to benefit from development that is local and direct.
Tourism...
“Now is the time to eliminate nuclear weapons from our world , and usher in a new era of dialogue, trust and peace”, declared UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday, marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
