Since he began his mandate as UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale has seen for himself the devastating effects of the Russian invasion. In this account, written exclusively for UN News, Mr. Schmale shares his impressions of Ukraine, and the efforts of the UN System to support its citizens.

2024 marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of a UN commitment to protect children from being recruited as soldiers. However, armed groups have increased the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, issued a fresh call on Tuesday for investigations into the “systematic disregard” for humanitarian workers and humanitarian premises in Gaza. 

 

New York, 31 December 2024

Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find.

Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife — fueling tensions and mistrust.

And today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat.

The top ten 10 hottest years on record...

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday expressed his deep sadness at the passing of former United States President Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100, at his home in Plains, Georgia.

Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023, continues to inflict misery on the country’s population, fuelling a massive humanitarian disaster and driving over 12 million people from their homes. 

Companies and governments need to take more responsibility for keeping individuals safe from the potential misuse of artificial intelligence tools, according to AI expert Ivana Bartoletti.

Newborns and infants in Gaza have reportedly died of hypothermia, deaths described by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as preventable. The news comes amid continued Israeli bombardments and an expected further drop in temperatures.

The impact of armed conflicts on children around the world reached devastating and likely record levels in 2024, according to an assessment by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about intensified escalation in Yemen and Israel. Israeli airstrikes today on Sana’a International Airport, the Red Sea ports and power stations in Yemen are especially ...

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said in a social media post on Thursday that it had received credible reports that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes by Pakistan’s military forces in Paktika province, on 24 December.

Sudan is confronting a widening famine crisis, with widespread starvation, surging acute malnutrition and mass displacement exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, a UN-backed food security assessment released on Tuesday has found.

This year, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs continued to play a key role in how the United Nations responds to a complex and continuously shifting peace and security landscape, promoting dialogue and supporting peacebuilding efforts around the globe, including in Sudan, Yemen, the Middle East, Afghanistan and Colombia.

As 2024 draws to a close, the global peace and security landscape remains fraught with challenges. Escalating geopolitical tensions and unresolved conflicts continue to upend the lives of millions. The United Nations, and particularly its Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), is critical to the efforts to restore peace and stability in many of these crises. In the review that follows, we take a look at a sampling of this work over the last 12 months — at headquarters and in the field — and at its prospects for the coming year and beyond following the Summit of the Future.

Pact for the Future

As geopolitical rivalries intensify and new challenges emerge, DPPA’s work — ranging from mediation and conflict prevention to peacebuilding support — has been pivotal in the search for solutions. The multiplication and persistence of crises underscores the need for innovative and inclusive approaches to diplomacy, conflict prevention and peacemaking.

In 2024, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future, which pledges concrete actions towards a more effective and just multilateral system. The Pact of the Future contains a wide range of proposals to address structural imbalances in the international system while also adjusting it to better face the challenges of today and the future. In the area of peace and security, many of the proposals and commitments in the Pact for the Future address central priorities of DPPA — and key recommendations of A New Agenda for Peace: commitments by Member States to reinforce the use of the pacific settlement of disputes, to strengthen capacities for preventive diplomacy and mediation, to promote women’s inclusion in peace and political processes, to make peace operations more effective, and to approach conflict prevention through a new paradigm focused on nationally-owned actions and universality. At its core, it emphasizes the importance of multilateralism and collaboration in solving the world’s most pressing issues.

Colombia

Colombia offers the example, relatively rare today, of a peace process that continues to make progress, despite undeniable difficulties. In November, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo visited Colombia to mark the eighth anniversary of the 2016 Peace Agreement between the Government and the former FARC-EP guerrilla group.

The Under-Secretary-General took part in the celebrations in Bogotá, alongside President Gustavo Petro and former FARC-EP guerilla leader Rodrigo Londoño. She noted that “the world shares Colombia’s enduring hope and faith in the possibility of peace” and encouraged Colombians to “never depart from the path of dialogue, to persevere, no matter how steep the climb” while reaffirming the commitment of the United Nations to support peace efforts, including through its Special Political Mission in Colombia. DiCarlo, who also visited a remote reintegration area for former combatants, was inspired by the resilience of all Colombians participating in the peacebuilding effort, and by the fortitude of Colombia’s landmark Agreement.

Syria

Throughout 2024, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen continued years of efforts to try to move forward the political track and bring the Syrian parties closer towards a negotiated solution (in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015)). Then, as the year came to a close, the world witnessed a stunning development: 50 years of rule by the Assad family in Syria collapsed rapidly and unexpectedly under the pressure of an offensive led by the group known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Pedersen visited Damascus on 15–18 December, shortly after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and met with a range of interlocutors, including HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara’a (previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani), and other caretaker authorities. The visit came in the wake of international expressions of support for a continued UN role in Syria. Pedersen briefed the Security Council from Damascus on 17 December, reiterating his call for a transitional political process leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government through UN facilitation. Pedersen said “[I]t is only 11 days since the fall of the former regime. My door is open, and I hope in the coming days we can build the dialogue. I understand we all do the massive challenges facing the authorities, and the need to help, concretely, now. We understand the need for stability. But stability will not last long if not built on credible and inclusive foundations. The time is to build those foundations now.”

Following Pedersen’s briefing, Security Council members united around a press statement supporting the Envoy and calling for “the implementation of an inclusive and Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process based on the key principles listed in resolution 2254 (2015) that is facilitated by the United Nations [to] meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect all of them and enable them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their own futures.”

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland continued to lead the UN’s work in support of a ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza. To this end, he visited the Gaza Strip several times, where he witnessed firsthand the catastrophic impact of the hostilities and met with key interlocutors on the ground. In close cooperation with the UN Senior Humanitarian Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag and the UN Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi, Special Coordinator Wennesland advocated for humanitarian access to those in need in the Gaza Strip.

Wennesland also continued his efforts to support the Palestinian Authority and the unification of Gaza and the West Bank. Nearing the conclusion of his term as Special Coordinator, Wennesland highlighted to the Security Council that the key principles that have been guiding the international community’s work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are under pressure, and underlined the urgency of taking practical steps towards the implementation of the two-State solution.

Lebanon

Following diplomatic efforts by the United States and France, an understanding was reached with Lebanon and Israel to implement a cessation of hostilities beginning on 27 November. The agreement sought to end the over 13 months of exchanges of fire between Israel and Hizbullah, which started at the Blue Line and expanded geographically and in intensity.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, deployed her good offices to support this diplomatic process, leveraging the Mission’s diverse channels to advocate for an end to the violence through a framework anchored in the comprehensive implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

Haiti

Violence at the hands of criminal gangs has plunged Haiti into a crisis marked by widespread human rights abuses, displacement and deprivation. Amid the turmoil, Haitian political and civil society leaders continue their efforts to keep the transition to elected institutions on track, with the backing of the United Nations. The Organization’s political mission in Haiti, BINUH, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), lent critical support to the launch on 13 November of the National Conference, a forum charged with gathering the views of the country’s different sectors and driving forces to produce a new social and political roadmap for Haiti, and its three working groups, notably the Working Group on the Constitution. This support kickstarted consultations designed to ensure that the constitutional revision process reflects the voices and priorities of all sectors of Haitian society, helping to foster national ownership.

From 13 to 19 November, the Working Group on the Constitution gathered perspectives on governance, economic reforms, and workers’ rights from the private sector, trade and labor unions, and from civil society organizations on social cohesion and democratic values. Upcoming consultations will include faith-based bodies, women groups and rural farmers associations. BINUH will continue to provide advisory expertise, logistical support, and planning assistance for consultations across the country.

Sudan

From 11 to 19 July 2024, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, convened discreet proximity talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Geneva, Switzerland. The talks focused on concrete measures to improve the safe and unfettered distribution of humanitarian assistance and options to strengthen the protection of civilians across Sudan, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 2736 (2024). At the conclusion of the talks, the RSF delegation announced a series of unilateral commitments on protection of civilians and humanitarian access issues in its areas of control.

Lamamra continues to engage with the RSF to urge the translation of these commitments into tangible progress on the ground. Following the talks, the SAF released a statement reaffirming its commitment to continue positively engaging with the United Nations to alleviate the humanitarian suffering.

The discussions in Geneva served as an initial step in a complex process of international engagement to make progress on civilian protection and humanitarian access issues. The Personal Envoy remains in close contact with the leadership of the two warring parties and plans to convene a new round of proximity talks in the new year.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, serious challenges continue three years after the Taliban takeover, ranging from a weak economy, persistent poverty, and significant deprivation of freedoms and rights to natural disasters and climate change. Many of the challenges are exacerbated due to the highly restrictive law, policies and practices ratified and imposed by the de facto authorities, particularly on women.

In 2024, DPPA organized two meetings in Doha, Qatar, that allowed Special Envoys on Afghanistan from 25 countries and three international organizations to meet with members of Afghan civil society and, in June/July, representatives of the de facto authorities. This was the first time that such a broad cross-section of the international community met with the de facto authorities on matters of importance for the Afghan people and future of the country. In November, a working group on counter-narcotics convened for the first time as a follow-up to the thematic discussions at the meeting of the Special Envoys.

Municipal elections in Libya

On 16 November, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and UNDP assisted the Libyan High National Elections Commission (HNEC) with the organization of council elections in 58 municipalities across the country. A democratic milestone, the elections were conducted peacefully and transparently, with a significant turnout of over 77 per cent of registered voters.

While the overall registration of women voters was relatively low at 30 per cent of total registrants, 73 per cent of registered women voted on polling day. According to the preliminary results, 487 of 2,331 candidates were women, and 69 women were expected to win seats in the municipal councils.

This round of municipal elections provided a crucial opportunity for the Libyan people to exercise their right to choose their representatives and promote accountable and responsive local governance. UNSMIL, together with UNDP, will continue to provide technical assistance to the HNEC in support of Libyan-led municipal and national electoral processes to foster legitimate institutions and long-term stability for the people of Libya. UNSMIL will also continue to work with authorities and civil society to address challenges to women’s participation in elections.

Somalia

In 2024, DPPA, together with the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the African Union, led an exercise to finalize and report on the overall mission design for the African Union follow-on mission in Somalia pursuant to resolution 2748. A joint African Union-United Nations team was established and visited Mogadishu for consultations with the Federal Government of Somalia and key stakeholders from 25 September to 1 October. The finalized report outlines the consensus on an African Union follow-on mission in Somalia — to be named the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) — and outlines various aspects of the mission and security transition, including its mandate, composition, logistical support, transition plans and benchmarks. The work also included a strong recommendation for the application of the framework established under resolution 2719, making it the first such mission that was put forward for consideration by the African Union and United Nations since the adoption of the framework resolution in December 2023.

Iraq

In Iraq, The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is implementing wastewater recycling programmes to address Iraq’s water scarcity and reduce its environmental impact. In partnership with UNICEF, UNAMI is using advanced treatment technology at its locations in Iraq, recycling wastewater for technical and irrigation use. This initiative aims to conserve freshwater and serve as a model for the local community and neighboring institutions. Additionally, UNAMI has installed water-saving measures, such as low-flow faucets and water meters, and is raising awareness about conservation. By 2035, Iraq could meet only 15% of its water needs, making such projects critical for sustainability.

Papua New Guinea

DPPA’s longstanding role in supporting the Bougainville peace process was reaffirmed this year when the parties to the 2001 peace agreement agreed to appoint an independent moderator to assist in their discussions on the future relationship between Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Sir Jerry Mateparae, former Governor-General of New Zealand was appointed following negotiations with close support from DPPA, including our Liaison Officer stationed in Bougainville, the Asia and the Pacific Division and Policy and Mediation Division, and from the Port Moresby-based UN Resident Coordinator.

The moderator has now undertaken three visits to Papua New Guinea, including a November visit to Bougainville. Ongoing support from DPPA, in coordination with the wider UN system and international partners, is helping to ensure he is equipped for an informed and inclusive dialogue process that is welcomed by the parties. The United Nations has played a critical peacebuilding role since the 1988–1998 Bougainville civil war, assisting with peace negotiations, weapons disposal, the formation of autonomous arrangements and the conduct of the 2019 non-binding referendum on Bougainville’s future status.

Young peacebuilders in Samoa

In March 2024, DPPA in partnership with UNDP and the UN country office in Samoa, hosted a youth-led strategic foresight workshop focused on anticipatory tools for environmental peacebuilding with young peacebuilders from Northeast Asia and the Pacific. It was part of the ongoing Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia project by the DPPA Asia Pacific Division and Innovation Cell, reflecting a sustained commitment to fostering youth leadership and collaboration and providing impactful platforms for interregional exchanges.

Northeast Asian youth, trained in earlier phases of the project, facilitated inspiring sessions including with Samoan government officials and the Tongan Speaker of Parliament. Youth inclusion in governance, such as through mentorship programs and youth representation in international negotiations, were advocated for. The initiative strengthened youth networks across the regions, with lasting youth and Government connections extending to subsequent platforms including SIDS4 and COP29. The initiative exemplifies the importance of coordinated UN efforts to advance climate resilience, peace, and inclusivity, and to foster youth-led solutions to the current climate and resilience challenges.

Peacebuilding Support Office

Throughout 2024, DPPA/PBSO has played a key role in supporting the three tracks of the informal phase of the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review. The informal phase of the Review highlighted several key priorities: the urgency of a paradigm shift toward prevention and peacebuilding with a focus on national strategies; the need to strengthen the PBC; the complementarities and interdependence between peacebuilding and the Sustainable Development Goals; the impact of UN reforms on the ground; financing for peacebuilding; and UN mission transitions.

In 2024, the Peacebuilding Fund is set to approve over 40 projects across more than 20 countries and territories. Once again, over 30% of allocations will support gender-responsive peacebuilding, surpassing our target for the fifth consecutive year. For example in Niger, through the Fund’s Gender Promotion Initiative 2.0, women’s civil society organizations are being supported to engage in conflict prevention, countering violent extremism through formal and informal peace mechanisms. Overall, the PBF directed the largest shares of its investments to West Africa (34%), Latin America and the Caribbean (22%), and Central and Southern Africa (21%).

Peacebuilding Impact Hub: Work continued apace on the production of the inaugural Global Overview Report on peacebuilding, the flagship publication of the Peacebuilding Impact Hub. The Hub also convened partners, including from the UN, Member States and civil society, other partners for two events: one to improve methods of measuring peacebuilding impact, marked by the launch of the impact evaluation for Sudan and another exploring innovative ways to assess risks of violence. For more information on the Hub and its activities, please contact Emmanuelle Bernard, bernard6@un.org.

UN-IFI Partnership: In a new initiative, DPPA/PBSO and the World Bank’s Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group piloted four joint reviews of the IDA20 Prevention and Resilience Allocation (PRA) and its sister instrument the Turn Around Allocation (TAA) in Benin, Burundi, Chad, and The Gambia, leveraging the expertise of Peace and Development Advisors and the PBSO Partnership Facility. The pilot powerfully demonstrated how UN and World Bank mandates and tools including the PBF can complement each other to support national peacebuilding and prevention strategies.

The second annual Civil Society Organization (CSO)-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding was held at UN Headquarters in New York on 12–13 December. Co-chaired by DPPA’s PBSO and Interpeace, the event brought together approximately 150 civil society representatives — primarily from the Global South — to engage in extensive discussions with representatives from more than 10 UN entities and over 20 Member States. The Dialogue focused on thematic priorities in preparation for the 2025 Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, with conflict prevention as the overarching theme. In 2024, DPPA continued to scale up its advocacy efforts in support of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda. PBSO co-drafted the third Report of the Secretary-General on YPS, published in February, which provided key updates on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015).

Women, Peace and Security

On 24 October 2024, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed launched the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes during the Security Council’s annual debate on Women, Peace and Security. Despite the WPS Agenda’s focus on gender equality in peace efforts, women remain underrepresented, making up less than 10% of peace negotiators. The Common Pledge calls on mediation actors, including Member States and regional organizations, to ensure equal participation of women in peace processes. It emphasizes appointing female lead mediators, integrating gender expertise, and consulting women-led civil society, aiming for more inclusive, sustainable peace agreements.

Climate, Peace and Security

DPPA continued its work on Climate, Peace and Security. As climate change amplifies risks, especially in conflict-prone regions, integrating climate action into preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding is crucial. DPPA has embedded climate and environmental considerations into its work, with Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) Advisors playing a key role in UN field missions. These advisors assess how climate threats — like droughts and floods — affect peace and security, contributing to displacement and resource competition.

Decolinization Unit of DPPA

In 2024, the UN marked the Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. The Decolonization Unit of DPPA supports the work of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (C-24). Read our explainer here.

Great Lakes

Amid persisting challenges in the Great Lakes region, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes continues to support regional peace efforts and contributes to key milestones on non-military measures against armed groups and regional judicial cooperation.

Despite continued tensions in the region, the year 2024 saw some progress in peace efforts, notably the Luanda process under the auspices of Angola, which facilitated a ceasefire agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in July as well as the adoption of a Concept of Operations on the way forward in eastern DRC in November. Special Envoy Huang Xia continued his good offices efforts in support of the regional peace processes, advocating for a greater participation of women, strengthened coordination between the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and streamlined international support. In addition, his Office made some encouraging steps in laying the groundwork for the repatriation of former armed group members from eastern DRC to Burundi, including 19 ex-combatants and 17 dependents.

Over the past year, the Office of the Special Envoy, organized several missions in the region of the Contact and Coordination Group (CCG) on non-military measures and its Operational Cell, which resulted in the identification of 19 armed-group members willing to lay down their weapons and return to Burundi, their country of origin. With the support of the Office and the UN’s Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, national authorities in Burundi also developed a draft legal framework for their voluntary repatriation and reintegration — a critical step towards advancing non-military measures against the threat posed by armed groups.

Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine entered its third year, DPPA continued to provide timely reporting and analyses on rapidly changing dynamics, particularly given the heightened risks of escalation and conflict spillover. In the current uncertain context, DPPA has also continued to exercise a leading role in providing the Secretary-General and UN leadership with comprehensive analyses and substantive advice related to the war and to the search for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

The year ahead

In 2025, Haiti is scheduled to elect a new president for a five-year term. In addition, there are also set to be legislative elections for the 30-seat Senate and the lower house of 119 members of the Chamber of Deputies. In addition to the elections, a constitutional referendum has been proposed, which may tackled subjects such as amending the structure of government, along with judicial reforms.

Also in 2025, the global community will mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. With the groundbreaking resolution, the Council for the first time formally addressed the impact of conflict on women and girls, as well as the vital role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts.

In Somalia, the Security Transition aims to transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces. By 2025, Somalia is expected to take full control, with continued international support for capacity-building and countering Al-Shabaab.

DPPA’s work in 2025 will include a focus on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Pact for the Future related to good offices, mediation, diplomacy, gender and women, the review of peace operations, peacebuilding and youth engagement. DPPA will also champion the Secretary-General’s “Common Pledge for Women’s Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes”.

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Voluntary contributions channeled through DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA), our primary fundraising tool, help us accomplish a substantial part of our work, including activities in conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding. They make it possible for us to: provide enhanced support to Special Envoys and Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General; bolster engagement with partners, including regional organizations, and continue to invest in priorities such as inclusion of women and youth, the use of technology and innovation for peace, and exploring the effects of the climate crisis on peace and security. Learn more.

 

 

Yemen has reported the highest global burden of cholera, with nearly 250,000 suspected cases and 861 associated deaths as of 1 December, accounting for 35 per cent of worldwide cholera cases and 18 per cent of related deaths this year, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

A little over two weeks after a surge of violence in the Cité Soleil commune of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, a UN report has concluded that more than 207 people were executed by the Wharf Jérémie gang.

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Dakar, 20 December 2024– The Special Representative of the Secretary-...

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 19 December, UNRCCA held the final session of its 2024 Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) cohort.

...

West Africa and the Sahel continue to grapple with a confluence of political, security and humanitarian crises as countries prepares for pivotal elections in 2025, the UN special envoy for the vast region told ambassadors in the Security Council on Friday.

Hunger, dire living conditions made worse by heavy winter rains and ongoing hostilities continue to endanger people’s lives in Gaza, which has become “a graveyard”, UN humanitarians warned on Friday. 

 

20 December 2024

 

2024 was, to put it...

Around 1.3 million Syrians have received food aid in the past three weeks across Syria from the UN and partners, as the restoration of key services begins in some of the relatively stable areas of the country.

A flame of hope burns bright today in Syria – but if it’s not carefully managed by both Syrians themselves and the international community, it risks being extinguished.