A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
DPPA at UNGA High-Level Week
DPPA was actively engaged throughout the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo met several delegations, in addition to her participation in several of the Secretary-General bilateral meetings. She addressed the Security Council high-level meeting on Ukraine and participated in high-level discussions on Sudan, with the Group of friends of mediation, as well as on cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States. Nine Special Representatives, Special Envoys and Personal Envoys of the Secretary-General were also in New York this week to engage with Member States and partners on peace and security priorities spanning Haiti, the Middle East, Myanmar, Cyprus, West Africa and the Sahel, the Great Lakes region, Sudan, Syria and more. Together, these engagements advanced the Secretary-General’s conflict-resolution efforts, preventive diplomacy and mediation.
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DiCarlo calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy on Ukraine
On 23 September, USG DiCarlo briefed the Security Council, warning that the war in Ukraine was entering a “dangerous new phase” as attacks intensify, civilian casualties mount and the risk of regional spillover grows. She called for urgent steps to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and stressed that diplomatic engagement must be matched by meaningful de-escalation.
DiCarlo underscores UN–League of Arab States partnership amid regional tensions
On 24 September, USG DiCarlo addressed a high-level dialogue on cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States (LAS), stressing that closer cooperation can help advance diplomacy, reduce tensions and support political solutions across the region, including on Yemen, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Somalia. Against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, she emphasized that “diplomacy must be given every opportunity to succeed,” describing the UN-LAS partnership as a “force multiplier” for advancing shared peace and security objectives.
Khiari calls for coordinated approaches to challenges posed by non-State armed groups
On 21 September, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari addressed a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) side event on challenges related to non-State armed groups. He stressed the need for comprehensive, nationally owned approaches that combine political, security, legal and administrative efforts, supported by regional and international cooperation. ASG Khiari highlighted the role of regional organizations in coordinating diplomacy, strengthening State institutions and supporting disarmament, reintegration and recovery, while reaffirming the UN’s readiness to support efforts that reinforce legitimate State authority and advance sustainable peace.
Jean Arnault Visits Lebanon NGO that Promotes Religious Dialogue and Social Cohesion
Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) [and Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East conflict and its consequences] Jean Arnault visited the Adyan Foundation in Beirut, where he met with its President, Nayla Tabbara, and representatives of different religious communities. Discussions focused on responsible citizenship, religious dialogue and social cohesion. The OiC underscored the importance of building national consensus amid Lebanon’s diversity, including as a means of strengthening international support for the country.
Ruiz Massieu calls for integrated approach to sustain progress in Haiti
On 24 September, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Carlos Ruiz Massieu addressed the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, stressing that security gains must be accompanied by the restoration of State authority, basic services and economic activity. He called for security, disarmament, dismantlement and reintegration (DDR), justice and elections to advance together, emphasizing that progress in each area must reinforce the others. The SRSG also called for sustained and coordinated international support behind Haitian-led priorities.
Alakbarov calls for urgent action to advance Gaza’s early recovery
On 23 September, Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov addressed a high-level roundtable on Gaza’s early recovery, stressing that recovery and political progress must advance together. Following a three-day visit to Gaza, he called for improved humanitarian and operational access, the rapid restoration of essential services and stronger coordination to translate financing into tangible improvements for Palestinians. The Acting Special Coordinator emphasized that recovery should be Palestinian-led and support the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian government and a renewed political process towards a two-State solution.
Bishop calls for renewed international action on the Rohingya crisis
On 23 September, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) on Myanmar Julie Bishop addressed a high-level event on durable solutions for the Rohingya, warning that continued conflict in Myanmar is pushing prospects for their safe and sustainable return further away. She stressed that humanitarian assistance must continue while conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return are not yet in place, and underscored that justice and accountability are indispensable to a durable solution. The SESG called for sustained international support, increased humanitarian funding, stronger regional cooperation and the meaningful inclusion of Rohingya communities in efforts to shape their future.
Netherlands pledges multi-year support for UN peace and security
On 23 September, the Netherlands pledged €151 million in multi-year funding for the UN Peace and Security Pillar, supporting DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention. At the signing ceremony, USG Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the importance of flexible and predictable funding, which enables the UN to act early to prevent crises and invest in longer-term peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The pledge forms part of a broader commitment of more than €309 million to UNDP and UN peace and security work.
Iceland renews multi-year support for DPPA
On 25 September, DPPA signed a new multi-year funding agreement covering 2027–2029 with Iceland, representing a total commitment of ISK 120 million (approximately US$1 million) over three years. The agreement provides annual flexible funding to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA) as well as dedicated support for the Department’s work in the Middle East. Iceland and DPPA also held a strategic dialogue on developments in the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine. The continued partnership underscores the importance of predictable and flexible funding in enabling DPPA to respond to emerging priorities and sustain its conflict prevention and peacemaking efforts.
UN and African Development Bank deepen cooperation on peace and resilience
On 24 September, the United Nations and the African Development Bank signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation on peace, resilience and sustainable development across Africa. Signed by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and AfDB Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, the partnership will combine development financing with UN peacebuilding, prevention and field capacities to support nationally led efforts to address fragility and prevent crises. Cooperation will include joint analysis, innovative financing and stronger synergies between the Bank’s Transition Support Facility and UN financing mechanisms, including the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.
UNRCCA explores digital tools for mediation and dialogue
On 23 September, the Preventive Diplomacy Academy of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) brought together its 2026 cohort for an online session with CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation on mediation and the use of digital tools in peace efforts. Participants explored how technology can support communication and engagement in mediation and dialogue, linking practical experience with the Academy’s broader work to strengthen skills in conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy.
Communities advance peace and reconciliation across Colombia
This week, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) supported initiatives promoting youth engagement, economic reintegration and reconciliation across the country. In Medellín, SRSG Miroslav Jenča marked the International Day of Peace with young peacebuilders, stressing their essential role in preventing conflict and sustaining peace. In Tumaco, from 19 to 20 September, peace signatories showcased locally produced cacao and coconut products at Chocofest 2026, strengthening livelihoods and connections to new markets. And at the Guaviare Book Fair, UNVMC presented Pathways Colombia, a virtual reality experience on progress and challenges in implementation, and Seeds of Peace, a photography exhibition featuring peace signatories and their families. UNVMC also joined a discussion on progress and remaining challenges as the Peace Agreement approaches its 10th anniversary.
UNSMIL convenes Libyan stakeholders to advance electoral agreement
On 20 September, members of the Smaller Convening met in Tunis under the chairmanship of SRSG and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh to follow up on implementation of the agreement signed on 30 August. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the agreement towards national elections and agreed to continue engaging Libyan stakeholders to build broader support. The meeting was the first since the agreement to reconstitute the High National Elections Commission and amend electoral laws.
UNOAU promotes intergenerational dialogue on peacebuilding
On 17 September, the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) joined the African Union Commission, the Institute for Security Studies and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies to convene an Intergenerational Peace Circle in Addis Ababa ahead of the International Day of Peace. Bringing together diplomats, academics, youth leaders and civil society, discussions focused on inclusive participation in peace processes, climate, peace and security, and technology and innovation. SRSG and Head of UNOAU Parfait Onanga-Anyanga stressed that sustainable peace requires people to be heard and represented in decisions affecting their lives, while highlighting both the opportunities and risks posed by rapidly evolving digital technologies.
Civil society consultative body begins work in Cyprus peace process
On 21 September, the Steering Committee of the Consultative Body for Civil Society Engagement in the Cyprus peace process held its first meeting, following the appointment of its 10 members by the two Cypriot leaders. Facilitated by the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, the Committee began discussions on working methods and plans for the Consultative Body, which is intended to strengthen meaningful civil society participation in the peace process. The initiative was among the trust-building measures agreed by the leaders at the informal 5+1 meeting convened by the Secretary-General in July 2025.
Next Week
Greece will assume the presidency of the Security Council for October.
