A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
USG DiCarlo briefs Council on DPRK’s advancing missile and nuclear capabilities
On 30 April, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) pursuit of nuclear weapons and its ballistic missile programmes remain a matter of serious concern. Briefing the Security Council held a meeting on non-proliferation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said that the DPRK’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its ballistic missile programmes remain a matter of serious concern, the USG . She reiterated the call for the DPRK to fully comply with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Noting that the security landscape in the region remains tense, she reiterated that the only way to reduce tensions is through sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. “Dialogue and diplomacy are indispensable to achieving this objective,” she said.
Peacebuilding Commission’s Expert-level Meeting on the Chair’s Visit to the Central African Republic and Working Methods
On 27 April 2026, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held an expert-level meeting to debrief on the PBC's recent visit to the Central African Republic (CAR) on 28 March to 3 April and exchange views on strengthening the Commission’s working methods. The Chair recalled that the visit reaffirmed international support for the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and highlighted progress achieved following the peaceful and inclusive 2025 elections. Discussions in-country underscored the continued importance of nationally owned peacebuilding efforts, including support for transitional justice, reintegration initiatives, institutional strengthening, and the extension of state authority. Participants to the visit also emphasized the central role of MINUSCA and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in supporting stabilization, electoral processes, community reconciliation, and youth and women’s participation in peacebuilding.
Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert engages Israeli and Lebanese officials on sustaining ceasefire
This week, in the exercise of her good- offices functions, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with officials in Israel and Lebanon to discuss efforts to consolidate the cessation of hostilities and advance stability on both sides of the Blue Line. In Israel, she met with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Defence Minister Israel Katz, underscoring the need for solutions capable of ending recurring cycles of violence. In Lebanon, she met with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss ongoing and prospective efforts to sustain the cessation of hostilities and advance stability.
Special Envoy Grundberg engages EU on advancing peace efforts in Yemen
On 29 April, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded a visit to Brussels, where he briefed the European Union’s Political and Security Committee and held talks with officials, including Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf, among other officials. He provided updates on recent developments in Yemen, including the impact of regional escalation, and highlighted ongoing UN efforts across political, security and economic tracks to advance a Yemeni-led peace process under UN auspices. He also expressed appreciation for the European Union’s continued support, underscoring the importance of sustained partnership at a critical time for the country.
“Peace Float” initiative in Nariño highlights reconciliation efforts
Each year, during the Black and White Carnival in Nariño, a float pays tribute to the Colombian Peace Agreement. Known as La Carroza de la Paz, the initiative brings together victims, former combatants, individuals appearing before the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, public security forces and institutions, promoting reconciliation and inclusion. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, highligted the initiative during his recent field visit to Nariño, where he also met with regional authorities and key stakeholders in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
SRSG Imnadze visits Beijing to strengthen regional cooperation
From 27 to 29 April, Kaha Imnadze, Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), visited Beijing for consultations on regional peace, security and development. He met with Sun Linjiang, Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs, to exchange views on regional dynamics in Central Asia, including counter-terrorism, violent extremism, transboundary water management and the situation in Afghanistan. China reiterated its support for UNRCCA initiatives, including the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia. Mr. Imnadze also met with Shanghai Cooperation Organization Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad Saidmurodzoda to discuss strengthening UN–SCO cooperation, and engaged with leading Chinese think tanks on regional trends and potential collaboration.
UNRCCA and UNAMA engage youth on peace and security priorities
On 28 April, UNRCCA and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) hosted an online session for the 2026 cohort of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy, bringing together participants from Central Asia and Afghanistan. The session focused on the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas as key pillars of inclusive peacebuilding. Speakers highlighted UNRCCA’s work on dialogue, confidence-building and regional cooperation, as well as UNAMA’s efforts to promote youth engagement as essential to sustainable peace. Interactive discussions enabled participants to engage with practitioners, deepen their understanding of UN field operations and reflect on evolving regional dynamics.
UNOAU supports readiness assessments for AUSSOM contingents
The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) participated in and supported a series of pre-deployment verification and assessment activities for uniformed personnel contingents from Burundi, Ghana and Uganda ahead of their deployment to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The assessments reviewed operational, logistical, medical and administrative readiness, including personnel eligibility, command and control, cohesion and operational effectiveness. Contingents completed training on core areas such as medical readiness, counter-IED awareness, conduct and discipline, and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Scenario-based exercises and practical drills—including base protection, crowd control, civilian screening and responses to armed group threats—confirmed readiness for deployment. The verified contingents include military and police personnel, with a notable participation of women across all units.
New York Call to Action highlights urgency of climate, peace and security agenda
A new Call to Action on climate, peace and security was launched in New York on 30 April, underscoring the urgent need to address the growing impacts of climate change on peace and stability. The initiative brings together Member States, regional organizations and partners to strengthen collective efforts to prevent and respond to climate-related security risks. The Call emphasizes the importance of integrating climate considerations into conflict prevention, peacebuilding and humanitarian action, while supporting locally led solutions and strengthening partnerships across the United Nations system and beyond. It also highlights the need for improved data, analysis and financing to better anticipate and respond to climate-related risks.
Separately, on 29 April, USG DiCarlo met with Climate, Peace and Security Advisers serving in UN political missions, highlighting their role in translating climate-related risks into political analysis, early warning and preventive engagement.
Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group discusses priorities amid evolving global context
From 28 to 30 April, the eighth Advisory Group of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), chaired by Macharia Kamau, held its fourth session in New York. The Group was received by António Guterres, together with Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support Elizabeth Spehar. Discussions focused on the implications of a militarizing global landscape for peacebuilding and identified opportunities to advance efforts, including through recent UN80 reforms and the upcoming Peacebuilding Week in June. The Group underscored the importance of prioritization in a constrained funding environment and called for strengthened advocacy to broaden voluntary contributions. The Group also reviewed evidence highlighting the importance of national ownership for sustainable impact, including insights from a Peacebuilding Impact Hub exercise on transitional justice in The Gambia. Exchanges with partners, including the Peacebuilding Commission Bureau, focused on strengthening coordination and advancing the Fund’s next strategy for 2027–2030.
Peacebuilding Fund supports governance and social cohesion initiatives in West Africa
The Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund has approved new funding for initiatives in The Gambia and Mauritania to strengthen governance, protection and social cohesion. In The Gambia, a $2.5 million programme will promote inclusive access to information on reforms and the transitional justice process, protect civic space and human rights, and enhance participatory governance. Over 36 months, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will work with national stakeholders to support more transparent, accountable and responsive institutions.
In Mauritania, a $3 million initiative will support peaceful coexistence between migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and host communities in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Implemented over 24 months by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and OHCHR, the programme will strengthen protection measures, improve coordination among local authorities and services, and expand access to information for affected populations.
Secretary-General appoints Deputy Special Representative in Colombia
On 29 April, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of Claudia Mojica of El Salvador as Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. She brings nearly 30 years of experience with the United Nations, having served in multiple regions.
