26 September - 2 October 2020
This Week in DPPAis a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
Security Council
Mladenov: Settlement expansion and demolitions a continued threat to a two-State solution
Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov on 29 September briefed the Security Council on the Middle East peace process. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s call to the Middle East Quartet and the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to urgently strengthen efforts to advance the goal of a negotiated two-State solution before it is too late. “Israel’s suspension of plans to annex parts of the West Bank removed a critical threat that had the potential to upend peace and regional stability. Annexation would have constituted a most serious violation of international law and deal a devastating blow to prospects for a two-State solution. The threat, however, to the viability of a two-State solution posed by continued settlement expansion and demolitions remains,” Mr. Mladenov said.
Read his full remarks here
Read more in UN News
Central Africa
Debate on the challenge of poverty in Central Africa in a COVID-19 context
Special Representative François Louncény Fall on 30 September took part in the Forum of Ministers in charge of Social Development of Central African countries, organized virtually by UNESCO, ECCAS and the Gabonese government. The participants shared ideas on "The challenge of poverty in Central Africa: what impact of the COVID19 pandemic and what strategies?". Mr. Louncény Fall underlined that peace, stability and conflict prevention cannot be dissociated from sustainable development challenges. He stressed the need to strengthen early warning and crisis prevention mechanisms while accelerating efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Côte d'Ivoire
Special Representative concludes pre-electoral visit to Côte d'Ivoire
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative and Head of UNOWAS, on 27 September concluded his pre-electoral mission to Côte d'Ivoire. The mission aimed to renew UN support for a peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible presidential election on October 31 and encourage stakeholders to work together for peace and stability.
Read more here
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Special Envoy visits the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Huang Xia, Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week. In Kinshasa on 30 September, he met with Mr. François Muamba, National Coordinator of the Presidential Council for Strategic Intelligence. They discussed regional efforts to promote peace, security and development. Mr. Xia also visited the National Institute for Biomedical Research and praised its professionalism in handling COVID-19 tests.
Somalia
Meeting with the new Prime Minister
James Swan, Special Representative and Head of UNSOM, and other international representatives met on 28 September with Mohamed Hussein Roble, Somalia’s new Prime Minister, to discuss partnership in achieving national priorities.
Colombia
Fish farming project for ex-combatants in Chocó advances
The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia on 28 September accompanied the former combatants' cooperative "Héroes de Murrí" in its first fish farming project in Quibdó, Chocó. About 6,000 tilapias will be produced in the next five months, benefiting 50 families. The project is supported by UNDP, ARN and the UN Verification Mission.
First reintegration route with an ethnic focus signed in Colombia
The Mayasquer indigenous reservation in Cumbal, Nariño, is home to 114 former combatants advancing in reintegration. On 26 September, the indigenous authority and former combatants signed the "Route of Reconciliation and Harmonization," the first ethnically focused reintegration route in Colombia. The route includes ethnic and gender aspects from a rights and justice perspective. ARN and the UN Verification Mission have supported this dialogue for two years.
Afghanistan
Panelists seek support of elders and Ulema in calling for violence reduction
Radio panelists sought the support of Ulema and community elders in calling for violence reduction and a long-term ceasefire during UNAMA-backed radio programs in western provinces. Panelists said Ulema are uniquely placed to influence both the government and Taliban.
Read more here
Afghanistan’s commitment to information access – key to saving lives, building trust, bringing hope
On 28 September in Kabul, UN joined Afghan media and civil society to observe the International Day of Universal Access to Information. Participants stressed the importance of access to information for accountability and trust, especially during crises like COVID-19. Deborah Lyons, Special Representative and Head of UNAMA, reaffirmed UN support.
Read more here
Iraq
International Translation Day
At UNAMI, translation and interpretation are vital for dialogue and cooperation. On 30 September, UNAMI marked International Translation Day, paying tribute to language professionals. Watch the video here.
“Iraqi Youth: Pioneers for Dialogue and Stability” virtual workshop held in Baghdad
From 24 to 27 September, 29 young Iraqis participated in a virtual workshop organized by UNAMI and partners to discuss their role in addressing community challenges. Alice Walpole, Deputy Special Representative, emphasized the importance of empowering youth.
Read more here
Peacebuilding
New briefing note on investments in the context of the pandemic
The Peacebuilding Fund published a note summarizing its COVID-19 response, highlighting adjustments to ongoing programs and new proposals to address conflict risks exacerbated by the pandemic.
Read more here
Interview with the Resident Coordinator in El Salvador
Birgit Gerstenberg discussed the pandemic’s impact on peacebuilding in El Salvador, highlighting inequalities and UN efforts to support national peacebuilding.
Watch here
DiCarlo: "Women’s contributions to peace and security are still often outside the mainstream of formal efforts, and too frequently undervalued"
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo addressed the Peacebuilding Commission on Women, Peace and Security, stressing the need to value women’s contributions.
Read her full remarks here
The Work of Peace
New virtual exhibit
Check out the virtual exhibit The Work of Peace, highlighting UN efforts in preventive diplomacy, mediation and elections over 75 years.
Enter here
Subscribe to This Week in DPPA: Sign Up Now
Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org
