A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Secretary-General calls for immediate de-escalation in the Middle East
On 28 February, Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, warning that military action carries a grave threat to international peace and security. The Secretary-General condemned the massive military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s subsequent attacks across the region, which violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of several States. He warned that expanding hostilities risk triggering a wider conflict with serious consequences for civilians and regional stability. Calling for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, he stressed that “there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.”
USG DiCarlo highlights role of technology in safeguarding education for children in conflict
On 2 March, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo addressed the Security Council on children, technology, education and conflict. Noting that the world faces the highest number of armed conflicts since the Second World War, she warned that children are among those most severely affected. Globally, one in five children, adding up to 473 million, live in or are fleeing conflict zones, while verified grave violations against children increased by 25 per cent between 2023 and 2024. Stressing that education in conflict zones is “lifesaving and life-sustaining,” she highlighted the role of digital learning while underscoring the need to safeguard children from online threats and to close funding gaps in education in emergencies.
Fair and responsible harnessing of critical minerals can help promote peace, USG DiCarlo tells Security Council
On 5 March, USG DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on energy, critical minerals and security. She noted that rising global demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel presents a generational opportunity to create jobs, diversify economies and promote sustainable development. At the same time, she warned that the surge in demand is fueling geopolitical competition and affecting global supply chains, and that mining has been linked to human rights abuses and environmental degradation. Stressing the importance of responsible governance, she outlined priorities to ensure equitable outcomes, improve traceability and supply chains, and deploy peacemaking instruments to mitigate and resolve natural resource disputes.
Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert leverages good offices for de-escalation in Lebanon
The Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, undertook intensive diplomatic engagements following the launch of rockets from Lebanese territory in the early hours of Monday morning. The resumption of hostilities has involved extensive Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, the Biqa’, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, as well as continued drone and rocket attacks by Hizbullah on northern Israel. She continues to stress the urgent need for dialogue to avert further devastation and human suffering. She reiterates the importance of implementing Security Council resolution 1701 as the only pathway to a long-term solution. UNSCOL continues to engage with the United Nations Country Team as it scales up its humanitarian response across Lebanon.
OSE-HoA strengthens partnership with IGAD in advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
From 25 to 27 February, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (OSE-HoA) deepened its collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) during the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Women, Peace and Security held in Nairobi. In opening remarks, Special Envoy Guang Cong reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive political and mediation processes under the IGAD-UN Joint Framework for Cooperation.
Special Envoy convenes meeting of the Advisory Board for WPS in collaboration with the African Union Envoy on Women Peace and Security
On 2 March, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, in partnership with the AU Chairperson’s Special Envoy for WPS and UN Women, convened a virtual meeting of the Advisory Board for Women, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes. With former President of Ethiopia Sahel-Work Zewde as chief guest, participants discussed gender perspectives relating to ongoing peace efforts and opportunities for the Board to support local WPS initiatives.
Republic of Korea contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal
This week, DPPA heartily thanks the Government of the Republic of Korea for its contribution of $3,200,000 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities.
