A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
ASG Khiari calls for de-escalation as fighting intensifies in Yemen
On 15 September, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, briefed the Security Council on the intensifying conflict in Yemen and growing volatility around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. With fighting expanding across multiple frontlines and at least 125,000 people displaced since the start of the month, ASG Khiari called on all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and prevent further escalation. He also stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and urged the parties to prioritize dialogue and engage constructively with UN-led efforts towards a negotiated political solution.
Gagnon warns of accumulating risks to Afghanistan’s stability
On 16 September, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Georgette Gagnon briefed the Security Council on Afghanistan, warning that risks to the country’s stability are accumulating amid restrictions on women and girls, exclusionary governance, economic and humanitarian pressures, and continued security concerns. She urged greater support for Afghan women and girls and alternative livelihoods, while stressing that sustained international engagement, including through the Doha Process, remains essential to Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community.
Cordone calls for continued momentum in Syria’s political transition
On 17 September, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (DSESG) for Syria Claudio Cordone briefed the Security Council on further progress in Syria’s political transition, including the developing role of the People’s Assembly, preparations for future elections and steps towards integration in the northeast. He stressed that progress must translate into greater inclusion, security, services and economic opportunities for Syrians, while calling for stronger accountable institutions, wider participation and continued progress on transitional justice. He also reiterated the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized that diplomacy must prevail in addressing security concerns.
UNSCOL underscores support for Lebanese Armed Forces at Paris meeting
This week, 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 participated in an Aqaba Process meeting in Paris, where international and regional partners discussed coordinating support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), including its security and capability needs. He underscored the importance of sustained international support for the LAF and other State institutions as Lebanon works to strengthen State authority and security across the country.
Haavisto continues regional engagement in support of peace in Sudan
On 15 September, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Pekka Haavisto concluded a two-day visit to Egypt, following his recent mission to Sudan. In Cairo, he met with senior Egyptian officials and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States to discuss regional efforts to advance peace and strengthen coordination through the Quad and Quintet. Haavisto also met with members of the Sudanese diaspora, underscoring the importance of ensuring that Sudan’s diverse voices contribute meaningfully to shaping the country’s future.
Souef advances regional engagement in Gabon and Central African Republic
This week, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Mohamed El-Amine Souef met with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Gabon. He also undertook his first official visit to the Central African Republic and met President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Discussions focused on national and regional peace and security, including political dialogue, peacebuilding and social cohesion. In Bangui, Souef also highlighted the increasingly transboundary nature of challenges facing the region, including the conflict in Sudan, population movements, illicit arms trafficking, transhumance and climate change, and stressed the importance of early warning, preventive diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Preventive Diplomacy Academy promotes youth inclusion in peace processes
On 16 September, the Preventive Diplomacy Academy of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) brought together young professionals from Central Asia and Afghanistan for an online session on youth inclusion in peace processes. Participants explored practical approaches to engaging young people in peacemaking, dialogue and conflict prevention, including through an interactive exercise. The session was part of the Academy’s broader efforts to strengthen the knowledge, skills and regional networks of young peacebuilders.
Building protective networks for children in Cauca, Colombia
On 14 September, Lazos que protegen (Bonds that Protect) was launched in Popayán, Cauca, with support from the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and UNICEF. The initiative seeks to strengthen community-based efforts to protect children and adolescents from forced recruitment. As part of a pilot activity in rural Popayán, children participated in cultural activities and used virtual reality to learn about peace, combining digital tools with community-based prevention efforts.
Brewing peace through coffee in Colombia
On 11–12 September, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia participated in the International Coffee Fair in Chaparral, Tolima, highlighting how coffee production can support peacebuilding, reincorporation and rural development. The fair brought together coffee initiatives led by peace signatories and conflict victims, connecting producers with national and international buyers and creating new market opportunities to support sustainable livelihoods and peace.
Simão visits Mauritania in support of regional peace and stability
On 15 September, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simão began a visit to Mauritania as part of his ongoing efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in the subregion. In Nouakchott, he was expected to meet with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, government officials and representatives of the ruling party and opposition, among others. The SRSG also visited the Hodh El Chargui region, including the Mbera refugee camp, to engage with local authorities, refugees and humanitarian and development partners.
UNOWAS and UNESCO advance information integrity across West Africa and the Sahel
On 14 September, UNOWAS and the UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa convened UN Resident Coordinators from across the region to discuss the implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Information Integrity. SRSG Simão underscored the importance of information integrity for peace, social cohesion and good governance, as well as the role of UN Country Teams in integrating it into conflict prevention, peacebuilding and development efforts. Participants also discussed concrete measures to translate the regional plan into initiatives adapted to national contexts.
UN colleagues honor the life and legacy of Nicholas “Fink” Haysom
On 18 September, UN colleagues, family and friends gathered in New York to honor the memory and legacy of Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, who served the United Nations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan. In her remarks, USG Rosemary DiCarlo remembered Haysom as “a peacemaker and a mediator of rare intuition” whose ability to listen, build trust and bring people together shaped his decades of work for peace. She paid tribute to his unwavering dedication to humanity, his belief in dialogue and his lifelong commitment to peace and extended her condolences to his family.
Next Week
To find out more about events surrounding UNGA81 high-level week, please consult the UN Journal - All Meetings of the day.
Follow UNGA81 events live on UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule
From 21 to 25 September, the SDG Media Zone will feature live conversations on solutions to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, with the 21 September programme focused on peace and security.
Follow us on our social media.
