29 February - 6 March 2020
This Week in DPPAis a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
Security Council
Hennis-Plasschaert: ‘Critical’ window of opportunity closing fast in Iraq
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, briefed the Security Council on 3 March. She updated the Council on demonstrations, political situation, and the threat of ISIL and other non-state armed groups. “Times of crisis also present opportunities... the critical window of opportunity is closing fast,” she said.
Read her full remarks here
Read more in UN News
Security Council discusses DPRK missile launch
At the request of France, Germany and the UK, the Security Council held a closed session on 5 March on the most recent launch of ballistic missiles by the DPRK. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding, briefed the Council.
For more information, contact us
New York
Longstanding conflict between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon formally ends
Secretary-General António Guterres and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo witnessed the last step in resolving the longstanding border dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. At a ceremony on 3 March, the Permanent Representatives exchanged notifications that formally ended a conflict dating back to the early 1970s. The UN mediated for more than two decades.
For more information, contact us
DPPA and East Africa Community sign agreement to enhance cooperation
DPPA and the East Africa Community signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 5 March. Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo signed on behalf of DPPA. The two actors will cooperate on conflict prevention, electoral assistance, women, peace and security, gender equality, youth, peacebuilding, countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.
For more information, contact us
Peacebuilding Commission meets on Burkina Faso
The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission convened a meeting on “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace in Burkina Faso” on 5 March. Participants included Burkinabe Minister of Economy, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, and representatives from the EU, African Development Bank, World Bank, and civil society. They discussed deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions, resource mobilization, and sustaining peace through the forthcoming National Development Plan (2021-2025).
For more information, contact us
Great Lakes
Special Envoy visits the United Arab Emirates
Huang Xia, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, visited the UAE from 29 February to 1 March to promote the upcoming Great Lakes Investment and Trade Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, on 18-20 March. He met with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss investment and trade opportunities.
Read more here
Political Coordination meeting in Nairobi
The Office of the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region organized its 7th Political Coordination meeting in Nairobi on 5-6 March to review the political and security situation and enhance UN collaboration in the region.
Read more here
Libya
Special Representative steps down
Ghassan Salamé, Special Representative and Head of UNSMIL, announced on 2 March he was stepping down due to health reasons after more than two years in the role.
Read more in UN News
Somalia
Consultation meeting on Somalia’s new constitution in Hirshabelle
A three-day public consultation ended in Jowhar on 3 March, where representatives discussed key elements of a future constitution. The meeting was organized by the Federal Ministry of Constitutional Affairs with support from UNSOM.
Read more on UNSOM’s website
Colombia
Ex-combatants and Indigenous people reconcile
The Embera indigenous community and former FARC combatants held a reconciliation ritual on 1 March in Dabeiba, Antioquia. The ceremony symbolized protection of the land, truth, and commitment to peace.
For more information, contact us
Ruiz Massieu: Peace Agreement offers mechanisms to end cycles of violence in Colombia
Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu participated in a roundtable for the Protection of Life in Puerto Asís, Putumayo, on 3 March, highlighting the Peace Agreement’s role in promoting security and development.
For more information, contact us
Iraq
Event to combat hate speech with Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng
UNAMI’s Human Rights Office organized an event in Baghdad on 3 March to address hate speech. Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng attended and called for unity against hatred and extremism.
Read more on UNAMI’s website
Syria
Special Envoy visits Egypt
Syria Envoy Geir O. Pedersen addressed the League of Arab States in Cairo on 4 March, briefing on developments in Syria and efforts for a political solution.
Read his full remarks here
Subscribe to This Week in DPPA: Sign Up Now
Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org
