This Week in DPPAis a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
USG DiCarlo participates in UN forum on the question of Palestine
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo participated in the International Parliamentarian Support to the Question of Palestine on 18 May, convened by the UN General Assembly Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) to mobilize international support for a peaceful settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. In her remarks, USG DiCarlo said the UN has been actively involved in mediation efforts with all sides with a view to ending the violence immediately.
Launch of dialogue with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
On 17 May, the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Miroslav Jen_a, and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Vladimir Norov, launched the first Secretariat-to-Secretariat dialogue between the two groups. The event highlighted cooperation between the SCO and the UN, the role of women and youth, and collaboration with regional organizations.
ASG Jen_a takes part in OSCE Conflict Cycle Seminar
The ASG for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Miroslav Jen_a, participated in the high-level opening session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Conflict Cycle Seminar on 17 May, which marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on “Elements of the Conflict Cycle.” "Conflict prevention and resolution efforts must systematically include women and women’s civil society organizations at all levels”, he said. The Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) also participated in the later session of the seminar on early warning and prevention.
ASG Fernandez-Taranco talks innovative financing for peace
The Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, participated on 18 May in the high-level roundtable titled “Innovative Financing for Peace: Finding new solutions to meet local peacebuilding needs”, co-organized by the governments of Germany and Colombia with the support of the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO). “From a peacebuilding perspective, innovative financing approaches must be guided by principles of conflict-sensitivity, gender equality, and youth inclusion and be aligned with national strategies, support national ownership and involve local actors”, said Fernandez-Taranco.
DPPA releases its new Update to the Multi-Year Appeal and 2020 Annual Report
DPPA released two new reports on 21 May: the Update to the Multi-Year Appeal and the 2020 Annual Report. The Multi-Year Appeal (MYA) is an extra-budgetary fund that supports an ever-larger percentage of the Department’s work. The additional funds provided through the MYA enable the fast, flexible and global actions often required to prevent violence and preserve peace. The update calls for US$ 40 million for 2021 to respond to the critical and growing needs it faces. The 2020 Annual Report highlights operations and activities made possible through the generous support of our donors.
Read full Update to the Multi-Year Appeal here
Security Council
Wennesland briefs Council members in open debate
Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, updated the Security Council at an open debate on 16 May in connection with the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s urgent call on Israel and Palestinian armed groups to take immediate and decisive steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life. On 20 May, after 11 days of deadly hostilities, Gaza and Israel agreed to a ceasefire.
Full briefing to the Security Council here
Perthes encourages all of Sudan’s partners to continue supporting the country’s reforms
Volker Perthes, Special Representative for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) updated the Security Council on 20 May on recent developments in Sudan. He said that the International Conference to Support the Sudanese Transition, organized by the French Government earlier this week in Paris, clearly demonstrated the international community’s continued support for Sudan. He encouraged all of the country’s international and domestic partners to continue their support as it implements key economic and political reforms. Regarding the peace process, he noted that UNITAMS will act as a facilitator, supporting the role of South Sudan as a mediator, while also working to ensure the meaningful participation of women.
Full briefing to the Security Council here
Kubi_: “The significant progress and achievements in the past many months must be consolidated”
Ján Kubi_, the Special Envoy for Libya, briefed the Security Council on 21 May on the preparations for parliamentary and presidential elections. He noted that the security situation had significantly improved, although clashes between armed groups still continued to occur. “We need to work together with and provide meaningful support to Libyan authorities and institutions in their efforts to achieve national reconciliation and transitional justice, the unification of State institutions, the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and to set the stage for holding the elections on 24 December, for their free, fair and secure conduct an acceptance of their results”, he said. “This is important not just for the Libyan people but for the region as a whole”.
Full briefing to the Security Council here
New Appointment
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee announced as new Assistant Secretary-General for Africa
Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee of Ghana as Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). She succeeds Bintou Keita of Guinea, who took up a new assignment as the Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). She was previously Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations from 2015 until 2020.
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