USG DiCarlo visits Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo visited Bosnia and Herzegovina for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. She met with Member of the Presidency Željko Komšić, Foreign Minister Dino Konaković, and Chair of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto to reaffirm UN support for peacebuilding, dialogue, and inclusion in the Western Balkans. She also visited the War Childhood Museum and engaged with civil society representatives working to bridge divides and empower women and youth. At the commemoration in Srebrenica held in Potočari on 11 July, she paid tribute to the victims and urged leaders to engage with the past through dialogue and responsibility — to help lay the foundation for a peaceful, inclusive future.

Special Envoy Grundberg warns Security Council of escalation risks in Yemen and Red Sea

Briefing the Security Council on 9 July, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Hans Grundberg expressed grave concern over recent attacks by Ansar Allah on two commercial ships in the Red Sea, which resulted in civilian casualties and raised environmental risks. He stressed that freedom of navigation must be protected and civilian infrastructure spared. Warning against Yemen’s deeper entanglement in regional crises, Grundberg called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained personnel from the UN, NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions in the country.

Top donors gather in Berlin for 2025 Peacebuilding Fund Strategic Dialogue

On 9–10 July, the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) held its voluntary contributor Strategic Dialogue in Berlin, hosted by the German Federal Foreign Office. The PBF’s top 13 donors participated in the annual dialogue to discuss peacebuilding priorities, financing, and preparations for the fund's next Strategy (2027–2030). Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Elizabeth Spehar opened the Dialogue with reflections on today’s growing peacebuilding demands, emphasizing growing demands and the need for sustainable funding. A panel featuring Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and head of MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Bintou Keita, UN Resident Coordinator for Guatemala José Miguel Barreto, and Deputy SRSG Mohamed Ag Ayoya of MINUSCA in the Central African Republic highlighted innovations and impact at the country level. Discussions also explored lessons from localization, strategic partnerships and peace finance, contributing to the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review. Donors reaffirmed their commitment to a more responsive and effective UN peacebuilding system.

Peacebuilding Commission explores the role of local private sector in sustaining peace

On 9 July, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held an expert-level meeting to explore how the local private sector as peace agents in peacebuilding. Representatives from the African Development Bank, the Somali Development Bank, Investisseurs et Partenaires, and Shurako Capital shared their insights with the PBC on how local private investments can support peacebuilding initiatives. They emphasized that their investments address critical gaps left as a result of diminishing Official Development Assistance (ODA), as they often operate where government services are limited. By creating employment opportunities, promoting economic development, increasing tax revenues, and discouraging a return to conflict, local private investments play a vital role in peacebuilding due to their resilience. 

Civil society–UN dialogue platform prepares for annual meeting

On 11 July, DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) and the CMI–Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation briefed PBC members on the Civil Society Organization–UN Dialogue and its role in connecting Member States and civil society on peacebuilding issues. The meeting also outlined plans for the next annual Dialogue, scheduled for December, and gathered Member State expectations for the event. Launched in 2023 by PBSO with civil society and UN partners, the Dialogue on Peacebuilding Initiative offers a platform—especially for Global South actors—to shape peacebuilding policies and enhance civil society engagement in line with the UN’s commitments under the Pact for the Future.

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert meets Lebanese officials in Beirut

Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, this week in Beirut. Discussions focused on the importance of advancing the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and making progress on critical reforms to put Lebanon back on a path to recovery.

DSRSG Koury meets with Bani Walid leaders, urges inclusive political process

On 13 July, DSRSG for Political Affairs in Libya Stephanie Koury met with municipal officials, civil society, and tribal leaders in Bani Walid. Participants voiced frustration over stalled national reconciliation, the status quo, and UNSMIL’s pace in advancing the political process. Koury emphasized that “only a genuine, inclusive and comprehensive process can address these longstanding challenges,” pledging UNSMIL’s readiness to identify spoilers and support national reconciliation. At the University of Bani Walid, discussions focused on the Advisory Committee’s options to resolve Libya’s political impasse. Participants were encouraged to complete the online poll to ensure their voices inform Libya’s political roadmap.

UNAMA hosts Working Group meetings in Doha to advance international engagement on Afghanistan

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) convened meetings of the Working Groups on counter-narcotics and the private sector in Doha on 30 June and 1 July. The discussions brought together representatives from 26 Member States and international organizations, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, the United Nations, and 10 subject matter experts. Participants emphasized the need for greater international engagement, particularly to address the needs of women and girls and ensure their participation in Afghan society. Discussions also focused on creating viable economic opportunities to reduce reliance on illicit narcotics production and foster long-term stability.

SRSG Al Hassan engages national and regional leaders on elections, development, and social cohesion

From 5 to 9 July, SRSG Mohamed Al Hassan held a series of meetings across Iraq to advance dialogue on national priorities and inclusive development. In Karbala, he met with Governor Nsayif Jassim Al-Khatabi and His Eminence Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalai, recognizing the historical role of the religious authority in promoting peace and social cohesion, and commending ongoing community development initiatives in education, health, and social services. In a press conference, he reaffirmed UN support for progress in the governorate and across Iraq. In Baghdad, the SRSG met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to discuss preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections and regional issues. He also met with Head of the Supreme Judicial Council Judge Faiq Zaidan to explore ways to enhance judicial cooperation.

In meetings with Head of Al-Nasr Coalition Haider Al-Abadi and Head of Iraqi Turkmen Front Mehmet Seman Ağa, he discussed electoral preparations and emphasized the importance of diversity, unity, and constitutional solutions—especially in Kirkuk. In Erbil, the SRSG met with Rêber Ahmed, Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region, to review cooperation on internally displaced persons and refugees, and reaffirm the UN’s continued partnership on humanitarian priorities.

UN and Iraqi leaders advance cooperation on climate and peacebuilding

In Baghdad, UN Resident Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai joined key Iraqi officials in two high-level meetings this week to strengthen collaboration on climate action and peacebuilding. On 7 July, he co-chaired the Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group with Environment Minister Dr. Hallo Al-Askari, focusing on Iraq’s preparations for COP30 and efforts to rehabilitate the Tanjero River in Sulaymaniyah. On 9 July, he convened the inaugural Steering Committee meeting for a UN Peacebuilding Fund-supported project in Sinjar, alongside Prime Minister’s Advisor Dr. Zidan Khalaf and Deputy Planning Minister Dr. Maher Johan. The Committee endorsed the project’s workplan and terms of reference.

UNAMI, IHEC discuss preparations for November parliamentary elections

On 7 July in Baghdad, UNAMI hosted Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to review preparations for the 11 November Council of Representatives elections. SRSG Mohamed Al Hassan underscored the importance of an Iraqi-led process that is free, fair, and transparent. He emphasized IHEC’s independence, public trust, and the elections’ role in strengthening democratic institutions. He also called on political parties to uphold a code of conduct, reject misuse of money in politics, and ensure inclusive participation, particularly by women and minorities.

UNRCCA and UNOCT brief Member States on counter-terrorism early warning network

On 8 July, UNRCCA and UNOCT co-hosted a high-level briefing at UN Headquarters on the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia. The meeting highlighted the initiative’s scope, progress, and strategic relevance, calling for greater political, technical, and financial support. SRSG Kaha Imnadze noted the intensifying regional challenges related to violent extremism. Two research papers—on online propaganda and Afghanistan’s impact on Central Asia—were presented. Member States voiced strong support, underlining the importance of information-sharing and capacity-building for regional security. 

From Sinaí, Cauca: Images that tell the story of peace

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On 7 July, in the village of Sinaí, Argelia municipality, Cauc), the UN Verification Mission in Colombia held an educational day focused on peace and reconciliation, with active participation from children, adolescents, and Peace Agreement signatories from nearby communities. The event was supported by the municipal mayor’s office and accompanied by the Agency for Reintegration and Normalisation (ARN) and the Ombudsman’s Office. As part of Colombia’s Week of Peace, participants engaged with the immersive virtual reality experience #PathwaysColombia to explore progress in implementing the Agreement. They also took part in a collective memory exercise using analogue photography—capturing images that reflect their experiences, hopes, and commitment to building peace.

Territory for peace: Jaidukamá reclaims its ancestral lands

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On 10 July, in the municipality of Ituango, Antioquia, a symbolic act marked the restitution of 2,143 hectares to the Jaidukamá Indigenous Reserve, home to the Embera Eyabida people. Accompanied by local authorities and institutions, the event recognized the rights of a community that has endured conflict, displacement, and the threat of landmines. The Peace Agreement explicitly includes provisions for the humanitarian demining of the Jaidukamá territory in Ituango, as part of the implementation of its Ethnic Chapter.

New Zealand contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, we thank New Zealand for its generous contribution of $452,750 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal to support our conflict prevention and mediation work.

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

On Friday, the Security Council will hear from SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu on Colombia.