ASG Khiari briefs Fourth Committee on overall policy matters related to special political missions

On 12 November, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on overall policy matters related to special political missions (SPMs) to the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly. Highlighting the work of SPMs in Libya, Colombia and Iraq, he underscored their role in advancing political solutions, supporting dialogue and accompanying national efforts.

Peacebuilding Commission reviews Guinea-Bissau visit and next steps for new PBF framework

On 12 November, the Peacebuilding Commission's Country-Specific Configuration on Guinea-Bissau met to hear about the technical-level visit undertaken from 5 to 10 October by the Peacebuilding Fund. Briefers at the Expert-level meeting included the Chair (Brazil), the Chief of the Financing for Peacebuilding Branch in DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), a representative from the Permanent Mission of Guinea-Bissau, and the UN Peace and Development Adviser in Bissau. The Chair noted the Peacebuilding Fund's important catalytic role and called for predictable financing. Member States commended the work facilitated through the Fund, in line with Guinea-Bissau's nationally determined peacebuilding priorities, and encouraged further efforts in this regard. A new multi-year PBF Strategic Results Framework is envisaged for Guinea-Bissau, building on the visit and this meeting, and aligned with the new UNSDCF.

SRSG Al Hassan visits polling station on Iraq’s parliamentary elections day

On 11 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan visited a polling centre at the Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad to observe voting in the ongoing Council of Representatives elections. He commended the organization of the process and the voter turnout. “My presence here today reflects the importance that the United Nations attaches to ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process, in accordance with the Constitution and the electoral law,” he said. 

SRSG Al Hassan holds meetings with senior Kurdistan Region leaders

On 10 November, SRSG and Head of UNAMI Al Hassan met in Erbil and Pirmam with the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani (pictured); Prime Minister Masrour Barzani; KDP President Masoud Barzani; and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani. Discussions focused on political and economic developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, ongoing coordination between Baghdad and Erbil, and the launch of the electoral process for membership of the Council of Representatives. SRSG Al Hassan reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting dialogue grounded in the Constitution, strengthening federal relations, and advancing stability, sustainable development and improved public services. He also commended efforts to promote good governance and inclusive participation.

Special Envoy Grundberg concludes regional consultations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded on 12 November a new round of discussions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In Riyadh, he met Yemen’s Foreign Minister Shaya Zindani (pictured), Presidential Leadership Council member Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber, and the ambassadors of the P5 and other partners to review recent developments and UN efforts to sustain momentum toward dialogue, stressing the need for a unified approach in support of UN mediation. On 10 November in Abu Dhabi, he met senior Emirati officials to discuss developments in Yemen and ways to strengthen regional consensus. In all meetings, he reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of UN personnel detained by Ansar Allah, noting that their continued arbitrary detention undermines humanitarian operations and trust in the mediation process.

UNMHA OiC meets Deputy Foreign Minister in Aden to discuss cooperation and ongoing activities

In Aden on 12 November, the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA), Mari Yamashita, met with Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Numan to discuss UNMHA’s ongoing activities and cooperation with the Government of Yemen. The meeting addressed the broader context of UN operations in Yemen and continued coordination to support peace and stability efforts. The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive engagement between the Government and the UN system to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen collaboration in the field. He also welcomed UNMHA’s ongoing efforts along the West Coast, noting that livelihood-focused Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) benefiting women, youth and mine survivors serve as positive examples of cooperation with local authorities and communities.

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert continues meetings on resolution 1701 implementation

Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert continued her engagements with Lebanese officials this week. The Special Coordinator discussed with Minister of Defense Michel Menassa the opportunities and challenges related to implementing the November cessation-of-hostilities arrangement and United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

SRSG Imnadze joins women leaders’ caucus meeting in Tashkent

On 12 November, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze participated in the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus meeting in Tashkent held in the margins of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders. The event brought together women parliamentarians and civil society from across the region and Azerbaijan. Marking the anniversaries of the Beijing Platform and UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, SRSG Imnadze commended Uzbekistan’s leadership and highlighted UNRCCA’s partnership with the Caucus. Participants discussed women’s leadership, economic and social inclusion, climate and innovation, and gender-based violence, and adopted a declaration reaffirming regional commitments.

UNRCCA and IICA highlight regional cooperation at UNESCO General Conference

UNRCCA, together with the International Institute for Central Asia, convened a side event titled “A New Central Asia” on 10 November during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. In his opening remarks, SRSG Imnadze underscored growing regional cooperation, noting recent milestones such as the Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan border agreement and the Khujand declaration. He emphasized culture, education and science as drivers of resilience and innovation.

Climate Security Mechanism and partners host COP30 side event on equitable climate finance

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, on 12 November, the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM), together with the Group of Friends on Climate and Security and ODI Global, held a high-level event titled “Bridging the Gap: Making Climate Finance Work for the Underserved.” The discussion brought together leaders from climate finance institutions, national governments and multilateral agencies to explore ways to ensure that climate finance reaches countries facing the intersecting challenges of climate change, fragility and humanitarian need. Building on the COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace, participants emphasized that access to climate finance must be equitable, conflict-sensitive and peace-positive.

UNSMIL launches survey to gather public input for the Structured Dialogue

On 11 November, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) opened an online survey inviting Libyans to help identify the priority issues the Mission-facilitated Structured Dialogue should address. The survey follows a live online chat held on 27 October with Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Stephanie Koury, which drew more than 450 participants—women, youth, and representatives from across Libya and the diaspora. Feedback from both exercises will be analysed and shared with Structured Dialogue members to inform their work across four themes: governance, economy, security, and human rights and reconciliation. SRSG Hanna Tetteh stressed that engaging diverse voices is essential to ensuring the process reflects Libya’s realities and aspirations. The survey is open until 19 November, and Libyans may respond via this link. 

High-level dialogue on security sector reform held in Dakar

A high-level dialogue on security sector governance and reform took place in Dakar, Senegal from 12 to 13 November, bringing together governments, parliamentarians, experts, international partners, and civil society. Organized by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in partnership with ECOWAS, African Union, UNOAU, UNDP and GIZ, with support from Germany, Switzerland, and the European Union, the event strengthened collective understanding of Security Sector Reform (SSR) challenges and priorities. Discussions underscored the need for strong political commitment, inclusive participation, especially of women and youth, and adaptation to emerging threats. Participants called for better coordination, sustainable financing, and enhanced South-South cooperation. The meeting reaffirmed that SSR is a political imperative essential for peace, trust, and good governance across West Africa and the Sahel.

Annual meeting of the working group on women, youth, peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel

From 3 to 7 November in Praia, Cabo Verde, UNOWAS and UN Women, together with regional and international partners, convened the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel. Held under the theme “25 Years of Implementing UNSCR 1325,” the meeting brought together around 70 participants from 16 countries to assess progress and set strategic priorities for the WPS and YPS agendas. Participants reviewed national and regional assessments, finalized the 2026 work plans, and adopted the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. Discussions emphasized the need for stronger state ownership, sustainable financing, and improved coordination. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the participants’ commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable peace across the region.

AU–UN Joint Communiqué reaffirms strategic partnership

On 13 November, the African Union and the United Nations have issued a Joint Communiqué following the Ninth AU–UN Annual Conference held at UN Headquarters in New York. Co-chaired by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and the Secretary-General, the Communiqué reaffirms the organizations’ strategic partnership across peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development. It underscores the need for preventive diplomacy and strengthened African-led peace efforts. The two leaders also highlighted collaboration on climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive development. 

#ICYMI: 10th joint informal seminar and 19th annual consultative meeting between the AUPSC and UNSC held in Addis Ababa

On 16–17 October, Members of the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) met in Addis Ababa for the 10th Joint Informal Seminar and 19th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM). SRSG and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga briefed the Council on AU–UN cooperation, noting progress in peace and security, peace operations, mediation, and addressing root causes of conflict. Co-chaired by the Russian Federation and Botswana, the meetings brought together Permanent Representatives and senior officials to review priorities and strengthen coordination. Discussions reaffirmed both Councils’ commitment to partnership, the UN Charter’s provisions on international peace and security, and the principles guiding the AU PSC.

#ICYMI: 3rd annual joint UN–AU retreat of special representatives and envoys

On 20 October, SRSG Onanga-Anyanga co-convened the 3rd Annual Joint Retreat of UN and AU Special Representatives, Special Envoys and High Representatives with AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye in Aswan, Egypt. The retreat, attended by ASG for Africa Martha Pobee and UNDP’s Ahunna Eziakonwa, provided a platform to exchange field-based good practices and discuss ways to strengthen UN–AU coordination, collaboration and complementarity in addressing peace, security and development challenges. A full communiqué is available here. On 21–22 October, SRSG Onanga-Anyanga also participated in the 16th AU High-Level Retreat, which reaffirmed the shared vision of revitalising Africa-owned, Africa-led and inclusive mediation processes.

Next Week

The Security Council will hold an open debate on conflict-related food insecurity on 17 November, followed by a briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa on 18 November. On 19 November, members will meet on the situation in Syria.