USG DiCarlo briefs Security Council on Syria’s transition, security challenges, and path toward reconciliation

On 18 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on developments in Syria. Noting the progress made one year after the fall of the Assad government, she also underscored that significant obstacles remain. “True healing can only begin through a full reckoning with [Syria’s] history,” she said, underscoring that inclusive dialogue among all of Syria’s society, genuine national reconciliation, sanctions relief and sustained international support will be essential for the security of the country and the region. She concluded by emphasizing that, despite years of loss and suffering, the Syrian people remain hopeful for their future, and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting them as they navigate the challenges ahead.

DSRSG Freeman warns of the persistent fragility of West Africa and the Sahel and calls for increased regional and international support

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel Barrie Freeman briefed the Security Council on 18 December on recent political, security and humanitarian developments in the region. The DSRSG noted that the region continues to face complex and interlinked challenges, while also demonstrating notable resilience. She warned of the erosion of democratic norms, the expansion of violent extremism and the worsening humanitarian situation, exacerbated by climate shocks and funding gaps. The DSRSG underscored the need for inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation, urging the Council to support ECOWAS efforts to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and protect the region’s democratic gains.

Council discusses continuing Middle East peace and security

On 16 December, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov warned in the Security Council that the ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile amid continued attacks and strikes. He said the United Nations is working to support the ceasefire and address the population’s urgent humanitarian needs, while urging Israel and Hamas to fully implement the agreement, exercise restraint and adhere to international law. While food availability has improved, severe shortages of water, medical care and shelter persist, and humanitarian access remains constrained, Alakabarov added. He also condemned the escalation of settler violence in the West Bank, particularly during the olive harvest.

Secretary-General marks UNAMI’s closure as UN–Iraq relations enter new phase

On 15 December, Secretary-General António Guterres was in Baghdad to attend the official ceremony marking the closure, after 22 years, of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). In his message, the Secretary-General noted that the special political mission has acted with humility and determination to help Iraqis rebuild following decades of oppression, war and instability. “UNAMI’s contributions prove the valuable role of the United Nations in helping countries navigate political transitions, and build peace and stability.” He stressed that, as UNAMI’s mandate concludes, the United Nations will continue its development work in support of Iraq through its agencies. The Secretary-General paid tribute to the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people. 

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert visits LAF operations in Southern Lebanon

The Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, this week visited areas of the South Litani Sector, where the Lebanese Armed Forces are implementing their Nation Shield plan in line with a government decision and the Cessation of Hostilities arrangement of November 2024. The Special Coordinator said the efforts of the Lebanese army, in difficult conditions, demonstrate its credibility as a national institution key to supporting the State to consolidate stability and advance a brighter future for all of Lebanon.  

Peacebuilding Commission convenes ambassadorial meeting on peaceful settlement of border disputes in Central Asia

On 15 December, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an ambassadorial-level meeting on the peaceful settlement of border disputes in Central Asia, at the request of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The meeting provided a platform for the three countries to present the treaties and declaration adopted in 2022 and 2025, resolving long-standing border disputes. The meeting opened with statements by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan and the Permanent Representatives of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, who underscored political leadership, national ownership and sustained dialogue as key factors enabling peaceful dispute resolution. Speakers also highlighted the importance of confidence-building and good-neighborly relations. Many Commission members welcomed the agreements as encouraging examples of what can be achieved through dialogue, mediation and regional cooperation, and encouraged the Commission to continue capturing and sharing lessons learned.

PBF Group of Friends highlights impact in South Sudan and future strategic priorities

On 16 December, the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) Group of Friends of voluntary donors held its final quarterly meeting of 2025, co-chaired by Sweden and the United Kingdom. The meeting featured an update from Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, who highlighted how PBF-supported initiatives are strengthening nationally led peacebuilding priorities, including community-level conflict prevention, inclusive political processes and institutional capacities for sustaining peace. Partners were also briefed on the PBF’s current funding status and plans for the development of the next five-year PBF strategy (2027–2031).

UNSMIL inaugurates Structured Dialogue in Libya

On 14–15 December, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) concluded the successful inauguration of the Structured Dialogue, a core pillar of the UN-facilitated political roadmap. The Dialogue brought together more than 120 Libyan stakeholders representing the country’s geographic, political, social and cultural diversity, including women, youth and persons with disabilities. It provides an inclusive platform for consultations on governance, security, economic reform and national reconciliation, with a mandate to develop practical, consensus-based recommendations to support credible elections, advance reforms and promote human rights.

Education milestones strengthen reintegration in Colombia

In Meta and Casanare, departments in eastern Colombia, former combatants marked an important step in their reintegration journeys by celebrating new academic achievements. In Villavicencio, the capital of Meta, three former combatants graduated from secondary school, while more than twenty others completed additional learning cycles. A similar milestone took place in Yopal, the capital of Casanare, where three graduates received their high school diplomas and fifteen participants were recognized for their commitment to continuing education. These accomplishments were made possible through the Maestro Itinerante programme, led by the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN) and UNAD University. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia accompanied the 13 December ceremonies, highlighting how access to education empowers former combatants to transform their lives and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in the territories.

High-level stocktaking event marks 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) on youth, peace and security

On 15 December, the United Nations marked the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) with a high-level stocktaking event that reaffirmed a central principle: young people are not just beneficiaries of peace—they are co-leaders and co-architects of it. Convening Member States, UN entities, civil society and youth peacebuilders, the event, co-hosted by the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Secretariat (DPPA, UN Youth Office, UNFPA), served as both a moment of reflection and a call for accountability as the agenda enters its second decade. Throughout the discussions, DPPA underscored that “nothing about youth without youth” must remain the operational core of the agenda, emphasizing that global policy frameworks only deliver impact when accompanied by inclusive processes, adequate and flexible financing, and meaningful power-sharing.

United Nations marks inaugural International Day against colonialism

On 5 December, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/80/106 to set 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. As part of the inaugural observance of the International Day, the General Assembly hosted on 18 December a high-level plenary meeting to mark the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and advance dialogue on the full implementation of UN resolutions on decolonization. In his remarks, the Secretary-General noted that the United Nations helped more than 60 territories – home to over 80 million people – pursue self-determination and emerge as independent states, while cautioning that “the vestiges of colonialism persist.” He called on Member States to renew their collective commitment, not only to ending colonialism in its traditional forms, but also to dismantling its enduring remnants wherever they remain.

United Kingdom contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of the United Kingdom for its contribution of GBP 200,000 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities. The United Kingdom’s contribution will support our work on women, peace and security.

Next Week

On 22 December, the Security Council will hold a briefing on Sudan, focusing on political, security and humanitarian developments. On 23 December, Council members will be briefed on non-proliferation, including the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) concerning Iran. The Council will also hold a briefing on threats to international peace and security related to Venezuela.