USG DiCarlo briefs Security Council on intensified attacks and civilian impact in Ukraine

On 12 January, the Security Council held a briefing on Ukraine. Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, briefed Council members and noted that large-scale aerial assaults by the Russian Federation against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure across Ukraine have resulted in horrific levels of destruction and suffering. She reiterated the Secretary-General’s strong condemnation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that such attacks violate international humanitarian law. She reaffirmed the Secretary-General’s repeated calls for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, grounded in respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

ASG Martha Pobee briefs Security Council on upheaval in Iran

On 15 January, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Martha Pobee briefed the Security Council on the nationwide upheaval in Iran, noting that protests initially sparked by economic grievances have evolved into mass anti-government demonstrations. ASG Pobee reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for full respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. She urged the authorities to lift the communications blackout and called for a halt to any executions linked to protest-related cases. Amid reports of possible military strikes on the country, she underscored the Secretary-General’s call for diplomacy and dialogue, urging maximum restraint to prevent further regional escalation.

Special Envoy Grundberg briefs Security Council on southern Yemen

Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for Yemen Hans Grundberg, speaking from Riyadh on 14 January, briefed the Council on developments in southern Yemen. He highlighted his ongoing engagement with Yemeni stakeholders, regional partners, and the international community, including recent discussions in Cairo, Muscat and Riyadh. He noted that while military de-escalation and stabilization have been achieved, the security situation in parts of the south remains fragile. “The future of the south cannot be determined by any single actor or through force. Ultimately, it is up to Yemenis,” he stressed. The Special Envoy reaffirmed that Yemen needs a comprehensive, inclusive, nationwide political process, one that offers Yemenis a space to debate and negotiate fundamental questions about the future shape of the state, security arrangement and economic governance together.

Personal Envoy Lamamra engages regional partners in Cairo on Sudan

On 14 January, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, attended the fifth Sudan Consultative Group meeting in Cairo. Representing the UN within the "Quintet" of multilateral partners (AU, IGAD, LAS, EU, and UN), he emphasized the urgency of a single, coherent track to restore peace in Sudan. He held discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos. He also met with Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister to strengthen cooperation and renew collective engagements. 

Sustainable reintegration takes root in Toribío, Colombia

On 12 January, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) visited land acquired by former combatants from the CMETC cooperative in Toribío, Cauca. The initiative reflects a collective commitment to sustainable reintegration and closer engagement with the local community. Planned fish farming and subsistence crop projects aim to strengthen economic autonomy, consolidate the collective effort and support long-term territorial integration—demonstrating how locally driven initiatives can contribute to lasting peace.

Secretariat launches unified Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiencies, a unified Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) under the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO) is operational as of 14 January. Following General Assembly endorsement, the new office integrates the former Peacebuilding Support Office with three offices previously under the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions of the Department of Peace Operations. Described by the Secretary-General as a “centre of excellence on prevention, peacebuilding and peace support,” the unified office will ensure that security gains are reinforced by robust institutions and sustainable development, streamlining the UN's ability to support Member States across the peace continuum.

2026 Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers announced 

DPPA and UNOPS announced this week the 2026 Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers, which is available to assist UN entities, Member States, regional organizations and civil society actors. The specialized team provides high-level, tailored expertise and rapid technical advice for complex peace processes globally. The DPPA-UNOPS partnership is a cornerstone of the UN’s commitment to providing agile and effective mediation support to the international community.

DPPA's Security Council Affairs Division releases 2025 highlights of Security Council practice

On 16 January, the Security Council Affairs Division released the "2025 Highlights of Security Council Practice," a comprehensive digital resource providing insights into the Council’s work over the past year. The website features extensive data and graphics covering meetings, agenda items and the activities of subsidiary bodies. Designed as a tool for researchers and diplomats, the publication offers an in-depth look at the Council’s procedural and substantive trends throughout 2025.

Next Week

On 21 January, the Security Council will discuss the situation in Haiti. Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Carlos Ruiz Massieu is set to brief on recent developments and the latest report of the Secretary-General on the country. Council members will also discuss the renewal of the mandate of the special political mission in Haiti - BINUH - ahead of its 31 January expiry. On 22 January, the Council will convene for a briefing on Syria. On 23 January, the Council will hold its quarterly meeting on Colombia, at which SRSG Miroslav Jenča is scheduled to brief on the latest developments in the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement.