SRSG Ruiz Massieu updates Security Council on peace process progress and challenges in Colombia

On 18 July, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu briefed the Security Council on the latest developments in the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement. He highlighted significant progress, including advances in land access, rural development, and transitional justice—welcoming the Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s upcoming first sentences as a “crucial step for victims and reconciliation.” Ruiz Massieu cautioned, however, that “the current window of opportunity will not stay open indefinitely,” urging accelerated state presence in conflict-affected regions to curb violence, protect ex-combatants, and sustain peace dividends. He reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to supporting Colombia’s holistic peace agenda.

ASG Khiari warns Security Council of escalating violence in Syria, urges protection of civilians and renewed commitment to political transition 

On 17 July, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, briefed the Security Council on the deteriorating situation in Syria, warning that “Syria’s path to a peaceful, credible and inclusive political transition is at risk.” He condemned the surge in violence in Suweida, including extrajudicial killings, sectarian incitement, and attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and urged all parties to allow humanitarian access and safeguard critical services. Khiari also expressed concern over Israel’s intensified airstrikes on Syrian territory, calling them a violation of Syria’s sovereignty that undermines regional stability. He stressed that only an inclusive, Syrian-led political process, as outlined in Security Council resolution 2254, can secure lasting peace.

PBC experts engage with the Asia Development Bank

On 16 July, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an expert-level meeting with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to explore its approach to Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCAS) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), aligned with ADB’s Strategy 2030. Samuel Tumiwa, ADB’s representative for North America, provided a briefing to PBC members and representatives from the Asia-Pacific Group, outlining ADB’s tailored strategy for addressing fragility. He highlighted opportunities for context-specific support, operational flexibility, and concessional financing under the $5 billion Asian Development Fund (ADF14). Member States learned how ADB incorporates peacebuilding, the role of the private sector, project planning to enhance local resilience, including against climate-related shocks, and strategies to ensure sustainable and accessible financing for SIDS. 

Security Council extends mandates of BINUH and UNMHA

On 14 July, the Security Council unanimously adopted two resolutions, extending the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) until 31 January 2026 (Resolution 2785) and extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) for six and a half months, until 28 January 2026 (Resolution 2786).

Secretary-General convenes informal meeting on Cyprus in New York

On 16–17 July, the Secretary-General convened an informal meeting at UN Headquarters with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, as well as representatives of the guarantor Powers—Greece, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. Building on the broader-format meeting held in Geneva in March, the discussions aimed to continue dialogue and exchange views on recent progress on the six initiatives that were agreed upon. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Secretary-General said four initiatives had been achieved, including the creation of a technical committee on youth, initiatives on the environment and climate change, restoration of cemeteries, and an agreement on demining. He added that he would hold a joint meeting with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders during the UN General Assembly high-level week and convene another informal meeting in the same format later this year.

Community leaders and SRSG Tetteh discuss security and political roadmap in Libya

On 16 July, 15 representatives from communities across western Libya met with SRSG Hanna Tetteh in Tripoli to discuss the security situation and share views on advancing a political roadmap. Participants, including municipal leaders and notables, emphasized the need to end the transitional period and create a secure environment for any political process, calling for the withdrawal of weapons from Tripoli and for state security institutions to protect civilians. The group was briefed on the four options proposed by the Advisory Committee in May. Participants highlighted citizens’ suffering due to poor infrastructure and inadequate education and health services. 

More than 160 Libyans join Q&A with SRSG Tetteh

On 17 July, SRSG Tetteh held a virtual session with over 160 Libyans as part of ongoing consultations to shape a political roadmap that reflects the aspirations of the Libyan people. SRSG Tetteh reaffirmed to participants her commitment—first made to the Security Council—that the process would be Libyan-led and enjoy broad public support. “What we are going to do is to try and consolidate these into a position that has the most acceptability on the way forward,” SRSG Tetteh said. UNSMIL has so far gathered input from more than 12,500 Libyans through polls and consultations, including women, youth, unionists, and representatives of cultural components and persons with disabilities. 

SRSG Otunbayeva urges urgent global action amid mass Afghan returns

On 15 July, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva called for immediate international support during her visit to the Islam Qala border crossing, where tens of thousands of Afghan returnees arrive daily. She warned that the unprecedented influx—over 1.3 million returnees so far in 2025—is overwhelming fragile support systems in a country where 70% of the population lives in poverty. “What should be a positive homecoming is instead marked by exhaustion, trauma, and profound uncertainty,” she said, urging swift reintegration assistance and regional cooperation.

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert discusses reforms and resolution 1701 implementation, visits southern positions

On 16 July, Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert visited the South Litani Sector headquarters of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and a position near the Blue Line, in a trip organized with UNIFIL. The visit underscored UN support for extending State authority across Lebanon, in line with Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). On 17 July, the Special Coordinator briefed the Security Council during closed consultations on the report of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of the resolution. 

SRSG Al Hassan discusses regional developments with President Rashid

SRSG and Head of the United Nations Assistant Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan met on 17 July with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid to discuss recent developments in the country and the wider region. The SRSG reaffirmed the continued support of the United Nations for Iraq in promoting dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve disputes peacefully and maintain security and stability.

UN in Iraq marks World Population Day

The United Nations in Iraq, together with the Government of Iraq, marked World Population Day in Baghdad on 14 July with the launch of the UNFPA Iraq 2025 State of World Population Report. Deputy SRSG, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai highlighted the UN’s commitment to advancing national efforts on population policy, reproductive rights, and youth empowerment. “We stand ready to work with the Government of Iraq to ensure every individual, especially women and youth, can make informed choices about their health, families, and future,” he said. 

Guang Cong appointed as new Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa 

Secretary-General António Guterres appointed on 17 July Guang Cong of China as his new Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. He brings decades of international affairs experience to this position, with over twenty-three years of service in various United Nations peace operations.

Türkiye contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, we thank Türkiye for its generous contribution of $350,000 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal to support our conflict prevention and mediation work.

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

On 22 July, the Security Council will hold a high-level debate on “Maintenance of international peace and security: Promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes.” On 23 July, an open debate on the Middle East is scheduled, focusing on recent developments and ongoing efforts to advance peace and stability in the region.