Syria’s path remains fragile, Pedersen tells Security Council in latest briefing

On 18 September, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Geir Pedersen, briefed the Security Council on the latest developments in that country. He said that the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian people are attempting a transition in the face of numerous challenges. The Special Envoy warned that if these challenges are mishandled, the consequences could be dire. He called on the international community to support Syria and to stand against foreign intervention.

Otunbayeva urges Council to support Afghan people amid mounting crises

On 17 September, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva briefed the Council, warning that Afghanistan is facing “a perfect storm of crises,” including restrictions on women, aid cuts, economic stagnation, drought and mass returns of migrants. She stressed that bans on girls’ education and on Afghan women working with the UN and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) create “unacceptable discrimination” that undermines aid delivery. She urged the Council to press for lifting restrictions on women and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to engagement that improves the lives of Afghan people.

Yemen conflict risks deepening regional instability, Grundberg warns 

On 15 September, the Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the Council, warning that Yemen’s unresolved conflict acts as both a mirror and magnifier of wider regional volatility. He urged renewed focus on Yemen’s peace process, grounded in Yemeni needs and inclusive dialogue. “Dialogue – however difficult – is the only viable path to bridge divides and move forward.”

Council adopts resolution on Iraq-Kuwait cooperation

On 17 September, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the appointment of a senior envoy to support cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait. The envoy will assist efforts on the repatriation and return of Kuwaiti and third-country nationals or their remains, as well as the return of property. All 15 members voted in favor.

United States vetoes draft resolution on Gaza

On 18 September, during its 10,000^th meeting, the Council considered a draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Fourteen members voted in favor, with one against (United States) and no abstentions. 

Council fails to adopt draft on Iran sanctions

On 19 September, the Council failed to adopt a draft resolution aimed at preventing the “snapback” of sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The text received only four votes in favor, nine against and two abstentions, falling short of the nine votes required. 

DPPA launches interactive digital version of its Ceasefire Mediation Guidance

DPPA has launched a new interactive digital version of its Guidance on Ceasefire Mediation, first published in 2022. It features examples from conflicts worldwide and provides practical building blocks for mediators, policymakers and stakeholders, while underscoring that there is no one-size-fits-all template for ceasefires. The platform, optimized for phones, tablets and laptops, offers offline access, easy navigation tools, and draws on decades of UN experience supporting ceasefires.

Peacebuilding Commission reviews Colombia visit and financing talks with World Bank

On 16 September, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an expert-level meeting to brief delegations on the Chair’s recent visits to Colombia (24–28 August) and Washington, D.C. (4–5 September). In Colombia, discussions with government officials, civil society, and international partners highlighted progress in implementing the 2016 Final Peace Agreement, alongside ongoing challenges such as security risks, reintegration, and financial constraints. In Washington, the Chair engaged with the World Bank on innovative financing for peacebuilding. Delegates welcomed the opportunity to exchange lessons learned and explore ways to sustain international support for Colombia’s peace process.  

Historic first sentences by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace

On 16 September, Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) issued its first restorative sentences—an historic milestone in the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement. The rulings, concerning former FARC-EP commanders, mark a key step for Colombia’s transitional justice system, designed to foster truth, ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of the armed conflict, and provide redress to victims. On 18 September, the first sentences for former members of the public security forces were also issued. The decisions highlight Colombia’s progress in advancing reconciliation through accountability, with the UN Verification Mission mandated to verify compliance and support their implementation as part of the country’s broader pursuit of peace, justice and reconciliation.

Personal Envoy Lamamra engages Sudanese stakeholders in Port Sudan and Nairobi

This week, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, visited Nairobi and Port Sudan as part of ongoing efforts to advance an inclusive political process. Following a series of consultations in Nairobi, the Personal Envoy met on 15 September in Port Sudan with Prime Minister Kamil Idris and Cabinet members, as well as civilian political actors, women’s groups, civil society, and members of the diplomatic community. He encouraged all interlocutors to engage in an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue aimed at advancing concrete steps towards a peaceful and united Sudan.

Personal Envoy on Cyprus Holguín meets Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders and youth representatives

On 16 September, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, met with the Technical Committee on Youth, emphasizing that youth engagement and dialogue are essential to addressing shared challenges across the island. Earlier, she met with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on 12 September, followed by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on 15 September, continuing her consultations with both sides. During these meetings, she reaffirmed her commitment to working toward the resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue.

Lebanon’s reform agenda in focus as Hennis-Plasschaert meets Finance Minister

The Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met this week with Minister of Finance of Lebanon Yassine Jaber. They discussed the draft 2026 budget, which the government is in the process of finalizing, and ongoing efforts of the Lebanese cabinet to move forward with urgently needed economic reforms. The discussions took place within the broader context of the pressing need to advance the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 and spur economic growth.

SRSG Al Hassan meets with Mayor of Baghdad

The Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, met on 16 September, with the Mayor of Baghdad, Engineer Ammar Mousa Kadhim, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the Mayoralty of Baghdad across all developmental, social, and service sectors. 

DSRSG Cordone visits Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Ninewa Governorate

Between 14 and 17 September, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Claudio Cordone visited the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and the Ninewa Governorate to meet political and religious representatives of Iraq’s minorities, as well as civil society members. They included Christian denominations as well as, Bahai, Kakai, Sabian-Mandean, Shabak, Turkmen, Yazidis and Zoroastrians. He also met with Aydan Maarouf, Minister of State for Minority Affairs in the KRI. Discussions focused on ongoing human rights issues in Iraq, challenges in the run up to the Council of Representative elections, and the importance of preserving Iraq’s rich heritage and diversity in a context of continuing migration. 

Iraq Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group convenes in Baghdad

The Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group, co-chaired by Iraqi Minister of Environment, Hallo Al-Askari, and the DSRSG and Resident Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, discussed Iraq's strategic climate priorities, including preparations for COP30. The meeting held at UNHQ in Baghdad on 17 September brought together relevant Government representatives and UN agencies and the World Bank.  

DSRSG Isaczai explores UN–University collaboration for Iraq’s sustainable future

On 18 September, the DSRSG and Resident Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, met with Bradley Cook, President of the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB), and his team, joined by UN Agencies, to explore collaboration on climate action, youth empowerment, education and research, and joint initiatives for Iraq’s sustainable future. 

SRSG Kaha Imnadze meets senior officials in Uzbekistan and highlights urgent need to tackle poverty at Namangan Forum

On 15–16 September, ahead of his participation in the International Forum on Poverty Reduction in Namangan, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met senior Uzbek officials in Tashkent, including Tanzila Narbaeva (above, left), Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, and Deputy Foreign Minister Muzaffarbek Madrakhimov (above, right). Discussions centered on Uzbekistan’s role in promoting regional peace and connectivity. Officials welcomed UNRCCA’s efforts and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation through its dialogue platforms.

In Namangan, SRSG Imnadze represented the Secretary-General at the 3^rd International Forum on Poverty Reduction, opened by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Addressing the theme “From Poverty to Prosperity,” he emphasized the urgent need to tackle poverty through prevention, cooperation and inclusive development, underscoring the close link between poverty and instability. While in Namangan, he also met with beneficiaries of FAO and UNFPA projects that foster cross-border socio-economic cooperation and empower women and youth.

UNRCCA co-organizes regional training on risk assessment and indicators

From 15–19 September, UNRCCA and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in partnership with Uzbekistan and supported by China, held a regional training in Termez under the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network. Around 60 participants from government, civil society, and international partners focused on risk assessment and tools to monitor extremist activity, including online propaganda targeting border communities. The event was part of the joint UNOCT/UNRCCA project advancing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia.

Peacebuilding Fund’s donor group reviews priorities amid financial constraints

On 15 September, the Peacebuilding Fund’s (PBF) Group of Friends of voluntary donors held its third quarterly meeting, co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Sweden. Partners received updates on PBF resourcing and programming, including prioritization measures in response to current financial constraints, which require a reduced geographic footprint. Participants also discussed PBF’s support for National Prevention Strategies, with examples of how DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) is engaging governments, international financial institutions (IFIs), and other partners. Updates on the UN-IFI Partnership Facility highlighted the importance of leveraging joint financing to maximize impact.

Netherlands contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, we thank the Netherlands for its generous contribution of $1,920,220 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal. These funds will support our work in conflict prevention and mediation.

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

The General Assembly’s General Debate, which sees Heads of State and Government and other senior officials of the Organization’s member States come together in New York to discuss global issues, starts on 23 September. But high-level events kick off already this weekend, including meetings highlighting the urgency of conflict prevention, political solutions and cooperation to safeguard peace.