USG Rosemary DiCarlo visits Ukraine and Moldova

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo concluded a three-day visit to Ukraine on 20 November. In Kyiv, she met with Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (pictured) to discuss UN support for a just and lasting peace and assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing war. During her visit, she paid tribute at the Martyrology of Children memorial to the children who have perished in the war, underscoring the urgent need to protect children in armed conflict and safeguard their right to peace. She also addressed the Fourth International Food Summit, highlighting the conflict’s impact on global food supply chains and efforts to advocate for safe navigation in the Black Sea.

On 21 November, the Under-Secretary-General began a visit to Moldova, meeting Prime Minister Alexei Munteanu (pictured) and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi to discuss national challenges, regional developments and continued UN cooperation. She also engaged with women and young peacebuilders, underscoring, among other issues, the essential role of women in political decision-making.

Officer-in-charge for Europe, Central Asia and Americas briefs Security Council on situation in Ukraine

Briefing the Security Council on 20 November, Officer-in-Charge for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Kayoko Gotoh warned of the devastating impact of the Russian Federation’s intensified aerial campaign on Ukrainian civilians, including deadly strikes on energy infrastructure, residential areas and public facilities across the country. She pointed to the sharp rise in civilian casualties in 2025, which now surpasses last year’s total, and reiterated the Secretary-General’s strong condemnation of indiscriminate attacks. Ms. Gotoh noted growing risks to nuclear safety following repeated power outages at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and stressed the urgency of renewed diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and a just, lasting peace.

Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi briefs Council on situation in Syria, including political transition

On 19 November, the Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Najat Rochdi, told the Security Council that her recent visit to Damascus drove home the sheer scale of the challenges and the need for a genuinely inclusive political transition process. She welcomed Security Council resolution 2799, which removed designations on President Sharaa and Minister of Interior Khattab. She urged the repeal of mandatory secondary sanctions, which she called a key impediment to enabling reconstruction and reviving the devastated Syrian economy. The Deputy Special Envoy added that persistent security fragility was a reminder that lasting peace in Syria depends on comprehensive security sector reform and credible programs of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. Progress on accountability, transitional justice, and the missing is equally essential. The United Nations stands ready to assist Syria’s National Commissions on these issues. Recalling her briefing last month on the Syrian process for establishing a transitional People’s Assembly, Ms. Rochdi said one third of the 210 seats in the People’s Assembly were yet to be appointed. During her recent visit, she said, she appealed for transparency and a process that ensured fair representation of all communities, and of Syrian women. “We look forward to further engagement with the Syrian authorities and a wide range of Syrians, and indeed of this Council, in support of the role of this office and the United Nations in building a Syria that is sovereign, stable, united, and prosperous -- a Syria fulfilling the aspirations of all its citizens,” she concluded.

Peacebuilding Commission deepens strategic partnerships with the African Union

The UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) undertook high-level engagements with the African Union in Addis Ababa from 17–18 November, on the margins of AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Week. The programme included briefings with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) to the African Union and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onangy-Anyanga, and with the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong; the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), a meeting between the PBC and AUPSC Chairs; and the 8th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting of the AUPSC and PBC, focused on Youth, Peace and Security and on South Sudan, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin. The PBC took part in a workshop organized by Amani Africa, a dialogue that underscored the funding crisis, shifting Member State priorities, and declining support for peacekeeping while highlighting the urgent need to refocus on conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy, and peacebuilding. Representing the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Foreign Minister met with the PBC and highlighted the critical role of the Commission, emphasizing the need for greater attention to the challenges facing youth and efforts to enhance their skills. The PBC also met with the AUC Chairperson and held a dedicated dialogue with African youth and civil society organizations, reaffirming a shared commitment to deepen AU–UN peacebuilding cooperation.

Cyprus leaders meet under UN facilitation and prepare for broader-format talks

On 20 November, the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, met for the first time as leaders of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The meeting took place in the UN protected area and was facilitated by the Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne. The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG), María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, participated virtually. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views for the first time in a cordial atmosphere. They welcomed the PEGS’s upcoming visit and agreed to hold a joint meeting with her when she arrives on the island in early December. The leaders also expressed their readiness to work towards the next informal meeting in a broader format, to be convened by the Secretary-General.

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert discusses resolution 1701 with Foreign Minister

On 19 November, the Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. They discussed recent developments related to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).

SRSG Simão concludes solidarity visit to Mali, urges coordinated response to Sahel crisis

On 21 November, the SRSG and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded a two-day solidarity visit to Bamako aimed at reinforcing UN support amid worsening security and rising humanitarian needs in the Sahel. In meetings with the transitional authorities, he reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Mali and the region in strengthening peace, security and stability, and expressed solidarity with populations affected by violence and displacement. SRSG Simão stressed the need for a collective and coordinated response to transnational threats, calling for enhanced dialogue between Sahelian States and their partners and increased international support to address root causes and advance sustainable development.

Special Envoy Xia meets President Tshisekedi to review peace efforts in eastern DRC

On 18 November in Kinshasa, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, met with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to discuss the security situation and ongoing peace processes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The SESG underscored the need for enhanced coordination between African-led initiatives and international efforts, including those supported by the United States and Qatar, to strengthen collective action in response to the crisis linked to the resurgence of the M23 since 2021. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support to regional peace efforts and commended the President on the successful hosting of the 9th ICGLR Summit in Kinshasa.

Reintegration remains key to peace nine years after agreement, says SRSG Jenča

On 20 November, SRSG and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Miroslav Jenča participated in the opening of 12 Mil Razones Para Continuar, an event led by the National Reintegration Agency (ARN) highlighting the commitment of former combatants to advancing in their reintegration nine years after the signing of the Final Peace Agreement. He stressed that reintegration remains a vital and evolving pillar of Colombia’s peacebuilding efforts and acknowledged the country’s leadership in pursuing one of the most ambitious reintegration processes globally. SRSG Jenča also underscored the importance of the collective reintegration model in strengthening cohesion and support networks among former combatants. He warned that persistent insecurity and ongoing attacks continue to threaten these gains, calling for reinforced protection and a stronger State presence in affected territories. The SRSG reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to working closely with the Government and ARN to consolidate progress on the ground.

Former combatants in Arauca complete leadership and communication training

On 16 November in Arauca, the Verification Mission in Colombia attended the graduation of former combatants who completed training in assertive communication and leadership. The courses aim to strengthen professional and leadership capacities, enabling participants to play a more active role in their communities and contribute to local reconciliation efforts. The initiative supports the reintegration process by promoting constructive dialogue, social cohesion and positive civic engagement, reinforcing the role of former combatants as agents of transformation in their territories.

Youth in Meta renew commitment to peace nine years after the Agreement

On 16 November in Villavicencio, young people from the department of Meta gathered to mark the ninth anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement during La firma en perspectiva, a youth-led event organized by Corporación Vínculos. SRSG’s team highlighted the critical role of youth in decision-making, reconciliation and conflict prevention. Former combatants, local youth and child reporters from media platform El Cuarto Mosquetero  used artistic expression to share their reflections and visions for peace. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia supported the initiative alongside Pastoral Social and the European Union in Colombia, reinforcing youth engagement as a cornerstone of sustainable peacebuilding at the local level.

SRSG Imnadze represents the UN at Central Asian Heads of State consultative meeting

On 16 November in Tashkent, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze represented the United Nations at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. Addressing the leaders, he conveyed a message from the Secretary-General commending the region’s dedication to multilateralism, support for the UN80 Initiative, and continued commitment to dialogue, cooperation and good-neighborly relations. In the message, the Secretary-General also highlighted Central Asia’s progress in resolving longstanding issues and advancing shared priorities, reaffirmed the UN’s full support to the region, and welcomed the strong and longstanding cooperation with UNRCCA.

SRSG Imnadze meets Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister in Bishkek

On 18 November in Bishkek, SRSG Kaha Imnadze met with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Temirbek Erkinov, to discuss the upcoming annual UNRCCA meeting of Central Asian deputy foreign ministers and his recent visit to southern Kyrgyzstan. SRSG Imnadze welcomed progress in border demarcation, trade and business development, and strengthened local-level cooperation. Highlighting growing collaboration across the Fergana Valley, he reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting national and regional efforts to enhance dialogue, improve connectivity, and promote peace, stability and sustainable development across Central Asia.

SRSG Imnadze addresses SCO RATS conference on countering extremism in Central Asia

On 20–21 November in Tashkent, SRSG Kaha Imnadze participated in the 11th International Scientific and Practical Conference of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), focused on preventing terrorism, separatism and extremism and addressing their root causes. He highlighted the growing threat of online propaganda and extremist recruitment, noting Central Asia’s particular vulnerability due to its predominantly young population, while underscoring the potential of digital tools to strengthen prevention efforts. SRSG Imnadze emphasised that UNRCCA’s work is guided by the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Joint Plan of Action for Central Asia, reflecting the Bogota Principles and promoting a comprehensive approach that also addresses socio-economic, political and human rights dimensions.

Republic of Korea contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of the Republic of Korea for its contribution of USD 3.2 million to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The funding will support DPPA’s conflict prevention efforts, including the work of the UNOWAS Climate Security Advisor in addressing climate-related security risks and strengthening early warning and response capacities in the region.

Next Week

On Monday, 24 November, the Security Council will hold a briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

UN marks Solidarity Day with the Palestinian People

On Tuesday, 25 November, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a special meeting at UN Headquarters in New York to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The meeting, to be livestreamed on UN Web TV, will provide an opportunity to Member States, regional organizations and civil society to share messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people.