“Diplomacy can work,” ASG Jenča tells Security Council, urging intensified peace efforts amid rising human toll in Ukraine

Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas told the Security Council on 25 July that Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and towns continue to intensify, causing devastating harm to civilians. He also expressed concern over the rising number of civilian casualties reportedly resulting from Ukrainian drone attacks inside the Russian Federation. ASG Jenča recalled that Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Istanbul on Wednesday for the third time this year, welcoming these direct contacts and urging both sides to make further progress toward a ceasefire and a lasting settlement.

UN and OIC cooperation critical to advancing peace and stability, ASG Khiari tells Security Council

ASG for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari briefed the Security Council on 24 July on UN cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations, emphasizing that, collaboration with partners such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is indispensable in today’s complex geopolitical environment. The UN and OIC, he noted, share longstanding objectives, particularly on Palestine, and work together in Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan and beyond. ASG Khiari stressed that such partnerships, guided by Chapter VIII of the Charter, are central to the Secretary-General’s priorities and to advancing the Pact for the Future.

ASG Khiari warns Security Council of worsening Gaza crisis, urges immediate action to end war and support two-State solution

ASG Khiari briefed the Security Council on 23 July on the situation in Gaza, stressing that it is “long past time for the fighting to end, for adequate humanitarian aid to enter the Strip, and for recovery and reconstruction to begin in the context of a return to a political path towards a two-State solution.” He warned that conditions, particularly for women and children, are now more dire than at any point during the crisis. ASG Khiari also voiced concern over escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, citing Israeli military operations causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, settler attacks against Palestinians, and Palestinian attacks against Israelis. He underscored the importance of the upcoming High-level International Conference for the implementation of the Two-State Solution co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to be held at UN Headquarters from 28 to 30 July 2025 as a key moment to reaffirm international consensus on sustaining a two-State solution.

Secretary-General urges renewed commitment to multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution

Addressing the Security Council on 22 July, the Secretary-General stressed that multilateralism remains essential to maintaining international peace and security amid growing geopolitical tensions and disregard for international law. He warned of the devastating human cost of ongoing conflicts, citing Gaza as “a horror show,” and condemned strikes on UN facilities, reiterating that all UN premises are inviolable under international humanitarian law. Marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, he called on Member States—particularly Council members—to overcome divisions, strengthen cooperation with regional partners, and uphold international law, reaffirming that “peace is a choice” and urging renewed commitment to preventive diplomacy and dialogue.

Peacebuilding Commission discusses youth inclusion in peacebuilding ahead of International Youth Day

On 23 July, ahead of International Youth Day on 12 August, the Peacebuilding Commission held an expert-level meeting focused on strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding. Member States were briefed on the Peacebuilding Fund’s study on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) programming and the Independent Progress Study on youth contributions to peace processes. A youth briefer shared first-hand experiences and challenges faced by young peacebuilders. Discussions emphasized the need for a holistic approach to inclusion, particularly for minority groups and persons with disabilities, and for placing youth at the center of peacebuilding efforts.

Peacebuilding Fund approves $7 million cross-border project on climate security and peacebuilding in the Sahel

The Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund has approved a new $7 million cross-border project to strengthen water management, climate security, and peacebuilding in the border areas of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. Jointly developed by the three governments, the two-year initiative is one of the Fund’s largest and will be implemented with support from UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The project aims to address shared climate and resource challenges while fostering cooperation and stability in the region.

Maryam Bukar designated UN Global Advocate for Peace

On 25 July, the United Nations officially designated Nigerian spoken word artist and peace advocate Maryam Bukar as its first Global Advocate for Peace, representing the UN Peace and Security Pillar. In this new role, Ms. Bukar, also known as Alhan Islam, will promote the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas through storytelling, digital engagement, and public speaking. She will also participate in key UN campaigns and events, including a performance at New York City’s SummerStage on 27 July, where she will be introduced by Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee on behalf of the Department of Peace Operations and Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Special Coordinator discusses stability and resolution 1701 with Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Committee

Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met this week with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lebanese Parliament for an exchange on the country’s stability and prosperity amid regional turbulence. Discussions also focused on the situation in south Lebanon and the need to advance the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 as a key step toward sustaining peace and security.

UNOWAS discusses shrinking civic space in West and Central Africa

On 24 July, UNOWAS, in collaboration with UNOCA and OHCHR offices in West and Central Africa, held a “L’Arbre à Palabres” session on the shrinking civic space in West Africa, the Sahel, and Central Africa. About 150 participants, including representatives of NHRIs, civil society, and academia, joined online and in person to examine the causes and manifestations of the issue. Recommendations included aligning national legal frameworks with international and regional human rights instruments and fostering dialogue and collaboration between state institutions and civil society to rebuild trust.

SRSG Al Hassan meets Gulf leaders to discuss regional cooperation

On 20 and 22 July, Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), held high-level meetings in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to discuss regional cooperation. In Kuwait, he met with Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, while in Riyadh, he was received by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Discussions covered issues of mutual interest between the United Nations, Iraq, and the GCC, as well as broader regional and international matters. The Special Representative expressed appreciation for the GCC’s continued support to the United Nations.

UNAMI convenes meeting to enhance digital protection for women candidates ahead of elections

On 21 July, UNAMI brought together representatives from the Government of Iraq and UN agencies in Baghdad to agree on mechanisms to ensure digital protection for women candidates ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections. Participants discussed measures to counter online violence, harassment, and hate speech, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe political participation, as required by Security Council resolution 2732 (2024). The meeting was co-chaired by DSRSG Claudio Cordone and UNFPA Country Representative Hind Jalal, with senior Iraqi officials and representatives from UN Women, UNDP, and UNAMI in attendance.

UN and AUIB host youth-focused discussion on climate action and opportunities in Iraq

On 23 July, the UN, the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB), students, youth groups, climate experts, and partners gathered to watch the UN Secretary-General’s global climate speech, “A Moment of Opportunity.” The event highlighted both the urgent need to address climate change and the socio-economic opportunities renewable energy can bring to Iraq. Opening remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai and AUIB President Dr. Bradley J. Cook set the stage for an engaging panel discussion featuring representatives from the Ministry of Environment, AUIB, UN experts, and climate activists.

UN report warns of human rights violations against returnees to Afghanistan

On 24 July, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Human Rights Office released a report documenting serious human rights violations against individuals involuntarily returned to Afghanistan, including torture, ill-treatment, arbitrary detention, and threats to personal security by the de facto authorities. Women and girls, former government and security personnel, media workers, and civil society members were identified as particularly at risk. 

UNRCCA advances counter-terrorism early warning systems in Central Asia

The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), held two regional trainings in Tashkent (21–22 July) and Astana (24-25 July) to strengthen counter-terrorism early warning systems using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Officials from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan focused on data management, cybersecurity, and ethical and human rights-based use of AI, including reducing bias, protecting privacy, and ensuring transparency. In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, participants learned smart search techniques, online monitoring, and data management and were introduced to the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations. Across both trainings, delegates exchanged national approaches to integrating emerging technologies into security frameworks and strategies to prevent violent extremism.

Comprehensive rural reform: progress for peace from Buenavista

On 19 July, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) joined a working visit with the National Land Agency, the Ombudsman's Office, and beneficiary communities in Buenavista, Córdoba. The visit highlighted progress and ongoing challenges in implementing the Comprehensive Rural Reform—one of the Peace Agreement’s key pillars for transforming territories and building lasting peace. Participants toured adjudicated lands and engaged with peasants, rural women, and institutions on effective land access and rural development.

Youth in Meta lead change through peacebuilding and leadership training

In San Juan de Arama, Meta, the former TATR Hato Rondón became a space of hope and youth leadership as the UNVMC accompanied the Youth School for Peace, led by the Youth Movement for Peace. Over the weekend, 40 young people reaffirmed their commitment to transforming their territory, strengthening political and organizational skills. The event also served as a space for memory, participation, and collective construction.

Education for peace and reconciliation in Silvia

On 23 July, the UNVMC, in coordination with the municipal mayor's office, held an educational event titled “How do we build peace?” in Silvia, eastern Cauca. Students reflected on reconciliation through participatory workshops, performed a collective artistic intervention, and explored the immersive VR experience #PathwaysColombia, designed by the Mission to promote understanding of the Peace Agreement and its implementation across Colombia.

Singapore contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, we thank Singapore for its generous contribution of $20,000 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal to support our conflict prevention and mediation work.

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

On 28 July, the Security Council will discuss Syria. On 29 July, USG DiCarlo is to deliver remarks on the UN Peace Operations. Panama assumes the presidency for the month of August.