ASG Jenča warns Council of escalating risks to European security amid reported airspace violations

Kicking off a week of high-level meetings on the eve of the General Assembly's General Debate, on 22 September, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča briefed the Security Council on reports that Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace on 19 September, the latest in a series of such incidents. ASG Jenča stressed that “violations of sovereign countries’ airspace are unacceptable” and urged all parties to act responsibly, use all available channels, and take steps to de-escalate tensions.

Secretary-General urges ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine

On 23 September, Secretary-General António Guterres briefed the Security Council on Ukraine, recalling that civilians continue to suffer relentless bombardment as the war enters its fourth winter. He commended recent diplomatic efforts, including US-led initiatives and direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, which had secured prisoner releases. However, he warned that progress towards a ceasefire and lasting settlement remains “painfully slow.” He reiterated his call for a full, general, and durable ceasefire that paves the way to a just and comprehensive peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Secretary-General tells Council the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in its “darkest chapter”

On 23 September, Secretary-General told the Security Council that the situation in Gaza and the wider region has reached “one of the darkest chapters” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He described famine, relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and widespread violations of international humanitarian law, stressing that “impunity prevails, and our collective credibility is being undermined.” He reiterated his urgent calls for a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access. He also welcomed the resumption of the High-Level International Conference on a Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on 22 September, and steps by several Member States to recognize Palestinian statehood, underscoring that this is the clearest path to a just and lasting peace. 

USG DiCarlo engages in high-level diplomacy during UNGA80

During the high-level week of the General Assembly, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo took part in a series of key meetings on some of the most pressing peace and security issues. At the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Mediation on 25 September, she stressed that despite today’s daunting challenges, mediation remains an essential tool for fostering dialogue. Later that day, she joined the Secretary-General at the High-Level Event on financing the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). She also spoke at a ministerial meeting on Sudan on 24 September, hosted by the African Union, European Union and partners, where she underscored the need to coordinate mediation efforts, halt external interference, ensure humanitarian access and protect civilians. Throughout the week, Gaza and Ukraine featured prominently in her bilateral meetings and in those for which she accompanied the Secretary-General. The USG's high-level engagements will continue through Saturday. 

Peacebuilding Commission holds ministerial meeting on social cohesion

On 25 September, the Peacebuilding Commission convened a ministerial-level meeting on “Promoting Social Cohesion and Inclusive Governance to Foster Community Resilience and Sustainable Peace,” chaired by Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Speakers included Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji, Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Wayne Tkatchenko, Chef de Cabinet of the United Nations Courtenay Rattray, and Maimouna Ba of the Maman Sahélienne Foundation for Peace and Solidarity-Burkina Faso. Member States voiced strong support for the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, while stressing the need to tackle root causes of conflict, build trust, and strengthen inclusive institutions

High-level roundtable advances Investing for Peace initiative

On 26 September, the German Federal Foreign Office, the UN Capital Development Fund, and DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office co-organized a high-level roundtable on Investing for Peace (I4P), a blended finance platform that aligns public, private and philanthropic capital with peace outcomes. Held on the margins of the General Assembly High-Level Week, the event convened representatives from Member States, development finance institutions, impact investors, and civil society. Participants explored ways to move I4P from concept to operational scale, advancing a more collaborative approach to financing peace

SRSG Ruiz Massieu calls for coordinated support to Haiti’s transition

At a high-level meeting on Haiti organized on 25 September by the International Organization of La Francophonie and CARICOM at the UN Headquarters on the margins of the General Assembly General Debate, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu, urged a coordinated approach among Haitians, regional actors, and international partners to advance the objectives of the political transition. “The Haitian people need our collective commitment more than ever to regain stability, democracy, and dignity,” he said.

Special Coordinator for Lebanon meets Lebanese army commander

On 22 September, the Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, was received by the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Rodolph Haykal. They discussed recent developments and ongoing efforts to extend State authority, in alignment with United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The Special Coordinator also visited cultural heritage sites in Sidon this week, where she met with President of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, Bahia Hariri, as well as with employees and graduates of the Foundation working on youth engagement and educational initiatives. She engaged with representatives of non-profit organizations and foundations working to restore and maintain Sidon’s rich cultural heritage.

Honoring Peace Month in Cauca

As part of Peace Month commemorations, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia joined a day of remembrance and reconciliation on 21 September in Nueva Colonia, Santander de Quilichao, Cauca. Children and adolescents engaged in educational activities focused on peace, including the immersive Pathways Colombia virtual reality experience, which allowed them to explore the history and scope of the Peace Agreement interactively. The event was organized in collaboration with FICONPAZ and the Municipal Peace Council, with support from the Mayor’s Office and representatives of the Cauca Governor’s Office. 

Ciudadela Camino del Sol: Progress for reintegration in Cauca

In Caldono, Cauca, the Verification Mission in Colombia participated in the inauguration of Ciudadela Camino del Sol, the first housing project in a TART designated for Peace Agreement signatories, their families, and local communities. On 20 September, 140 homes were officially handed over—an achievement made possible through collaboration among ex-combatants, indigenous communities, and local authorities, with support from the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalisation (ARN) and the Ministry of Housing. Known in the NASA language as Dxi'j Vxic Cxhab (“Camino del Sol”), this initiative marks a significant milestone in Colombia’s reintegration process.

UN Verification Mission in Colombia promotes dialogue for peace in Guaviare

During the IV Guaviare Book Fair on 19 and 20 September, the Verification Mission in Colombia transformed its stand into a vibrant space for intergenerational dialogue on Colombia’s future. Children, youth, and adults listened to the lived experiences of peace signatories, victims, ethnic leaders, and searching mothers—voices that form the foundation of reconciliation and peacebuilding. Raúl Rosende, interim head of the Mission, joined the panel discussion “PAZemos la página: acuerdos, desacuerdos, lecturas y versiones,” where he emphasized the progress of the Peace Agreement and the power of reading to preserve historical memory and foster reconciliation.

Great Lakes youth leaders engage in intergenerational dialogue

Marking the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, UNFPA and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region hosted a virtual dialogue on 22 September. Over 120 participants, including youth leaders, discussed peace and security challenges, shared experiences and advanced recommendations aligned with Security Council resolution 2250. Special Envoy Huang Xia urged young people to harness their potential for peace, while youth leader Jacob Eyeru highlighted transformative youth-led initiatives across the region.

Iraq launches background documents for its updated climate strategy

The Government of Iraq, in partnership with the United Nations and development partners, launched a set of foundational documents for Iraq’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The event took place on 21 September at the UN headquarters in Baghdad with senior representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Planning, diplomatic community, and UN agencies. Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, underscored that the updated NDC is “not just a national document, it is a global commitment” that will guide Iraq’s climate action and contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future. 

UNAMI holds human rights workshop in Kirkuk

On 22 September, the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) convened a one-day workshop in Kirkuk with the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, human rights units from government departments, and members of the Provincial Council. The session, attended by 22 participants, enhanced understanding of the roles of human rights institutions and strengthened coordination among stakeholders. 

Women leaders in Central Asia discuss green and digital economy

On 23 September, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Kaha Imnadze, participated in the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) Forum on “Women in the Green and Digital Economy of Central Asia” in Khujand, Tajikistan. Bringing together women leaders, government officials, business and civil society representatives, the Forum highlighted inclusive approaches to climate action and digital development. SRSG Imnadze emphasized that gender equality, green growth, and digital innovation are mutually reinforcing drivers of long-term peace and stability.

SRSG Imnadze visits Fergana Valley to observe cross-border cooperation

From 18–24 September, SRSG Kaha Imnadze visited Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley to observe progress in cross-border cooperation. He noted improvements since the Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan border agreement and the Khujand Declaration, including growing trade and stronger collaboration in border services. He visited UN-supported projects that promote trust, socio-economic development, and youth and women’s empowerment, and reiterated the UN’s commitment to dialogue, connectivity, and stability in the region.

UN Global Peace Advocate Maryam Bukar Hassan opens GA with powerful call for peace

This week, UN Global Peace Advocate Maryam Bukar Hassan participated in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, spotlighting women’s and youth leadership in building sustainable peace. On Monday, she took part in the opening of the 80th session with a performance of Peace is a Verb, a poem that reminded world leaders that peace is a daily act of courage, dialogue, and commitment to humanity.

Mexico contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, we thank Mexico for its contribution of $10,000 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

On 29 September, the Security Council will hold its regular briefing on the Middle East (resolution 2334). The following day, 30 September, it is expected to adopt the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (SSSM). In October, the presidency of the Council will be assumed by the Russian Federation.