Four years into Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, Secretary-General urges immediate ceasefire

On 24 February, the Security Council held a briefing marking four years since the full-scale Russia invasion of Ukraine. In remarks delivered by Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, the Secretary-General underscored that the longer the war continues, the greater the suffering and the risks for regional and international peace and security. “As complex as the path may be, our collective obligation is clear: use every diplomatic tool to end this war,” the Secretary-General stressed in his message, calling for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward a just peace. 

Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov visits Gaza to assess humanitarian access and medical evacuations

On 25–26 February, Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, visited the Gaza Strip to assess humanitarian access and delivery challenges. In Deir al-Balah, he met with UN agencies and partners, who raised concerns about continued security incidents near the “Yellow Line,” resulting in civilian casualties. He also visited solid waste and debris management sites and the Rafah crossing. 

Special Coordinator for Lebanon emphasizes need to strengthen country’s army and police capabilities 

On 24 February, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon, took part in a meeting held in Cairo ahead of the international conference to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF), scheduled for 5 March in Paris. Hosted by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty and attended by the heads of Lebanon’s army and police force, Quintet representatives (United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt) and members of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon, discussions focused on the operational and financial needs of the LAF and ISF and on enhancing coordinated international efforts to assist the Lebanese State. The Special Coordinator stressed the importance of concrete pledges aligned with identified priorities. 

Deputy Special Envoy Cordone engages Syrian authorities and civil society during first official visit

On 21 February, Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (DSESG) for Syria and Acting Head of Mission met on with Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani to discuss cooperation in support of Syria’s political transition and the Government’s priorities. During his first official visit to the country this week, DSESG Cordone also held discussions with Syrian government officials, political actors and civil society representatives, including women’s groups. He also met with UN colleagues and members of the diplomatic representatives in Syria.

UNRCCA co-organizes workshop on strengthening climate security and peacebuilding capacities in Central Asia and Afghanistan

From 17 to 19 February, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) hosted a three-day workshop in Ashgabat. The workshop focused on strengthened the capacity of UN staff and partners from Central Asia and Afghanistan to analyze climate-related peace and security risks, with particular focus on water resources, human security and climate-informed peacebuilding. Participants explored data-informed approaches, gender and youth perspectives, and identified opportunities for joint action to address water-related and other climate security risks across the region.

Personal Envoy de Mistura co-chairs negotiations on Western Sahara in Washington

On 23–24 February, Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, co-chaired negotiations on implementation of Security Council resolution 2797 (2025) with the Permanent Representative of the US, Michael Waltz, with support from the Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs to the United States President, Massad Boulos. This was the third co-chaired inter-ministerial meeting on Western Sahara since January. 

SRSG Miroslav Jenča participates in the opening of the ICARRD+20

On 24 February, Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), took part in the inauguration of the II International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20) in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The event was also attended by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Minister of Agriculture Martha Carvajalino. In his remarks, the SRSG stated that “Rural Reform, point 1 of the Peace Agreement, seeks to close urban-rural gaps and promote greater prosperity for the country. It is not just about access to land; it involves the effective presence of the State, public goods, services, and infrastructure that drive rural development.”

Former combatants launch special edition Café EPZ

In Melgar, Tolima, in central Colombia, the Verification Mission attended the launch of a special edition of Café EPZ, cultivated and processed by former combatants in the village of Balconcitos in Icononzo, with support from the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization (ARN), and now commercialized by the Colombian Aerospace Force. Together with ARN, we accompanied the efforts of the Aerospace Force and the Esperanza y Paz association to formalize their commercial partnership for coffee production. This initiative reflects quality, commitment, and the trust that strengthens dignity, reconciliation, and sustainable opportunities for communities in eastern Tolima.

Women advancing peace through entrepreneurship

The Verification Mission participated in the presentation of results from support provided by UN Women, together with the Embassy of Norway in Colombia and the organization LIMPAL Colombia, to three productive initiatives led by women former combatants and rural women in central Colombia, specifically in Icononzo (Tolima) and Algeciras (Huila). On 20 February in Bogotá and on 23 February in the Icononzo reintegration area, the textile, coffee, and services initiatives were presented as they promote sustainability, circular economy practices, and women’s economic autonomy within the framework of the Sembradoras project and the ProDefensoras programme.

Secretary-General appoints Pekka Haavisto as Personal Envoy for Sudan

On 24 February, the Secretary-General appointed Pekka Haavisto of Finland as his new Personal Envoy for Sudan. Mr. Haavisto brings over 40 years of experience in politics and international affairs, having held several ministerial positions in the Government of Finland and senior roles with the European Union and the United Nations. He succeeds Ramtane Lamamra. 

Portugal contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of Portugal for its contribution of $94,292 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities. 

Next Week

The United States assumes the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March.