Special Representative Al Hassan delivers his final Security Council briefing as UNAMI mandate concludes

On 2 December, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan delivered a final briefing to the Security Council before the mission’s mandate ends on 31 December. He reflected on the country’s evolution since UNAMI’s establishment 22 years ago, from adopting a new Constitution to the elections this November, and expressed deep appreciation to the Iraqi Government and people for their cooperation and support in the implementation of UNAMI’s mandate. “UNAMI’s departure does not mark an end to the Iraq-UN partnership,” the SRSG said. “Rather, it represents the start of a new chapter rooted in Iraq’s leadership of its own future.” 

Personal Envoy continues consultations with political leaders in Cyprus

On 5 December, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) on Cyprus María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar met with Tufan Erhürman, the Turkish Cypriot leader, as part of her ongoing engagement to support the UN Cyprus talks. Speaking to the media following the meeting, the PESG said she will host a meeting next week with the two Cypriot leaders. Holguín is scheduled to meet the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, on 6 December, continuing her outreach to both communities as she gathers views to inform the next steps in advancing dialogue toward a comprehensive settlement. 

PBC discusses upcoming youth, peace and security dialogue with the Security Council

On 3 December, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held an expert-level meeting on youth, peace and security to prepare for an Ambassadorial-level Informal Interactive Dialogue between the Security Council and the PBC Bureau on Youth, Peace, and Security on 9 December. Briefers included the PBC Chair (Germany), the President of the Security Council for December (Slovenia), and the Chief of the Partnerships and Strategy Branch in DPPA/PBSO. The Chair welcomed inputs and views from members of the Commission to inform the key messages that the PBC Bureau will convey to the Security Council. Member States welcomed the exchange, reaffirmed the importance of the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of young people in all stages of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding processes, and commended the Presidency of the Security Council for their leadership in strengthening the linkages between the Council and Commission.

UNSMIL supports Libyan authorities in adopting roadmap to implement military and security code of conduct

On 4 December, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), working with the Libyan ministries of defence, interior and foreign affairs, concluded a two-day technical symposium focused on operationalizing the national Code of Conduct for Military and Security units. Senior officials from relevant ministries, the Chief of Armed Forces Staff, and members of parliamentary security committees reviewed measures to strengthen accountability, legal compliance and professional standards. The symposium adopted a roadmap to guide nationwide implementation of the Code. 

Office of the Special Envoy convenes 39th Technical Support Committee meeting of the PSC Framework

On 2 December, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region convened the 39th meeting of the Technical Support Committee of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region in Nairobi. The session brought together regional organizations, including SADC, the African Union, and the ICGLR, to review recent political and security developments and assess progress in ongoing peace processes. Discussions focused on advancing implementation of the Action Plan for the revitalization of the PSC Framework. 

Preventive Diplomacy Academy hosts virtual session on intercultural communication, diplomacy and conflict

On 3 December, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) organized an online session for the 2025 Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) cohort focused on the role of intercultural communication in diplomacy and conflict prevention. Participants discussed cases of intercultural misunderstanding, examined analytical frameworks and worked through scenario-based exercises. Preventive Diplomacy Academy supports the five Central Asian states in enhancing regional cooperation and preventing conflict through a deeper understanding of the political, cultural, and social dynamics shaping the region. 

From coffee to glamping: how former combatants are reimagining their future in Cauca

On 4 December in Timbío in the Cauca Department, the SRSG and the Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, and his team visited Finca Las Veraneas to learn about a new “glamping” initiative developed by former combatants—an effort led notably by women and linked to the emblematic coffee project Café Sabor La Esperanza. The cooperative is inaugurating four glamping sites as part of its broader reintegration process, expanding economic opportunities that combine community development, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship. Despite ongoing security challenges, former combatants continue to strengthen their internationally recognized coffee production while advancing green and responsible tourism. These initiatives demonstrate how sustainable peace is built from the territory, through resilience, collective leadership, and long-term vision. The Mission will continue to accompany these efforts to help ensure safe conditions and lasting opportunities for communities in Cauca.

Community festival strengthens reconciliation in Guaviare

On 30 November, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia joined the sixth “Selvadentro: Painting Peace and Reconciliation in Guaviare” Festival at the former reintegration area of Las Colinas. More than 300 community members, former combatants, and local authorities participated, using art and cultural exchange to promote reconciliation. The Mission facilitated an intercultural dialogue on the contributions of former combatants to peace and conducted outreach on its renewed mandate. These engagements strengthened understanding of the Final Peace Agreement and highlighted the value of community-led initiatives for sustaining peace.

DPPA hosts E-Analytics and Innovation Lab to advance political analysis and innovation 

On 2 December, DPPA’s Innovation Cell, together with the Qatar Computing Research Institute, opened the 7th Edition of the E-Analytics and Innovation Lab at UN Headquarters in New York. Held fully in person, the programme brings together staff from across the UN Peace and Security Pillar to explore design thinking, agentic AI and social media analysis. Through 5 December, participants are engaging with practical tools and case-based exercises that enhance political analysis, conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacebuilding and innovation across the Organization

Bulgaria contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of Bulgaria for its contribution of EUR 20,000 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. Bulgaria’s contribution will support our work on women, peace and security. 

Next Week

The Security Council will hold a private meeting on Myanmar on 8 December. An open briefing on UNAMA is scheduled for 10 December, followed by an open briefing on UNOCA/LRA on 11 December. The week will conclude with an open briefing on Haiti sanctions on 12 December.