A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

"Broader security landscape on the Korean Peninsula remains tense", ASG Khiari tells Security Council

On 7 May, the Security Council held a briefing on Non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari reported that the broader security landscape on the Korean Peninsula remains tense as Pyongyang continues to conduct ballistic-missile launches and openly displays undeclared uranium-enrichment facilities. “At this critical juncture, it remains as important as ever to continue to highlight the urgent need to reduce nuclear risk, prevent any use of a nuclear weapon and bring about their total elimination,” he stressed. Recalling the Secretary-General's consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy, he welcomed all efforts towards sustainable peace and denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula. 

UN Team engages Syrian authorities on transition priorities

On 6 May, the United Nations Integrated Strategic Assessment team, led by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), met with Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad H. Shaibani. The meeting provided an opportunity for the UN team to hear directly from national authorities about key priorities to support the country’s political transition. The visit underscores the UN’s continued commitment to supporting an inclusive and sustainable transition in Syria, in line with Security Council resolutions.

Special Representative Simão concludes High-Level meetings in The Gambia

During a three-day visit to Banjul this week, Special Representative of the Secreatary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simão met with the President, Adama Barrow, key Gambian officials and stakeholders, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, political parties, and civil society. Discussions focused on regional security and the need for strengthened cooperation in the Sahel.

SRSG Stewart hosts Cypriot Leaders and welcomes launch of Youth Committee

On 5 May, SRSG Colin Stewart hosted the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar, at a meeting convened at their initiative at Ledra Palace Hotel. They welcomed the announcement of the Personal Envoy’s appointment and celebrated the launch of the Technical Committee on Youth — the first new technical committee in a decade — highlighting the importance of youth engagement in peace efforts.

Secretary-General’s Common Pledge adopters exchange experiences on accelerating impact  

On 8 May, DPPA and the Permanent Missions of Angola and Switzerland, co-hosted an international expert-level discussion with the 32 adopters of the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge  on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes. “No single mediator can bring about global change in women’s participation,” said Asif Khan, Director of DPPA’s Policy and Mediation Division. The Permanent Representatives of Angola and Switzerland to the UN, as well as briefers from Fem-Wise Africa, NOREF, and OSASG-Cyprus shared good practices and lessons-learned. 19 of the adopters of the Pledge took the floor, highlighting concrete steps taken to institutionalize their commitments. UN Women also presented the Women in Peace Process Monitor, a tool that provides the latest data and analysis on women’s participation, complementing adopter efforts. Adopters will continue efforts to deliver on this priority in the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 in October 2025.

Youth lead community peacebuilding in Pondores, La Guajira

On 3 May, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia accompanied a day of games and a symbolic act of community reincorporation in the Territorial Training and Reincorporation Area (ETCR) of Pondores, in the department of La Guajira. Organized by the ETCR's Reverdecer Youth Committee, the event brought together children, peace signatories, and community members to commemorate Children's Day and foster spaces for dialogue, trust, and collective peacebuilding. This event, supported by the Fonseca Municipal Mayor's Office, the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalisation (ARN) and the Community Action Board, reflected a shared commitment to advancing the reincorporation process. 

Peace Signatories promote ecotourism and coffee in Timbío, Cauca

On 5 May, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia visited the coffee and tourism project led by peace signatories from the Cecoespe cooperative in Timbío, Cauca. Known for their Sabor La Esperanza coffee, the initiative now welcomes visitors seeking to connect with nature and the spirit of peacebuilding. During the visit, the peace signatories reaffirmed their commitment to organic coffee and showcased their latest venture—ecotourism cabins. It is a compelling example of reincorporation with both productive and environmental dimensions.

Advisory Committee submits final report on Libya’s electoral framework

The Advisory Committee, established by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), has completed its mandate and submitted its final report. The report offers recommendations aimed at resolving contentious issues within Libya’s electoral framework. UNSMIL will review these recommendations and consult with stakeholders to develop a consensus-based political roadmap for national elections and the unification of state institutions. The Advisory Committee is an integral part of the inclusive UNSMIL-facilitated, Libyan-led-and-owned political process aimed at resolving the current political deadlock. 

SRSG Tetteh urges media unity against misinformation in Libya

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, SRSG Hanna Tetteh met with over 20 Libyan journalists in Tripoli to honor their resilience and commitment to integrity. She emphasized the vital role of media in peacebuilding and warned against the dangers of misinformation and AI-generated content. Tetteh announced a new UNSMIL-backed professional development program launching on 7 May to support Libyan journalists with training in digital fact-checking, investigative reporting, and conflict-sensitive journalism.

SRSG Al Hassan addresses meeting organized by the Iraqi banks

On 6 May, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) joined Iraqi bank representatives and international partners at a meeting in Baghdad to discuss aligning Iraq’s banking sector with the global financial system. SRSG and Head of UNAMI Mohamed Al Hassan emphasized that successful reform requires joint efforts to ensure solutions meet Iraq’s needs and support long-term economic stability.

DSRSG Cordone meets with Iraqi Minister of Communications

On 8 May, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance Claudio Cordone, with colleagues from the UNAMI Human Rights Office, met in Baghdad with the Iraqi Minister of Communications, Hiyam al-Yasiri. They Discussed the final stages in the preparations of the national strategy to counter hate speech and UNAMI’s continuing support. 

UNAMI supports workshop on minority rights legislation in Iraq

On 8 May, UNAMI Human Rights Office and the Council of Representatives’ Human Rights Committee held a workshop to review the draft Law on Regulating Minorities' Rights and Prohibiting Discrimination. The workshop forms part of UNAMI’s ongoing efforts to provide technical support to the Council to strengthen the draft legislation in accordance with international human rights standards. DSRSG Claudio Cordone, representing UNAMI, reaffirmed UN support for legislation that promotes equality and inclusion, highlighting Iraq’s rich cultural diversity and the importance of protecting the rights of all communities. The workshop was attended by members of the Council’s Human Rights and Legal Committees, MPs from Iraq’s component groups, the Adviser to the Iraq High Commission for Human Rights and officials from the Office of the National Security Advisor.

UNOAU celebrates Security Sector Reform week

On 7 May, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council during a session on Security Sector Reform (SSR), convened by Sierra Leone in conjunction with SSR Week. He underscored the critical role of SSR in conflict prevention, building trust, advancing people-centered approaches, and upholding the primacy of politics. UNOAU also spotlighted recent strategic and technical support to Security Sector Reform efforts in The Gambia, South Sudan, and Mali—emphasizing a long-term commitment to national ownership, local capacity-building, and sustained engagement with Member States.

Qatar contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

We thank Qatar for its generous contribution under the 2023–2025 Multi-Year Agreement, supporting DPPA’s work in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Call for Applications: Women in Ceasefire Negotiations Course

DPPA invites women mediators, negotiators, and peacemakers to apply for the Women in Ceasefire Negotiations Course (2 Sep – 12 Nov 2025). Applications are open until 11 July.

Next Week

On Tuesday, the Security Council will meet to discuss maritime security. On Wednesday, the Council will discuss Yemen.