Peacebuilding Commission highlights support for Colombia’s peace process and advances WPS agenda

From 25 to 28 August, Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Chair Thomas Zahneisen from Germany visited Colombia at the invitation of the Government, accompanied by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Poland to the UN, Michal Miarka, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Anna Evstigneeva, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Elizabeth Spehar. The delegation met with the UN Country Team and Verification Mission, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, government officials, and signatories of the 2016 Peace Agreement. They also traveled to Tierra Gratta and Medellín to engage with community leaders and see local peacebuilding initiatives firsthand.

On 28 August, the PBC held a hybrid Ambassadorial-level meeting to mark the conclusion of its mission to Colombia. Delegates joined virtually from Bogotá alongside Colombian government representatives. Briefers included the Director of the Unit for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement, Gloria Cuartas, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Verification Mission, Raul Rosende, and the representative from the National School of Youth for Peace and Reconciliation, Daniela Gonzalez. Discussions focused on the Peace Agreement’s implementation and the UN’s role in supporting Colombia’s ongoing peace process.

Meanwhile, across Colombia, the 38th edition of Peace Week was launched, with events in Caloto, Popayán, Cali, Medellín, and Bogotá under the slogan ‘Embrace life with dignity and hope.  

PBC Expert-level Meeting on Women, Peace and Security 

On 29 August, the PBC held an expert-level meeting on Women, Peace and Security. Sharing some of her preliminary findings, UN Women consultant, Agnieszka Fal Dutra Santos, shared preliminary findings on how the PBC can strengthen implementation of its Gender Strategy and Action Plan. The meeting underscored the vital role of women peacebuilders in sustaining peace and highlighted the importance of ensuring their full and meaningful participation across all stages of peacebuilding processes.

SRSG Al-Hassan engages leaders, communities, and youth across Iraq and the region

From 30 August to 3 September, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan carried out a series of high-level and community engagements across Iraq and the region. In Karbala, the SRSG addressed the 6th Islam a Way of Life Conference, calling for firm action against corruption and underscoring the need for integrity, transparency, and accountability. He also met His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, to discuss UNAMI’s mandate and regional cooperation.

On 1 September in Mosul, he joined the inauguration of the historic Al-Nuri Grand Mosque, rebuilt under UNESCO’s Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative, praising Iraq’s resilience.

During a visit to Erbil on 1–2 September, the SRSG held meetings with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and member of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party Hoshyar Zebari, with discussions focusing on the political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

In Baghdad on 3 September, the SRSG joined the Ministry of Education and the President of Iraq in celebrating the country’s top Grade 12 students. 

UN Resident Coordinator highlights Iraq’s progress on child protection

The UN Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, participated in the National Conference on Children and Armed Conflict organized by the Prime Minister’s Office in Baghdad. He welcomed the Government’s leadership in advancing child protection, noting that Iraq’s progress in fulfilling its commitments has been recognized internationally. He emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships between the Government, civil society, UNICEF, and international partners to ensure children’s rights are safeguarded.

IHEC conducts nationwide voting simulation ahead of elections

On 31 August, Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) carried out its third voting simulation at field offices across the country, observed by UNAMI’s electoral team. The exercise tested the readiness of voter verification devices, ballot scanners and the result transmission system, while comparing manual and electronic counts to ensure accuracy. The simulation is part of IHEC’s preparations for the parliamentary elections scheduled for 11 November 2025. 

Liberia launches National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security

On 29 August in Monrovia, the United Nations welcomed the launch of Liberia’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security, developed in line with Security Council resolution 2250 and subsequent resolutions. Speaking at the ceremony, Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to advancing the YPS agenda in Liberia, including by mobilizing resources and supporting youth-led initiatives with lasting impact. The NAP provides a strategic framework for strengthening young people’s role in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustainable development, and its adoption was hailed as an important step forward by government officials, youth groups, civil society and international partners.

“Diplomacy for Peace” exhibit at Osaka Expo 2025

In August, the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka featured the “Diplomacy for Peace” exhibit, showcasing the UN’s work on conflict prevention, mediation, elections and peacebuilding. Between 13 and 16 August, the exhibit drew 8,957 visitors, who explored interactive displays and videos illustrating the costs of war, the importance of prevention, and the role of women in politics and peacebuilding.

"UN Security Council in Review” highlights signature event on maritime security under Panama’s presidency

This week, DPPA's Security Council Affairs Division published “UN Security Council in Review”. This latest edition of the monthly newsletter covering the work of the Council reports that, under the Presidency of Panama in August 2025, the Council held one signature event: a high-level open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security, focused on maritime security and the prevention, innovation, and international cooperation needed to address emerging challenges (S/2025/483). The President of the Republic of Panama presided over the meeting.

Secretary-General issues report on UN–AU partnership

This week saw the release of the Secretary-General’s report on strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union on peace and security in Africa (S/2025/532, 25 August). The report highlights progress in joint efforts, including through the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), and underscores the importance of deepening collaboration to address conflicts, sustain peace, and advance shared priorities across the continent.

Dominican Republic contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, we thank the Dominican Republic for its generous contribution of $24,940 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal. The funds will support our conflict prevention and mediation work. 

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

Under the presidency of the Republic of Korea, the Security Council will hold a meeting on 9 September on “Maintenance of international peace and security: The future of peace operations – key issues, opportunities and challenges in the context of the review on the future of all UN peace operations.” Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo is expected to brief.