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This Week in DPPA: 31 May - 5 June 2025

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

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert visits Israel amid efforts to advance Resolution 1701

Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert visited Israel this week for consultations with senior officials. The visit aims to build on the progress made since the November 2024 Cessation of Hostilities and to further the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.

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SRSG Al Hassan meets Kuwait Crown Prince

In Kuwait, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan met on 2 June with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to discuss Iraq–Kuwait cooperation under UNAMI’s Security Council mandate.

SRSG discusses Yazidi community needs with representatives of human rights organizations

On 29 May, SRSG Al Hassan met with representatives of the Yazda human rights organization to discuss the plight of the Yazidi community, with focus on missing persons, survivor safety, and reconstruction in Sinjar.

UN briefs diplomats on electoral support

UNAMI and UNDP outlined UN technical assistance to Iraq, mainly to the Independent High Electoral Commission, during a 3 June briefing to members of the diplomatic corps in Baghdad. The two entities have developed a joint electoral project to support the 11 November 2025 Council of Representatives elections. UNAMI will participate until its mandate ends on 31 December, after which UNDP will carry the project forward.

Zawiyah residents call for political change at UNSMIL-supported meeting

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) organized a meeting in Zawiyah on 2 June, where more than 150 people voiced frustration over the political and security situation. SRSG and Head of the UNSMIL Hanna Tetteh briefed attendees on four possible paths toward a consensual roadmap and emphasized the need to reach agreement on a way forward. UNSMIL plans similar town hall-style meetings in cities across the country as part of its efforts to engage communities on the best path to elections and the unification of state institutions. 

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SRSG Imnadze highlights UN cooperation during Tajikistan visit

In Dushanbe on 3 June, SRSG and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze held high-level talks on counter-terrorism, water and glacier preservation, Women, Peace and Security, and border security. He reaffirmed UNRCCA’s role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region.

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UN trains officials on AI and Early Warning

UNRCCA and UNOCT held a training in Ashgabat for 30 officials on counter-terrorism early warning using open-source intelligence and AI tools, helping Turkmenistan strengthen digital threat detection capacities. The course was conducted under the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network initiative launched in 2022 and in line with the updated Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia.  

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SRSG Imnadze concludes consultations in Tashkent

On 4 June, as part of his regional tour, SRSG Imnadze, concluded consultations with senior officials in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During his meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Muzaffar Madrakhimov, they discussed regional peace and security-related developments. Both sides affirmed the constructive and forward-looking nature of cooperation within the framework of UNRCCA’s mandate and reviewed preparations for upcoming joint events. 

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UN and INGOs renew demand for release of staff detained in Yemen

One year since the arbitrary detention of UN and INGO staff by de facto authorities in northern Yemen, senior UN officials and humanitarian leaders have reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining 23 UN and five INGO personnel. The prolonged detentions—some exceeding 1,000 days—violate international law and undermine humanitarian and peace efforts in Yemen. 

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Turin workshop explores Climate, Peace and Security programming

DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office, together with the UN System Staff College (UNSSC) and the UN Climate Security Mechanism, organized a workshop this week in Turin on designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating catalytic climate, peace and security programmes. Eight UN entities from 15 countries participated, workshopping joint programmes under development for PBF funding. Participants exchanged lessons, drew on expert inputs and developed action plans to move their initiatives forward.

SRSG Imnadze highlights Central Asia's global role at Astana Forum

At the Astana International Forum held on 30 May, SRSG Imnadze underscored Central Asia’s strategic importance and the UN’s role in supporting multilateral dialogue for peace and sustainable growth. On the sidelines of the Forum, SRSG Imnadze met with First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin. The discussions focused on the regional peace and security agenda among others. 

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Young leaders launch Northeast Asian Youth Climate Council

Young peacebuilders supported by DPPA’s Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia initiative launched the Northeast Asian Youth Climate Council (NEAYCC) on 4 June. The Council will serve as a youth-led platform for dialogue, cooperation, and action on climate and peace in the region. At the launch, members presented a Youth Declaration to the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of COP17 in 2026.

Since 2019, DPPA’s Asia Pacific Division, in collaboration with the Department's Innovation Cell, has worked with young leaders from across Northeast Asia to co-develop policy recommendations for a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient future for the region. From concept to reality, the launch of the NEAYCC represents a significant step toward institutionalizing young people’s contributions to regional climate and peacebuilding efforts in Northeast Asia. The launch reflects a growing recognition of the need for forward-looking exchanges grounded in trust, shared responsibility, and the voices of the next generation. 

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Youth in Central Asia explore AI for peacebuilding

DPPA’s Innovation Cell hosted a digital dialogue with youth from Central Asia and Afghanistan, showcasing AI tools for inclusive peacebuilding under the Preventive Diplomacy Academy. Participants explored AI tools like Remesh and other technologies including AI, web scraping, and environmental data analysis.  

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Spain contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, we thank Spain for its generous contribution of $330,510. The funds will go towards our conflict prevention, mediation and peacemaking work. 

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

The Security Council will discuss the situation in Central Afirca and the activities of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa on Monday. The Council will discuss the situation in Iraq on Tuesday and Yemen on Wednesday. 

Photo exhibit celebrates women peacebuilders

On 7 June, DPO, UN Women, the Elsie Initiative Fund and DPPA, in partnership with the Photoville Festival, will host the premiere of “Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace”, a multimedia exhibit highlighting women peacebuilders and peacekeepers in 11 conflict-affected contexts. The exhibit, which will run through 22 June, will be on view at Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park, in Brooklyn, New York. More information on opening weekend activities is available here.