Caretaker authorities “need to extend a hand of reassurance and trust to all communities in Syria,” Special Envoy Pedersen tells Security Council 

On 8 January, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen told the Security Council the “caretaker authorities” in Syria continue to consolidate their authority. He noted that "while there were many areas where law and order appear to be good," he had seen "multiple reports of incidents of violence – in the coastal region and Homs and Hama in particular – including accounts of degrading and humiliating treatment." The caretaker authorities “need to extend a hand of reassurance and trust to all communities in Syria,” he said. Stressing the importance of broad political participation, he said “there are significant decisions being taken that many Syrians feel should be left to a more inclusive transitional phase." 

ASG Khiari: Diplomacy is the only pathway to sustainable peace in Korean Peninsula

On 8 January, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari told the Council that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) had been actively working towards acquiring new military capabilities that undermine the global non-proliferation architecture. This was illustrated by its 6 January launch of a new-type intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile. According to the country’s official statement, he said, the system can “deal a serious military strike to a rival by effectively breaking any of its dense defensive barriers." Underscoring that diplomatic engagement remains “the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula”, he went on to say that "we welcome offers to engage in dialogue with the DPRK without preconditions." He further noted that the Council must remain attentive to the humanitarian situation in the country, and called on Pyongyang to expedite the return of the UN country team.

Peacebuilding Fund Group of Friends convenes its quarterly meeting

The Peacebuilding Fund’s (PBF) Group of Friends convened on 9 January for their fourth quarterly meeting, co-chaired by Sweden and the United Kingdom. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the Fund’s achievements in 2024 and set the stage for the year ahead. Over the past year, the PBF approved over 40 projects across more than 20 countries and territories. Notably, more than 30 per cent of allocations supported gender-responsive peacebuilding, exceeding the Fund’s target for the fifth consecutive year. Partners were also updated on key developments, including the revised PBF Terms of Reference, assessed contributions, and forward planning. Additionally, the discussions highlighted developments in partnership with international financial institutions, notably country-level collaboration with the World Bank to support national prevention strategies.

Reading opens the way to peace in Balconcitos, Tolima

On 31 December, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia delivered over 150 books to La Fila school, Balconcitos village branch, in Icononzo, Tolima. The delivery took place in the presence of community members, teachers, students, the Community Action Board, and peace agreement signatories. The books, which were distributed by the Bank of the Republic via the country's main library, will now form the backbone of a small local library serving the community.

Chinese Ambassador visits Tierra Grata

On 7 January, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Carlos Ruiz Massieu and the Chinese Ambassador to Colombia, Zhu Jingyang, visited the Territorial Area for Training and Reintegration (TATR) of Tierra Grata, Cesar, to learn about progress in housing solutions for peace signatories, in addition to the initiatives underway in the framework of the Comprehensive Rural Reform. During the visit, Massieu congratulated the community of peace signatories for the progress made and their work to live in peace despite their difficulties. He also thanked the Chinese ambassador to Colombia for his presence in witnessing the commitment of the ex-combatants and the community to their reincorporation.

Next Week

On 15 January, the Security Council will meet on Libya sanctions. Also on 15 January, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will brief on the situation in Yemen. On 16 January, USG DiCarlo will brief on Ukraine.