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

USG DiCarlo reaffirms UN support for impartial election observation at Declaration of Principles anniversary

On 10 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo addressed the conclusion of the 20th Anniversary Implementation Meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation in Geneva. The meeting, held from 10 to 12 December, brought together 54 endorsing organizations—up from 21 at the time of adoption—representing every region of the world. “The UN is seeing growing demand for electoral assistance. In an increasingly complex global context, this places an ever-higher premium on working effectively together,” USG DiCarlo said. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to impartiality, professionalism, cooperation with national authorities, and the protection of human rights, while highlighting new tools to strengthen observation missions and support genuine democratic processes worldwide.

Deputy Special Representative Gagnon briefs the Security Council on Afghanistan 

On 10 December, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Georgette Gagnon told Council members that the situation of Afghan people demands both urgent attention and greater international support. She highlighted the continued exclusion of women and girls from public life, growing restrictions on media freedom, and the return of nearly 2.5 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, often under duress. The DSRSG called on the support of Council Members to ensure this situation does not become normalized. “We can continue to build bridges of engagement and work towards our common vision of an Afghanistan at peace, reintegrated into the global community and where the human rights of all Afghans are realized and respected,” she said. 

UN urges halt to attacks on civilians and renewed push for diplomacy in Ukraine

Briefing the Security Council on 9 December on Ukraine, Officer-in-charge for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Kayoko Gotoh said that despite cautious optimism around resumed diplomatic efforts, 2025 has been one of the deadliest for the people of Ukraine. She said that the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine between January and November 2025 was 24% higher than in the same period in 2024. And the figures keep rising as the Russian Federation escalates aerial attacks. She added that ensuring the long-term stability of the region must remain our collective focus and priority.  

Security Council hears update on political transitions and security challenges in Central Africa

On 11 December, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry briefed the Security Council on developments in the region. He said that in the six months since his last briefing, the region has made some progress. Electoral processes continue to pose risks, as do the war in Sudan and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin, he said, which are causing significant population displacement and threatening the stability of the region's states. He noted that by the end of the year, there will be no more political transitions underway in Central Africa. After Chad, Gabon’s transition is scheduled to be finalized by the end of December. In Cameroon, the SRSG said that post-election tensions were a cause for great concern. He called on council members to support current efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.

DPPA brings global civil society partners together for third UN–CSO peacebuilding dialogue

On 10–11 December, the third annual CSO–UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme “Operationalizing a Whole-of-System Approach to Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace.” Co-hosted by DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) and the CMI–Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, the Dialogue convened more than 200 peacebuilders, women’s and youth networks, and community leaders from across regions, where participants exchanged views on key peacebuilding priorities and deepened collaboration across the peacebuilding architecture. Opening the event, USG DiCarlo stressed that “peacebuilding is, at its core, a people-centered endeavour,” underscoring the essential role of civil society in prevention, mediation, and trust-building, as reaffirmed in the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR).

Security Council and Peacebuilding Commission advance youth, peace and security implementation at 10-year mark

On 9 December, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission held an Informal Interactive Dialogue (IID) on YPS, marking ten years since the adoption of Security Council resolution 2250 (2015), which established the YPS agenda. The dialogue underscored a shared priority for the next decade: moving from commitments to measurable implementation, including by ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of young people in conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and transitions, and by addressing persistent barriers. Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger linkages between the YPS and WPS agendas, particularly to advance the participation and protection of young women peacebuilders. The exchange also reflected the direction set by SC resolution 2805 (2025) on the 2025 PBAR, which calls for stronger Council, Commission and system-wide coherence, and more effective use of the Commission’s advisory role to support nationally owned peacebuilding outcomes.

Peacebuilding partners underscore national ownership during PBSO-led visit to The Gambia

From 8 to 12 December, the PBSO led an expert-level delegation to The Gambia, joined by Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) partners from Austria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Switzerland. The delegation met with government officials, civil society actors, women’s and youth organizations, as well as human rights defenders and victims’ associations. The visit highlighted the strategic and catalytic role of the PBF in supporting The Gambia’s sustaining peace agenda since 2017 and provided insights into the national peacebuilding context and UN engagement. Participants noted strong national and local ownership, progress on localization and civic space, and cross-border dynamics, reaffirming the value of sustained, locally driven approaches in The Gambia’s ongoing peacebuilding priorities.

UNMHA Officer-in-Charge concludes diplomatic engagements in Riyadh

From 9 to 11 December, the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) Mari Yamashita conducted a series of diplomatic engagements in Riyadh with the Yemeni Foreign Minister and representatives of China, France, Greece, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United States Chargé d’Affaires. Discussions focused on the ongoing review of the Mission’s mandate and operational posture, as well as continued United Nations support for stability in Hudaydah Governorate. She underlined UNMHA’s commitment to staff safety while continuing to implement its mandated tasks.

UNMHA amplifies Hudaydah women’s peacebuilding voices ahead of Feminist Summit in Aden

UNMHA and UN Women Yemen co-organized a side event in Aden from 7-8 December ahead of the Feminist Summit, bringing together women leaders and local peacebuilders from Hudaydah Governorate. With the participation of the UNMHA Officer-in-Charge and the UN Women Country Director, discussions highlighted women’s contributions to community resilience, peace efforts, and humanitarian response. Participants, including beneficiaries of UNMHA-funded Quick Impact Projects, emphasized how skills development, livelihoods, and local networks are strengthening confidence and protection at community level, reinforcing recognition of women as drivers of recovery and solutions.

Special Representative Imnadze meets with National Leader of Turkmenistan on the occasion of Neutrality Anniversary

On 9 December, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met in Ashgabat with the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The SRSG conveyed greetings from Secretary-General António Guterres on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s consistent support to the United Nations. Discussions covered preventive diplomacy priorities, regional cooperation, and upcoming initiatives linked to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025).

Special Representative Imnadze engages OSCE Secretary General on preventive diplomacy cooperation in Central Asia

On 11 December, SRSG Imnadze met in Ashgabat with the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, during his visit marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Discussions focused on cooperation between UNRCCA and OSCE on security and stability in Central Asia, including joint efforts to advance preventive diplomacy approaches. The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the two organizations in promoting dialogue, peace, and regional resilience.

UNRCCA participates in Awaza Forum on women’s leadership and regional cooperation

On 10 December, SRSG Imnadze participated in the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development” in Turkmenistan’s Awaza National Tourist Zone. The Conference explored women’s roles across political, economic and socio-humanitarian spheres and highlighted how enhanced international and regional cooperation can advance sustainable development and expand leadership opportunities for women. Addressing participants, he highlighted how growing regional cooperation and conflict resolution efforts in Central Asia are creating new opportunities for women’s leadership. He encouraged sustained momentum to ensure women help shape regional security and development priorities. The conference concluded with commitments to advance gender equality in line with UN frameworks.

UN Great Lakes Office briefs diplomatic community on regional peace and strategy

On 5 December, the Office of the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region met with members of the Diplomatic Community in Nairobi to discuss ongoing peace efforts and the UN Great Lakes Strategy. The briefing highlighted progress in dialogue and stability initiatives and presented the UN Great Lakes Strategy Plan of Action 2025–2027, which focuses on consolidating peace, preventing conflict, and fostering regional integration. The meeting strengthened collaboration with international partners and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working closely with regional actors to address security challenges and promote sustainable solutions for peace and development in the Great Lakes region.

Five youth organizations honored at UNSCR 2250 anniversary in Nairobi

On 9 December, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, together with UNFPA, UNDP, and UNICEF, recognized five youth-led organizations during an event marking the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in Nairobi. The “Youth in Action” Award, part of the UN Great Lakes Strategy, drew 169 submissions from six countries. Awardees from Burundi (RETFARMER GL), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (JAMAA Grand Lacs), Tanzania (Wote Margin/No Taka Hub), and Uganda (Rural Smiles Foundation) will receive grants totaling $55,000 to expand initiatives promoting social cohesion, resilience, and sustainable development across the region.

SRSG Jenča engages communities advancing peace in Nariño and Guaviare

From 5 to 7 December, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) Miroslav Jenča visited Tumaco and San José del Guaviare to assess progress in peace implementation nine years after the Accord. In Tumaco, he met with Indigenous Awá and Eperara Siapidaara women, Afro-descendant leaders, and local authorities, who shared advances and ongoing challenges. The visit included a collective fish-farming initiative supporting livelihoods and reintegration. In Guaviare, the SRSG met with the Governor to discuss the department’s security and peace implementation context. The Mission also visited “Casa de Saberes y Sabores,” an Amazonian cuisine initiative led by a Tukano family—former combatants and conflict survivors—whose entrepreneurship fosters reconciliation and community-based reintegration.

Next Week

The Security Council will hold an open debate on Maintenance of international peace and security: Leadership for Peace (15 December), followed by briefings on the Middle East pursuant to resolution 2334 (16 December), Yemen (17 December), Syria (18 December, AM), UNOWAS (18 December, PM), and UNSMIL and the Libya sanctions (19 December).