Special Envoy Grundberg underscores wider negotiated political settlement in Yemen

On 12 February, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the Security Council from Riyadh. He noted that the steps taken by the Government to improve living conditions and support stabilization in government areas can help create a conducive environment for a wider political settlement to the conflict, while cautioning that gains will remain vulnerable to reversal without a wider negotiated political settlement to the conflict. He also took the opportunity to commend the appointment of three women ministers, after several years of women being absent from the cabinet. He emphasized that this should be reinforced through the full, equal and meaningful inclusion of women in decision-making at all levels of government, and in peace negotiation teams and advisory structures, underscoring that inclusive peace processes are more legitimate and that experience shows they deliver more sustainable outcomes.

Security Council hears briefing on political transition and security developments in Syria

Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Claudio Cordone briefed the Security Council on 13 February on recent political and security developments. He reported the 30 January agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces providing for a ceasefire and phased military and administrative integration in Syria. He said that hostilities have ended and that implementation plan has been progressing, while also urging the parties to uphold their commitments, investigate allegations of abuses, and ensure accountability. He also addressed renewed tensions in Sweida, regional security concerns, and next steps in the political transition, including the formation of the People’s Assembly. He underscored the importance of meaningful representation of Syria’s regions and diverse groups. 

Synthesis Review highlights transformative impact of the Peacebuilding Fund

An assessment published this week reaffirms that the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) delivers measurable and transformative results, even in highly complex and fragile settings. The 2023–2024 Synthesis Review of evaluations highlights the Fund’s ability to catalyze nationally led peacebuilding through strong partnerships with governments and civil society, while retaining the flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving contexts. An increasing number of projects are applying adaptive management approaches, strengthening portfolio-level coherence, and enhancing engagement with local partners, maximizing the collective impact of the Fund’s investments. The review also underscores PBF’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement, calling for greater selectivity in funding decisions and strengthened monitoring to better capture aggregate impact and support institutional learning. 

BINUH hosts discussions on governance and coordination in Haiti

This week, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) brought together representatives from academia, civil society, religious leaders and regional actors in Haiti to discuss its mandate and good offices in support of Haitian authorities. The meetings fostered a shared understanding of BINUH’s role and generated proposals to strengthen governance in the interest of a credible political process. The meetings were made possible in part by funding from DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal.

On 12 February, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Carlos Ruiz Massieu met with members of the international community to enhance coordination in support of Haiti’s immediate priorities, including restoration of public security, state authority and the organization of credible elections, in line with the BINUH mandate. They agreed to strengthen the coordination in order to meet the needs of the partners and the Haitian people. 

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert discusses implementation of resolution 1701 and extension of State Authority with Lebanese officials

Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert held a series of meetings with Lebanese officials this week on the implementation of relevant UN resolutions and the extension of state authority in Lebanon. With Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the Special Coordinator discussed the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) as well as ongoing and planned efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces. Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also met with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi for an exchange on recent developments in Lebanon and the wider region. Commending the efforts of the Lebanese army to advance the extension of state authority, the Special Coordinator held talks with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Rodolph Haykal on the implementation of the cessation of hostilities arrangement, resolution 1701 and international support for the LAF.

UNRCCA advances regional cooperation on implementation of Security Council sanctions regimes

On 9 February, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, and with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan, co-organized a regional roundtable on implementing sanctions regimes under relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Held in Tashkent, the roundtable brought together representatives from all Central Asian states to exchange good practices on asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargoes, and to discuss challenges related to designation, implementation and delisting processes, including institutional coordination, information sharing and respect for human rights.

UNTMIS supports rights-based budget analysis training for Somali students

In Mogadishu this week, human rights experts from the UN Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), in collaboration with Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, conducted a four-day learning program on human rights and budget analysis. The training aims to equip Somali university students, particularly from economics departments, with the skills to analyze public budgets through a human rights lens. By strengthening capacity for rights-informed economic governance, the initiative empowers future professionals to translate data into evidence-based advocacy and support more inclusive, accountable budget processes.

Youth leadership initiative advances peacebuilding in Cesar, Colombia

On 9 February, in Manaure, Cesar, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) joined the Movimiento Juvenil por la Paz and the Municipal Youth Platform to launch the “Tejiendo Liderazgo” school, an initiative that will support 35 young people, including sons and daughters of former combatants. The programme creates a space for youth engagement as a pillar of long-term peacebuilding. Through dialogue on memory, photography and peace, participants reflected on their role in shaping more inclusive narratives for their communities.

Red Hand Day marked in Meta with call to prevent child recruitment

In Meta, a department significantly affected by the recruitment of children and adolescents in Colombia, the UNVMC commemorated Red Hand Day with a renewed call to prevent this grave violation. The UNVMC underscored the responsibility of the State to intensify prevention efforts and reinforce protective environments. It also highlighted the importance of building the capacities of teachers, families, ethnic communities, youth leaders, faith-based actors and civil society to ensure that children and young people have access to genuine opportunities and a future free from violence.

Children and youth raise their voices for peace in Colombia

On 12 February, in Algeciras, Huila, southcentral Colombia, children, adolescents, and local youth theatre groups presented performances promoting peace and raising awareness about forced recruitment and violence. Held within the framework of the Red Hand Day, the initiative, supported by the Mayor’s Office, UNIPEP Police and the UNVMC, provided a creative space for young people to advocate for a future free from violence. 

Germany contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of Germany for its contribution of $1,759,200 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities. 

Next Week

The Security Council will hear a briefing on the work of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday, 18 February. Also on Wednesday, the Council will discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, hearing a briefing from USG DiCarlo. The USG will also brief the Council on Thursday, 19 February, on the situation in Sudan under resolution 2715.