"Without half the population participating in decision-making, there cannot be sustainable peace," USG DiCarlo tells Security Council

On 13 March, in remarks at the Security Council’s open debate on promoting conflict prevention, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo called for increased conflict prevention at the international, regional and national levels. "Prevention saves lives and safeguards development gains. It is cost effective," she said. She further underlined that prevention was a central priority of the Secretary-General’s policy brief “A New Agenda for Peace,” and reiterated its call that “all sides must prioritize diplomacy – especially countries that disagree – to bridge the growing divides in the world.” DiCarlo also underscored the importance that the Agenda places on inclusion: “Simply put, without half the population participating in decision-making, there cannot be sustainable peace.”

"What happens regionally impacts Yemen," Special Envoy Grundberg tells Council

On 14 March, Special Envoy to the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg told the Council that his focus remains on reaching a ceasefire and starting a political process to resolve the conflict. "It is imperative that all parties keep channels of communication open and do not lose focus on delivering results for Yemenis,” he said. Following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Palestine, attacks by the Houthi rebel group on commercial shipping have continued, significantly disrupting global trade routes in the Red Sea, he noted, cautioning that “although we have tried to shield the peace process from regional developments since the war in Gaza, the reality is, that what happens regionally impacts Yemen — and what happens in Yemen can impact the region.”

DPPA supports Commission on the Status of Women side event on conflict prevention

On 12 March, DPPA, in partnership with UN Women, Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund, the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, Canada and Slovenia held a side event at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women titled "Empowering Peace: Cost-Effectiveness and Value-Added of Women’s Conflict Prevention Work." A panel discussion presented the key research findings on the cost-effectiveness and value of women’s conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and recovery work. The research presented provided insights to guide policymakers and the donor community. Awa Dabo, Director and Deputy Head of the Peacebuilding Support Office, DPPA, highlighted the importance of ensuring an understanding of the effects and impact of peacebuilding interventions to enhance the ability of peacebuilders to make timely and evidence-informed decisions on programming and policy. 

UN Peacebuilding project supports peace and inclusivity across Fiji

Diverse communities in Fiji are coming together to enhance trust and social cohesion, working towards one of the important pillars of the country's Revised National Development Strategy. In a concerted effort to promote social cohesion and reconciliation, and to address underlying grievances, the United Nations has launched a project aimed at building trust among communities in Fiji. The initiative, named "Strengthening Social Cohesion Pathways, Human Rights and Women Civic Participation" aims to prevent violence, resolve conflicts, and promote a more inclusive and peaceful society. The project is funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). By promoting communication and cooperation among communities and between communities and the government, this project aims to help establish the groundwork for long-term peace, inclusivity, and social advancement throughout the country.

Special Coordinator Wronecka meets Lebanese officials ahead of Security Council briefing

Ahead of next week’s Security Council consultations on the implementation of Resolution 1701, Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka held a round of meetings with Lebanese leaders to discuss the importance of adhering to Security Council resolutions for protecting Lebanon from a broader conflagration. The Special Coordinator met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib (pictured left) and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun. Wronecka also discussed the latest escalation in the south, and underlined the importance of electing a new President.

Special Coordinator attends panel discussion on Resolution 1701 in Beirut

This week, Special Coordinator Wronecka joined a panel discussion on the positive effects of Security Council Resolution 1701 on Peace and Regional Security, organized by the Universite La Sagesse in Beirut. She highlighted the urgency of returning to a full implementation of Resolution 1701 following five months of skirmishes across the Blue Line. Wronecka went on to note that current developments have underlined the dangers that the incomplete implementation of resolution 1701 pose to Lebanon, Israel and the region at large. She underlined that the resolution was a commitment by the global community to support Lebanon in its efforts to maintain sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political stability.

"Dreaming of Lebanon" virtual reality documentary featured at SXSW festival

The Virtual Reality (VR) production "Dreaming of Lebanon," developed by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), was featured at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival this week, with Lebanese director Cynthia Sawma in attendance. The SXSW Film Festival is one of the largest innovation events in the world with over 280,000 participants. "Dreaming of Lebanon" is an immersive documentary that provides insight into the lives, challenges, and aspirations of young Lebanese, offering a unique window into the country’s situation and the resilience of its people amidst ongoing hardships.

DSRSG Cordone meets with senior Iraqi officials to discuss Kuwaiti missing persons

On 13 March, Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Claudio Cordone met in Baghdad with Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Omar Barzanji. They discussed ways to advance the file of missing Kuwaiti persons and property. UNAMI encourages intensified efforts to make swift progress and is ready to continue to assist in the process. 

On 10 March, DSRSG Cordone met in Baghdad with Head of the Legal Department Khalid Ismail Al-Lami and Director of Human Rights Directorate at the Ministry of Defense Thaer Abdullah. Discussions focused on the importance of making progress on Kuwaiti missing persons.

Launch of the Iraq Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group

On 11 March, Deputy Special Representative Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai and Minister of Environment Nizar Amidi launched the Iraq Environment and Climate Change Policy Advisory Group in Baghdad. The Group will serve as an informal platform to foster policy dialogue and the exchange of information between the Government of Iraq, development partners, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector on all aspects related to climate change and environment.

DSRSG Isaczai meets with Kurdistan Region Minister of Interior on IDPs

On 13 March, DSRSG Ghulam Isaczai met in Erbil with Kurdistan Region Minister of Interior Rêber Ahmed. They discussed the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The DSRSG also visited Harsham Camp, where he met with residents and teachers’ representatives and listened to their views and concerns. While in Duhok on 13 March, Isaczai met with IDPs at Khanke camp and from Qasr Ezedin informal settlement in Duhok and listened to their concerns. He stressed voluntary, informed, safe, and inclusive return through durable solutions pathways. 

UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy holds virtual meeting on history and role of UN in the region

On 12 March, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA) held an informative online session to explore the history and structure of the UN and the Centre's role in the region. Special Representative Kaha Imnadze emphasized the importance of fostering regional cooperation and alumni networks for future peacebuilding efforts.The session highlighted the UN and UNRCCA's role both globally and regionally in promoting preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. It gave participants a broader understanding of the UN's structure and goals, as well as the complexities it faces in the region.

A step towards truth and reparation in Antioquia, Colombia

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This week, the UN Verification Mission accompanied Colombia's Unit for the Search for Missing Persons (UBPD) in the first phase of a comprehensive intervention in the Rionegro cemetery, located in eastern Antioquia. The aim of the intervention is to recover around 30 unidentified bodies of people who disappeared due to the armed conflict. The intervention was possible after an investigation revealed that there are 152 unidentified bodies in the cemetery. This intervention aims to contribute to the truth and reparation for the victims and their families.

Next Week

On 18 March, the Security Council will hold a briefing on 1591 Committee, followed by 1701 report consultations. It will also continue its open debate on “Promoting conflict prevention – empowering all actors including women and youth.” On 21 March, it will hold a briefing on the situation in the Middle East. On 22 March, it will meet on international threats to peace and security.