A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
ASG Khiari urges de-escalation and renewed dialogue on Yemen
On 13 July, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari briefed the Security Council on recent developments in Yemen, warning that rising regional tensions risk triggering a new cycle of escalation. He reiterated that there is “no alternative to an inclusive, Yemeni-owned political process” under UN auspices and called on all parties to engage constructively in dialogue and refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine peace efforts. He also urged the immediate, safe and unconditional release of 73 UN personnel and other detainees arbitrarily held by the Houthis.
SRSG Simão highlights need for stronger regional dialogue in West Africa and the Sahel
On 14 July, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simão briefed the Security Council on developments in West Africa and the Sahel, highlighting persistent insecurity, renewed momentum for regional dialogue and cooperation, and ongoing democratic developments. While warning that terrorist groups continue to expand their operations and humanitarian needs remain severe, he welcomed diplomatic engagement between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, as well as progress by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission. Stressing that “security responses alone will not be enough,” the SRSG called for greater investment in the social, economic and environmental foundations of peace.
SRSG Jenča highlights Peace Agreement as cornerstone of Colombia’s stability
On 15 July, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia Miroslav Jenča briefed the Security Council on developments in Colombia following the recent presidential elections, emphasizing that continued implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement remains essential to building lasting peace and security. While noting the peaceful conduct of the elections, he expressed concern over continued political polarization and persistent violence in conflict-affected regions. The SRSG underscored the importance of strengthening State presence, advancing comprehensive rural reform and providing security guarantees for former combatants, reaffirming the readiness to support Colombia’s peacebuilding efforts.
New UNOCA chief visits São Tomé and Príncipe
From 11 to 16 July, the SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mohamed El-Amine Souef, visited São Tomé and Príncipe as part of his introductory tour of the 11 countries in the region. The visit, which coincided with the country's 51st anniversary of independence, provided an opportunity to engage with national authorities and key stakeholders and reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the United Nations and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Arnault visits Iran to discuss support for Lebanon
On 13 July, Jean Arnault, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) [and Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East conflict and its consequences], visited Iran as part of his regional engagement on Lebanon. During meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, he discussed the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the challenges facing Lebanon, and the support that regional countries can provide to Lebanon’s aspirations for peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Grundberg urges de-escalation during visit to Oman
On 14 July, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for Yemen Hans Grundberg visited Muscat, where he met with senior Omani officials and Houthi’s chief negotiator, Mohamed Abdul Salam. The discussions focused on the need for immediate de-escalation and preserving the relative calm achieved since the 2022 UN-brokered truce. SESG Grundberg also called on the parties to engage in UN-facilitated negotiations across the political, military/security and economic tracks to advance a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Land allocation supports peace implementation in Huila
On 15 July, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia attended a land allocation ceremony in Baraya, Huila, where a 263-hectare property was transferred to 20 families of Peace Agreement signatories and five peasant families. Led by the National Land Agency and the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization, the initiative advances the Comprehensive Rural Reform under the Final Peace Agreement. The allocation expands access to productive land, supports sustainable livelihoods, fosters social inclusion, and strengthens peacebuilding and reincorporation efforts in south-central Colombia.
Cyprus photo competition celebrates shared cultural heritage
On 16 July, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Technical Committee on Youth, launched a photo competition inviting participants to capture Cyprus’ shared cultural heritage. The initiative encourages young people and the wider public to engage with cultural heritage sites restored through the Committee’s work and highlights the role of the next generation in preserving the island’s shared heritage. The competition is supported by UNDP under the auspices of the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus and funded by the European Union.
Rabab Fatima appointed as Special Representative for Afghanistan
On 14 July, Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh as his new Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). She succeeds Roza Otunbayeva and brings more than 30 years of experience in diplomacy, policymaking and international affairs.
Next Week
The Security Council is expected to hold briefings on Haiti on 20 July and Syria on 21 July, followed by debates on natural resource governance on 22 July and the peaceful settlement of disputes under resolution 2788 on 23 July.
