A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
ASG Khiari warns delayed diplomacy deepens threat to peace and security in Ukraine
On 28 May, the Security Council met to discuss the recent escalation of the war in Ukraine. Briefing alongside the Secretary-General, who called for de-escalation and for a full and unconditional ceasefire, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari warned that the lack of progress in diplomacy is deepening the threat to regional and international peace and security. He highlighted the devastating impact of the war on civilians and stressed the urgent need to return to dialogue and negotiations.
UN Good Offices Mission briefs diplomatic community on Technical Committees in Cyprus
On 26 May, the United Nations Mission of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices in Cyprus briefed the diplomatic community on the work of the island’s 13 Technical Committees and broader UN engagement in Cyprus. The briefing highlighted ongoing cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives on practical issues affecting daily life, including crime, environmental matters, cultural heritage and humanitarian cooperation. Participants also received an update on UN efforts to strengthen trust between the communities and support prospects for a resumed peace process.
Structured Dialogue Reconciliation Track advances recommendations on reconciliation and human rights in Libya
The National Reconciliation and Human Rights Track of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya Structured Dialogue met in Tripoli from 22 to 25 May to refine recommendations on national reconciliation, transitional justice and human rights. Discussions emphasized the importance of a human rights-based approach to reconciliation, local ownership and the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes. Participants also highlighted the need to address political divisions and strengthen national institutions to support sustainable peace. Final recommendations are expected to be presented during the Structured Dialogue plenary meeting on 7 June.
SRSG Imnadze promotes regional cooperation on water and climate challenges
On 25 and 26 May, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), participated in events in Dushanbe held in the context of the Fourth International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”. On 25 May, at a pre-conference forum on transboundary cooperation, UNRCCA, together with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, co-organized a panel on basin-wide cooperation and the integration of Afghanistan, where the SRSG proposed exploring a high-level regional dialogue platform to strengthen cooperation on shared water challenges. On 26 May, addressing the high-level conference, the SRSG underscored the importance of regional dialogue, trust and partnership in addressing climate-related risks and promoting the equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources.
United Nations and African Union convene joint retreat on peace and security in Africa
On 20 May, the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) convened the Fourth High-Level Joint Retreat on Peace and Security in Africa in Libreville. The retreat brought together senior AU and UN officials to strengthen cooperation, joint analysis and coordinated responses to evolving peace, security and governance challenges across the continent. Held shortly after the 10th AU-UN Annual Conference and the signing of a declaration reaffirming the organizations’ cooperation frameworks, the retreat underscored the importance of translating shared commitments into concrete action in support of peace, security and stability in Africa.
Secretary-General appoints Mohamed El-Amine Souef as Head of UNOCA
On 27 May, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of Mohamed El-Amine Souef of the Comoros as his new Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). He succeeds Abdou Abarry of Niger. Mr. Souef brings to the posting more than three decades of experience in diplomacy, foreign affairs and peace operations.
Next Week
Colombia will assume the presidency of the Security Council for June.
