Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Programming Note
Ramadan Message
Secretary-General/AI
African Union/Secretary-General
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria/Security Council
Yemen
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Haiti
World Radio Day
Financial Contribution
PROGRAMMING NOTE
There will be a stakeout right after this briefing, at approximately 1:00 p.m., by Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout.
RAMADAN MESSAGE
In a message marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the Secretary-General says this month is a sacred period of reflection and prayer, representing a noble vision of hope and peace. Yet, for too many members of the human family, this vision remains distant. From Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, people continue to suffer from conflict, hunger, displacement and discrimination.
In these difficult and divided times, the Secretary-General calls on all to heed Ramadan’s enduring message, to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those in need, and safeguard the rights and dignity of every person.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/AI
As you have seen, yesterday we issued a statement by the Secretary-General upon the appointment of the members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence by the General Assembly. He noted that the 40 members were selected from more than 2,600 candidates, after independent review by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and UNESCO.
In a world where AI is racing ahead, the Secretary-General said, this Panel will provide what’s been missing, which is rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all Member States, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing. The Secretary-General added that he is confident their work will inform collective dialogue on AI, and support decisions based on evidence and solidarity.
AFRICAN UNION/SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Secretary-General is now in Addis Ababa.
He started the day by meeting the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Throughout the day, the Secretary-General had bilateral meetings with several African leaders. He also met with the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, the President of Angola, H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and he also met separately with the outcoming Chairperson of the AU, President of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye. You have received readouts of all the Secretary-General’s meetings.
A short while ago, the Secretary-General took part in the second Italy-Africa summit. In his remarks, he said this summit sends a clear message that cooperation must be built on mutual respect and trust, and that partnerships must be about delivering on Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Tomorrow morning, the Secretary-General will address the opening session of the 39th African Union summit. You have received an embargoed copy of his remarks.
Throughout the day, he will have additional meetings with leaders attending the summit and in the afternoon, he will hold a press conference.
He will be back in the office on Monday.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-13