Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General/Travels
– Afghanistan
– Deputy Secretary-General/Travels
– Ethiopia
– Sudan
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Lebanon
– World Food Programme (WFP) – Yemen
– Yemen
– Ukraine
– UN Refugee Agency/HC Travel
– New Resident Coordinator – Egypt
– International Days
SECRETARY-GENERAL / TRAVELS
The Secretary-General has left New York for a previously scheduled trip to Pakistan, where he is expected to arrive on Tuesday morning. During his visit, he will have meetings in Islamabad with senior government officials, including with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. He will also meet with President Asif Ali Zardari.
The Secretary-General was last in Pakistan in 2022, when he visited regions impacted by the devastating floods. This time, he will again visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he will see firsthand the progress Pakistan has made in strengthening its preparedness and resilience since the floods.
In Islamabad, the Secretary-General will visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, otherwise known as UNMOGIP.
The visit will also be an opportunity for the Secretary-General to discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, including its constructive role in supporting negotiations between the two countries.
The Secretary-General is expected to be back in New York on Thursday.
AFGHANISTAN
The U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo concluded her visit to Afghanistan today, following meetings with the de facto authorities, civil society representatives, women leaders and Afghan female U.N. personnel.
In her meetings with de facto authorities, Ms. DiCarlo reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to advancing the Doha process. She noted progress in its two working groups on counter-narcotics and private sector and emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into further practical results for the Afghan people. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement.
Ms. DiCarlo conveyed Member States’ concerns about the situation of women and girls, particularly girls’ access to education. She emphasized that progress on women’s and girls’ rights would advance the country’s development. Ms. DiCarlo also raised the restrictions affecting Afghan female United Nations personnel.
The Under-Secretary-General highlighted the challenges facing Afghanistan, including socioeconomic pressures, climate change, and natural disasters. She affirmed the United Nations’ readiness to assist Afghans returning from the neighbouring countries. In her meetings with civil society representatives and women leaders, the Under-Secretary-General recognized their vital contributions to communities across Afghanistan.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-10-05