Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– UN80
– New York City Mayor
– Middle East
– UNDP
– Lebanon/Israel
– UNRWA
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Yemen
– Syria
– Sudan
– Venezuela
– Financial Contribution
UN80
This afternoon, the General Assembly will meet to consider a resolution that will move the UN80 initiative forward. The resolution focuses on Workstream II – the mandate lifecycle – and it’s important to note that this process has been led by Member States – through a working group co-chaired by New Zealand and Jamaica.
In his remarks this afternoon, the Secretary-General is expected to express his gratitude to the working group, and will remind us that the UN80 initiative included a recognition of the central role of the work of Member States in examining how mandates are created, implemented, and reviewed.
This was essential, he will add, not only to ease the burden on Member States who face an overwhelming volume of reports and meetings.
But also to help the Secretariat avoid duplication, fragmentation and inefficiency.
In that spirit, the resolution presented today reflects a shared understanding of the full mandate lifecycle – and a shared commitment to strengthen each step of it.
NEW YORK CITY MAYOR
The Secretary-General welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani this morning at UN Headquarters.
The Secretary-General thanked the Mayor for the outstanding relationship and support received from the host city.
Noting the critical role that cities play in today’s world, the Secretary-General discussed with the Mayor how to deepen the cooperation with the City of New York.
The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing the dialogue between the United Nations and New York City.
MIDDLE EAST
The Secretary-General’s Personal Representative on the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, is in New York, where he has been holding extensive briefings and consultations internally and with Member States on ways the United Nations can be helpful in de-escalating the conflict and paving the way for a peaceful way forward through dialogue and negotiations.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-03-31