Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– UN/Organization of Islamic Cooperation
– Security Council
– Nicaragua
– Sudan
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Central African Republic
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Guests Tomorrow
– Financial contribution
UN/ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION
Starting today until 24 July, the General Cooperation Meeting between the Unoted Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and their specialized bodies is taking place at our own Offices in Geneva. This is a gathering that takes place every two years.
Co-chaired by Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, the Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs for the OIC, and Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the meeting will see high-level representatives from nearly 50 UN and OIC agencies, funds and programmes.
In his opening comments, Mr. Khiari emphasized the great value that the UN places on the support it receives from the OIC.
During the meeting, representatives of the two organizations will hold discussions on a full range of issues of common concern relevant to OIC Member States, including political, economic, and social issues.
SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Secretary-General addressed the Security Council debate on natural resource governance and he said that, across our world, the control and exploitation of natural resources are dramatically altering the causes, dynamics, and the outcomes of conflict.
Mr. Guterres said that critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are gaining in strategic importance. He noted the illegal mining and mineral smuggling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the exploitation of gold and gum arabic that has been taking place in Sudan, which have flagged to you not too long ago.
The Secretary-General stressed four urgent priorities for the way ahead: ensuring justice for countries and communities that have resources; curbing illicit flows and strengthening transparency across mineral supply chains; the peaceful settlement of disputes over natural resources; and taking climate analysis into account.
The Council also heard remarks from the head, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.
NICARAGUA
In answer to question on the recent statements made by the Government of Nicaragua on elections, the Spokesperson said that the Secretary-General is closely following developments in Nicaragua and is concerned about the continuing erosion of civic and political space in that country. The High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk earlier released a statement deploring Nicaragua’s deepening restrictions on civil and political freedoms.
The Secretary-General recalls that authorities have a responsibility to uphold human rights and ensure that all citizens can participate freely and safely in public life, including by exercising their right to vote in elections that guarantee the free expression of the will of the electorate.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-07-22