Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

– Secretary-General/Press Encounter
– South Sudan/UN Peacekeepers
– South Sudan/Humanitarian
– Sudan/Security Council
– Security Council/Afternoon
– Sudan/Humanitarian
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Gaza/UNICEF Report
– Deputy Secretary-General/Travels

SECRETARY-GENERAL/PRESS ENCOUNTER

This morning, speaking to the press, the Secretary-General noted that conflicts in different regions are converging in their impact on the world’s most vulnerable people. Mentioning ongoing attacks and the disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as the conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Secretary-General pointed out that these crises are choking arteries of global trade and squeezing global food systems especially hard.

The Secretary-General noted that in March, he established a Task Force to develop and propose a practical mechanism including to address humanitarian needs triggered by the Strait of Hormuz crisis. He underscored that the mechanism would not authorize passage through the Strait or alter the rights and obligations of Member States in terms of international law.

He highlighted that sovereign decisions remain entirely with participating Member States and that we would serve as a neutral facilitator. What is needed now, he said, is the cooperation and political will of the parties.

The Secretary-General urged all concerned to engage seriously and constructively, adding that this mechanism is not a substitute for a fully restoring navigational rights and freedom of navigation, or for the political solutions needed to end these conflicts, but should be a practical first step.

SOUTH SUDAN/UN PEACEKEEPERS

Today, a UN patrol in South Sudan was ambushed in Jonglei state. Two UN peacekeepers were killed, and seven other people were injured. Among the injured are three UN peacekeepers, two police officers from South Sudan and two civilian staff. The two peacekeepers who were killed were Ethiopian.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack. In no uncertain terms, he extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the people and government of Ethiopia. The Secretary-General wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured.

This brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in militia’s acts since January 1st of this year.

The UN Mission deployed a Quick Reaction Force in the area to secure and to help support the emergency response.

The UN reiterates that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. The Secretary-General Special Representative in South Sudan and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission, Anita Kiki Gbeho, also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-08-24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF2zO6NdSGs

Source: United Nations (video statements)

“Today, conflicts in different regions are converging in their impact on the world’s most vulnerable people,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said.

The Secretary-General spoke to reporters at a stakeout at UN Headquarters in New York, warning that attacks and the disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea – around Bab al-Mandab – are “constraining the movement of energy, fertilizers and other essential commodities.”

Guterres said that in the conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, “attacks are threatening shipping routes vital for the export of oil, grain and other agricultural products,” adding that the crises “are choking arteries of global trade and squeezing the global food system especially hard.”

“In the Strait of Hormuz alone, transits have come to a near standstill,” the Secretary-General said, noting that “oil prices remain about 33 per cent higher since the start of the conflict” and that “global container rates are 84 per cent higher than a year ago.” He said the costs of fertilizers and other essential inputs are also sharply increasing.

Setting out his appeal, the UN chief called for “full respect for international law – including the law of the sea and international humanitarian law,” protection for civilian shipping, infrastructure and seafarers, and “the upholding of navigational rights and freedoms.” He demanded “an immediate end to attacks against commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the Black Sea,” the full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and around Bab al-Mandab.

Guterres recalled that in March he established a Task Force “to develop and propose practical mechanisms, including to address humanitarian needs triggered by the Strait of Hormuz crisis,” led by the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services and including UNCTAD, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Chamber of Commerce.

The Secretary-General stressed that the mechanism “would not authorize passage through the Strait of Hormuz or alter the rights or obligations of any Member State under international law,” and that “sovereign decisions remain entirely with participating Member States.” He said the United Nations would serve as “a neutral facilitator,” with the purpose of reducing immediate risks, supporting “more orderly and predictable transit,” and helping rebuild “the confidence necessary for diplomacy and de-escalation.”

International support for the effort has been encouraging, Guterres said, “particularly from vulnerable countries that understand what is at stake when maritime lifelines are disrupted.”

“What is needed now is the cooperation and political will of the parties,” he concluded, urging all concerned to engage seriously and constructively. He said the mechanism “is not a substitute for fully restoring navigational rights and freedoms, or for the political solutions needed to end these conflicts,” but called it “a practical first step.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKAmIdweIg

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Under the leadership of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, the AI and Human Development convenings are part of a global conversation moving from region to region and culminating at the United Nations, our global town hall, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Hosted in locations of historical and cultural significance, the series creates space for reflection on how technological change intersects with the evolution of societies, institutions, human values and relationships.

Following convenings in Cairo, Mexico City and Xi’an, the series will continue in Rome before culminating in New York during UNGA81. In 2027, the initiative will expand to support country-led, community-based dialogues worldwide in the lead-up to the SDG Summit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T673H572nP0