Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:

-Venezuela
-Sudan
-Lebanon / Israel
-Syria
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Democratic Republic of the Congo
-Noon Briefing Guest
-Bernard Robinson

VENEZUELA
The UN Humanitarian Country Team, bringing together the UN and other humanitarian partners, is continuing to support people in need in Venezuela.
Teams from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) continue to monitor developments, together with our humanitarian partners. Psychosocial support hotlines are in place and mapping is being carried out to ensure essential services reach the most vulnerable people.
For their part, the World Food Programme (WFP) says that WFP activities, such as general food distribution and emergency response to people impacted by flooding in Venezuela continues. The World Food Programme’s school meal programme also continues to be on schedule and will resume after school break.

SUDAN
In Sudan, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that escalating violence, particularly across the Kordofan region, continues to put civilians at extreme risk and drive new waves of displacement. The UN humanitarian team on the ground notes that according to the Sudan Doctors Network, a drone attack today in the city of El Obeid, in North Kordofan State, allegedly claimed the lives of 13 civilians, including children.
In South Kordofan State, displacement has increased sharply in recent days. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that between December 31st and January 4th, violence drove nearly 1,000 people to flee in Quoz locality, Kadugli town and Berdab village.
Yesterday, another 2,000 people were uprooted from Um Dam Haj Ahmed locality, also in North Kordofan State.
In total, between October 25th and December 30th, some 65,000 individuals were displaced from multiple locations across the Kordofan region.
Once again, the UN reiterates its urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians. The UN also reiterates the need for rapid, safe, sustained humanitarian access, so aid can reach those in need.

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-06

Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-leLd5O0ZU

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock is a new face at the United Nations. Sworn in as President of the General Assembly in September, she brings experience and energy at a time of challenges and new beginnings – including the selection of the next Secretary-General.

“We need this place where countries, big and small, rich and poor, are coming together and have an equal say and an equal vote.”

Shaped by her nation’s turbulent past and successful reunification Annalena Baerbock entered politics at a young age. In this episode, she reflects on the importance of female pioneers, the impact of online harassment and shares why the UN Charter can still move her to tears.

[00:00] Introduction
[00:52] Setting priorities for the UNGA80
[02:30] What the UN Charter means to her
[05:23] Inside the role of the PGA
[09:25] Listening as a form of leadership
[12:21] Can the UN still bridge global divides?
[15:26] What keeps Annalena awake at night
[16:58] Facing online hate as a woman leader
[20:56] Holding platforms accountable
[23:10] Choosing the next Secretary-General
[24:16] When humanitarian cuts cost lives
[26:43] Life in New York with her daughters
[27:22] Online noise vs. Real-world solidarity
[29:01] Finding her way into politics
[32:07] Lessons from growing up in 1980s West Germany
[36:51] Closing remarks

Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
#podcast #UnitedNations #awakeatnight #PGA80 #UNGA

About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7dntTPApqI