Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits Limpopo Province to engage with Traditional Leadership Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits Limpopo Province to engage with Traditional Leadership #govzaupdates
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Remarks by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on the launch of the Muscat Plan of Action.
Guterres stressed that hate speech is a growing threat to peace and security, and called for breaking this cycle through education, support for those targeted, and stronger action by governments and technology companies.
Muscat Plan of Action is an initiative aimed at countering hate speech and help prevent genocide and atrocity crimes. The Plan highlights the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders in promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion. It is the result of a collaborative process led by the Sultanate of Oman, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, and is co-hosted by the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General said, “the primary responsibility for preventing genocide and other atrocity crimes rests with States. But all of society plays a role.”
He emphasized that the Muscat Plan of Action draws on centuries of knowledge and the expertise of traditional and Indigenous leaders. “It reminds us that hate speech is both a warning sign that violence is coming – and a catalyst that speeds its arrival,” Guterres added.
The Secretary-General also cautioned that digital platforms “must do far more to protect individuals and groups from harm,” stating he is particularly concerned about the risks faced by children.
He said, “States should require tech companies to embed user safety in product design – and rein in misguided algorithms and misuses of artificial intelligence.”
Guterres highlighted that the world body is “committed to strengthening the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.” He emphasized that their perspectives “must be front and centre in efforts to combat hate speech and prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes. And this includes faith leaders, youth leaders, and women leaders.”
The Secretary-General reiterated, “we must confront hate speech – and uphold human rights and human dignity – before it’s too late.”
He said, “States have clear obligations under international law to combat incitement to hatred – and to promote inclusion, respect for diversity, and solidarity,” adding that reining in hate speech does not mean extinguishing freedom of expression. At the same time, freedom of expression must never be an excuse for harmful messages.
Guterres said, “I am determined to keep advancing the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech – as well as the Global Principles for Information Integrity, our roadmap to a safer, more ethical digital ecosystem.”
Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin hold a press conference on whole-of-government efforts to locate and safeguard unaccompanied alien children (UAC), fixing the broken system under the prior administration and hold accountable criminal UAC fraudsters, sponsors, and smugglers.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Video Message by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026.
More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/desertification-day
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has unveiled a new exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York. The exhibition, “Uprooted to Unstopabble: the Gamechanging Team,” features a painting by Canadian artist Carling Jackson depicting football players whose experiences have been shaped by forced displacement.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Video Message by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 (17 June).
”Rangelands are vast open spaces found in every climate, on every continent.
They cover half the Earth’s land surface, supplying vital food and fibres, and
sustaining over two billion people. They also play a crucial role as wildlife habitats
and carbon sinks.
Yet up to fifty per cent of the world’s rangelands are now degraded or at risk.
These conditions threaten the global food system, harm local livelihoods, reduce
biodiversity, and increase greenhouse gas emissions.
On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we are issuing an
urgent call to recognize and respect the world’s rangelands.
This means investing in restoration, especially water security;
Empowering rural communities through sustainable employment;
And forging solutions across borders through international cooperation.
This year also marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists –
a chance to support the pastoralists and Indigenous Peoples whose traditional
knowledge can help safeguard these ecosystems.
To protect our future, we must protect the land.
Together, let us ensure that rangelands everywhere thrive for generations to come.
Thank you” .
More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/desertification-day
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Increased trade integration between economic superpowers shaped our globalized world, but that world we’ve known for the past three decades is becoming increasingly fragmented. What happens to those trade relationships when countries disengage? Michele Ruta is the IMF expert on trade and global imbalances. In this podcast, he says even strategic rivals can benefit from trade cooperation.
Transcript (http://traffic.libsyn.com/imfpodcast/Michele_Ruta-Trade_Cooperation-transcript-IMF_Podcast.pdf) : https://bit.ly/4ebXDW0
Read the article in Finance & Development magazine.
IMF.org/FANDD
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Join us on June 11, at 5:45 PM CEST (11:45 AM ET) as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva presents staff findings from the 2026 euro area annual consultations in Luxembourg.
The discussion will focus on the euro area outlook, inflation pressures, energy-related challenges, and the policies needed to strengthen resilience and growth.
Panelists:
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF
Moderator: Pierre Mejlak, Global Head of Media, IMF
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
What does a packed World Cup stadium tell us about the economy? In this episode of The Economy – How Do You Measure That?, Jim Tebrake and Renato Perez explain how spending on tickets, hotels, food, and souvenirs is recorded in national accounts and the balance of payments.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Muscat Plan of Action
– Middle East
– UNIFIL
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Sudan
– Uganda/Ebola
– Refugees/Report
– Global Alliance for Human Rights
– WFP Goodwill Ambassador
– International Day of Play
– Financial Contribution
MUSCAT PLAN OF ACTION
At 3:00 p.m. today, in the ECOSOC Chamber, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks at the launch of the Muscat Plan of Action, an initiative aimed at countering hate speech and help prevent genocide and atrocity crimes. The Plan highlights the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders in promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion. It is the result of a collaborative process led by the Sultanate of Oman, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, and is co-hosted by the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General is expected to stress that hate speech is a growing threat to peace and security, and to call for breaking this cycle through education, support for those targeted, and stronger action by governments and technology companies.
MIDDLE EAST
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by continuing escalation in the Middle East, including the strikes by the United States on Iran and the strikes by Iran on neighbouring countries in the Gulf and beyond that are not parties to the conflict and significant increase in hostile rhetoric.
He urges the parties to return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and avoid any further deterioration, which, as he told the Security Council yesterday, could trigger a full resumption of the conflict, with unpredictable consequences for the region and the world, especially the most vulnerable countries.
The Secretary-General underscores that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, in accordance with international law, must be respected. He further calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians.
The Secretary-General reiterates that the only way forward is through genuine dialogue and negotiations.
He calls on the United States and Iran to redouble their efforts towards a peaceful, comprehensive and durable agreement that advances regional and international peace and security.
UNIFIL
Turning to the situation along the Blue Line in southern Lebanon. This morning, a strike impacted near a UNIFIL logistical convoy in the village of Harris, in Sector West. Two Malaysian peacekeepers sustained light injuries and two UN vehicles were damaged. The convoy returned to a nearby UNIFIL base, where the injured peacekeepers are receiving treatment. Their condition is stable. UNIFIL will investigate the incident.
In a separate incident yesterday, an IDF tank fired near a UNIFIL convoy northwest of Bint Jubayl, in Sector West. The convoy took a detour and was able to safely resume its movement.
UNIFIL peacekeepers also observed significant drone activity in the Bayyadah area in Sector West yesterday.
Seven drones were seen flying north, including a reconnaissance-type drone that overflew a UNIFIL position, followed by four-armed drones that flew over the same base at altitudes ranging from 50 to 250 metres. Two-armed drones subsequently crashed in the area, one of them directly in front of the UNIFIL position. There was no damage to UN facilities and no injuries to personnel.
All these incidents are unacceptable. We once again remind all actors of the inviolability of UN personnel and assets. UNIFIL is serving the cause of peace and must be able to carry out its mandate without obstruction.
Meanwhile, UNIFIL peacekeepers yesterday recorded 86 violations of Lebanese airspace by Israel, amounting to more than 128 hours of overflight. They also reported 14 Israeli airstrikes, alongside extensive ground movements and dozens of incidents of indirect fire across the area.
In total, UNIFIL recorded 449 projectile trajectories yesterday. Of these, 431 originated from south of the Blue Line or from within the area of operations in south Lebanon. Eighteen trajectories were observed transiting from north to south, with only one crossing the Blue Line.
On the humanitarian front, UNIFIL facilitated nine humanitarian missions yesterday: eight to Tyre in Sector West and one to Fardis and Hasbaya in Sector East.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-06-11
