Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Armed Forces personnel, Members and colleagues from across the House marked Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony in New Palace Yard.
The Armed Forces regulars, veterans and reservist community in Parliament is strong and this week I was proud to launch the Armed Forces Parliamentary Network – showcasing the role they play both in practicing, and protecting, democracy.
Anna Wilson explains the fundamentals of the organization and breaks down the basics:
How it started?
What it does?
And why does it still matter today?
Learn all this in the following UN explainer video.
Join Artem Chystiak from UNDSS in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine—once home to 60,000, now just 2,000. See how UNDSS supports the UN in delivering life-saving aid in one of the country’s highest-risk areas.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Find out all about a new member’s first appearance in the House of Lords chamber (and the only time other than State Opening they wear robes!) with Reading Clerk, Chris Johnson.
Catch-up on House of Lords business:
Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/
Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
Ambassador Erwin Bollinger, chair of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, invites participants from around the world to the 6th edition of Trade and Environment Week, taking place from 30 June-4 July at WTO headquarters and online. The event will feature various sessions organized by WTO members, focusing on a wide range of issues at the intersection of trade and the environment.
Security Council briefing by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, on the situation in the Central African Republic.
The Central African Republic faces a “delicate juncture,” UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council, warning that upcoming elections present both an opportunity and a challenge for the country’s fragile peace process.
“The human rights situation in the Central African Republic remains concerning, with persistent violations and abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations of children’s rights,” Lacroix said today (26 Jun).
Despite the ongoing violence, Lacroix noted progress in accountability efforts. He highlighted the work of the Special Criminal Court (SCC), which recently delivered a verdict related to deadly clashes in Ndélé in 2020 between two factions of the Front populaire pour la renaissance de la Centrafrique (FPRC).
“Progress has also been made in advancing judicial accountability, notably by the Special Criminal Court, which is playing a significant role in the fight against impunity and transitional justice,” Lacroix said. But he warned the Court is entering “a critical phase that requires reinforced financial and human resources to sustain and expand its activities.”
Lacroix underscored that the upcoming local, legislative, and presidential elections are “a unique opportunity to strengthen democratic governance and advance national reconciliation,” but stressed that broad international support remains essential.
The 20th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum is hosted by the Government of the Norway in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025. The Forum’s overarching theme is: Building Digital Governance Together.
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The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals, in discussions on public policy issues relating to the Internet. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors.