Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The 25th UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) has opened in New York, running from April 20 to May 1, 2026, with a focus on ‘Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict’. Reappointed Chair Aluki Kotierk emphasized that environmental degradation and exclusion from decision-making profoundly impact Indigenous well-being. Addressing the opening, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that this two-week session is essential for upholding rights and protecting Indigenous communities.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9kBmgTQUUL8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:
Next Secretary-General
Financing for Development Week
Financing for Development
Indigenous People
UNIFIL
Lebanon
Gaza
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Middle East Envoy
Security Council
Haiti
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Exhibitions
Chinese Language Day
Financial Contribution
Guest

NEXT SECRETARY-GENERAL

On Tuesday and Wednesday, candidates for the position of Secretary-General will take part in interactive dialogues in which they will outline their vision for the United Nations and answer questions from Member States and civil society. Discussions will focus on their leadership experience and qualifications, reform of the UN as well as the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development, and human rights. These dialogues represent a pivotal moment in the selection process for the next Secretary-General.

Interactive dialogues with Michelle Bachelet [10 am to 1 pm] and Rafael Grossi [3 pm to 6 pm] will be held on Tuesday while the dialogues with Rebeca Grynspan [10 am to 1 pm] and Macky Sall [3 pm to 6 pm] will be on Wednesday. All interactive dialogues will be webcast on UN WebTV.

Ahead of the start of the dialogues, the President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, is expected to deliver a press statement at the GA Hall stakeout tomorrow morning at 9:45 a.m.

Some candidates will participate in media stakeouts shortly following the conclusion of their dialogues.

FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT WEEK

The Financing for Development Forum this morning was also the opening event of the Financing for Development Week.

The Financing for Development Week will feature several events, including a Special High-Level meeting with Bretton Woods Institutions tomorrow, and the SDG Investment Fair from 21 to 23 April.

FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT

This morning, the Secretary-General addressed the opening session of the ECOSOC forum on Financing for Development – the first major gathering on this topic since Member States adopted the Sevilla Commitment last year.

He told participants that the task before us is steep. The financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals now stands at over $4 trillion annually — and it is growing fast.

Mr. Guterres said it is up to us to keep pushing to translate the promises made in Sevilla into concrete progress for people and countries that need it most.

He highlighted three broad areas of focus to bring them to life.

First, the Secretary-General said it’s time to rev-up the machinery of finance.

By increasing the assets housed in Multilateral Development Banks, by combining public and private finance in new and expanded ways to support development. And by mobilizing domestic resources and channeling them to the areas of greatest need — including by tackling illicit financial flows.

And finally, the Secretary-General renewed his call to reform the international financial architecture.

Global economic governance must become more inclusive, representative, equitable and effective, he said.

Also speaking at the forum today, Amina Mohammed, our Deputy Secretary-General presented the 2026 Financing for Sustainable Development Report.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-04-20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R0Ga2BIoF0

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the opening of the 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up (FfD Forum).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPglp7PwFyI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

On 23 April 2026, in commemoration of the English Language Day 2026 at the United Nations, the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will present the 3rd Annual “Shakespeare at the UN”– an exploration of how the timeless works of Shakespeare, in reflecting the human experience, can resonate with the core values of the UN, such as promoting understanding of humanity and strengthening global connections. The project will be launched on the official global channels of the United Nations – UN Web TV and UN YouTube.

Shakespeare’s literature is more than mere words on a page. It is a mirror held up to the values and aspirations of our shared humanity, echoing the very essence of the United Nations. It resonates across languages and cultures. Shakespeare can connect us all: therefore, the excerpts will be performed through a multilingual and multicultural lens – featuring performances in some of the UN’s official languages.

On this occasion, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Archie Young CMG, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations& Ambassador to the UN General Assembly. The programme brings together the UN’s core pillars — including Human Rights and Peace & Security — illuminated through carefully chosen Shakespeare works. Under Human Rights, Shakespeare’s Globe — led by its Artistic Director Michelle Terry — presents Shylock’s landmark speech from The Merchant of Venice (Act III, Scene 1), a profound meditation on human dignity and the universal demand to be seen as fully human — performed by the late Adrian Schiller, one of Britain’s most distinguished classical stage actors. Under Peace and Security, performers from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama — led by its Principal and CEO, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE – bring monologues from Henry V (Chinese), Titus Andronicus (French), Macbeth (English), and Richard II (Spanish and Sign Language), reflecting on conflict, leadership, and the cost of war. We will also present performances delivered by Japanese actors Yamato Kochi and Maimi, Ukrainian actor Petro Ninovskyi, and the brilliant Richard Keith, the BA in Acting Course Leader at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). The programme will also feature reflections by Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company, with closing remarks by Professor Michael Dobson, Director of The Shakespeare Institute.

English Language Day at the UN is celebrated annually April 23rd, the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. As well as being the most famous playwright, who wrote in English, Shakespeare also had a huge impact on modern-day English. Today, every one in four people in the world uses English. At the United Nations, English is one of the six official languages of the Organization. As we embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s timeless wisdom, the performances in “Shakespeare at the UN” aims to spark reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to the noble ideals that bind us together as nations under the banner of the United Nations. Founded at the United Nations Headquarters by Brenda Vongova, the UN Movie Society is committed to championing the goals and values of the United Nations through the universal language of motion pictures.

For more information:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/english-language-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAnuDW0Sfyw