Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks with UN News in the lead-up to the 80th General Assembly High-level week.

Mr. Guterres warns of rising global crises—conflict, climate change and unregulated technology—and urges world leaders to commit to reform of the international financial system. He also stresses the importance of reaffirming multilateralism, supporting refugees, defending gender equality and empowering youth.

Interview by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.

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

Source: United Nations (video statements)

How does one out of five sisters from rural Nigeria grow up to be UN Deputy Secretary-General?

Blessed with tenacity, determination and grit, Amina Mohammed has always been driven to improve the lives of her fellow human beings and our planet. Rising to the top of the United Nations, her vision has helped shape the world’s blueprint for a brighter future.

“One step at a time, this whole life is about a journey. Make each step count. It is about taking people with you. Don’t do this alone. It’s too heavy. You need people to cry with you, laugh with you.”

Amina Mohammed is known for making the impossible possible, and has relied on a strong moral compass and the strength of her convictions across a long and varied career of service. In this episode, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and mother-of-six and grandmother to five reflects on what the Sustainable Development Goals have meant in her own life and shares what chocolate and traditional clothes have to do with strong leadership.

[00:00] Introduction
[01:04] What keeps Amina awake at night
[04:14] Behind the blueprint of the SDGs
[06:19] Turning life experiences into a vision for the SDGs
[11:33] Growing up in the best of two worlds
[15:30] From architecture to public institutions
[16:56] Balancing family and career
[18:36] Rights and justice
[22:11] Entering public service
[24:40] Reframing environmental issues as drivers of conflict
[27:18] Amina’s personal mantra for resilience and moving forward
[28:45] Advice to her younger self
[30:12] Not holding back
[33:00] Comfort in chocolate
[34:06] Wearing her culture proudly
[35:53] A message to the overwhelmed
[39:04] The work is not done yet
[40:08] Closing remarks

Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt

#podcast #unitednations #awakeatnight #sustainabledevelopment #SDGs #GlobalGoals

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=N_NBfnFILuM

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Briefing by Mr. Geir Pedersen, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, on the situation on the Middle East.
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The UN Special Envoy for Syria briefed the Security Council, stressing that the country’s fragile transition faces immense challenges but also opportunities. He said the interim authorities in Damascus “have inherited not just the ruins of shattered buildings, but the deeper wreckage of a battered social fabric, decayed institutions, and a hollowed-out economy.” Urgent international assistance, private sector revival, sanctions relief, and political stability are needed to move forward.

He warned against continued external interference, citing recent Israeli strikes, calling them “unacceptable and must stop,” and urged respect for Syria’s “sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”

On Sweida, he welcomed the 18 July ceasefire and the 16 September roadmap, which includes measures on accountability, humanitarian and commercial access, reconstruction, and reconciliation. However, he cautioned that “solutions must safeguard Syria’s unity and territorial integrity while addressing the legitimate fears of the Druze community.”

Turning to the northeast, he noted that channels remain open between the interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces, saying “this will require bold moves and genuine compromise” on military integration, security reform, and disarmament. He also urged Member States to “heighten engagement on repatriation of their nationals in Al-Hol.”

Looking ahead, he underlined the importance of an inclusive interim legislature, stressing that “transparency, women’s participation, and the representation of all communities will be essential to confer legitimacy.”

Concluding, he warned that mishandling the transition could lead to gridlock and renewed conflict, but added: “If the challenges are well handled, and met with genuine negotiation and bold compromise, unity is within reach, and success against the odds is possible.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ0nl00ONlc

Source: United Nations (video statements)

"Peace is not a line we cross.
It is a choice we make.
Peace is not found, it is built."
Ahead of this week’s #PeaceDay, we join UN Global Advocate for Peace Maryam Bukar Hassan in calling on everyone, everywhere, to stand for peace. Watch and get inspired by the powerful message of hope the Nigerian artist and poet delivers in her spoken word piece ‘Peace is a Verb’.

#PeaceBegins with me, you, and all of us.
_________

Written & Performed: Maryam Bukar Hassan
Produced, Directed & Edited by: Stephanie Lemesianou
Assisted by: Rebecca Moudio, Sara Qamar, Shruti Satish, Tengjiao Wang
Live Performance: SummerStage Festival, Central Park NYC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXqFYa6OR74