Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The future is young. Half the world is under 30 and this generation is emerging as a powerful force for peace in a world marred by conflict and injustice.

Across the globe, young people are organizing protests, sparking global movements, and forging bonds of solidarity. In communities ravaged by violence, they serve as peacemakers, peacekeepers, and peacebuilders, laying the groundwork for a resilient tomorrow.

These are some of their many voices – calling for change, hope and a world that is fit for their generation. They have the greatest stake in our common future, yet they are too often excluded from the spaces where solutions are shaped.

It’s time to hear their voices and act now.

Learn more about the UN campaign guided on the powerful agency of young peacemakers – https://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/hear-us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj-IWlSDyx4

Why Democracy Matters Now: Protecting Rights and Voice | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Today, democracy faces mounting challenges: mis and disinformation, shrinking media freedom, and weakening accountability. The remedy is engagement—vote, participate, and follow up with representatives so that promised policies guide governance. The United Nations has upheld democratic principles from the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the United Nations Democracy Fund, the UN has supported more than 1,000 projects in over 130 countries, from voter education to civic monitoring. Democracy is not a destination; it is a daily act.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ckr3NkMnS4

Peace Bell, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:
– Peace Bell
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– UNIFIL
– Ukraine
– Security Council/Afternoon
– Syria/Security Council
– South Sudan
– Afghanistan
– Myanmar
– Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
– South-South Cooperation
– Financial Contribution

PEACE BELL
The Secretary-General this morning rang in the 80th session of the General Assembly by ringing the Peace Bell at UN Headquarters.
He warned that today, peace is under siege. Conflicts are multiplying. Civilians are suffering. Human rights and international law are being trampled.
He said that we must act to silence the guns and amplify diplomacy.
Mr. Guterres said that the Peace Bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can forge something enduring. Even in a fractured world, we can come together to let peace ring, he said.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that heavy strikes continue across Gaza City, hitting buildings, houses and tents, and further adding to the already devastating toll on civilians. Over a span of 24 hours – by yesterday at 2 p.m. local time – colleagues monitoring population movements counted almost 11,000 people moving from northern Gaza southwards.
Along those displacement routes, our teams are stationed at three points, providing direct support or referral services to children who have been injured, orphaned or separated from their caregivers.
While multiple sites providing services have had to suspend operations or relocate, we are helping humanitarian partners keep community kitchens open, distribute clean water, and provide healthcare to people in Gaza city and elsewhere across the Strip.
Yesterday, a UN team successfully delivered fuel to a series of critical service providers in Gaza City. This included hospitals and other health facilities, as well as installations supporting water pumping, trucking and desalination, and the management of solid waste.
OCHA says that the humanitarian community remains committed to serving people in need wherever they are, based on what they need, and regardless of whether parties have labelled the area they’re sheltering in as “dangerous,” “humanitarian” or otherwise.
In a statement today, UNICEF reported that over 10,000 children in Gaza City have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the past two months alone. The agency warned that if disconnected from their treatment, there is a high risk some of the 2,400 children currently being treated for severe acute malnutrition in the area could starve to death.

U.N.I.F.I.L.
In southern Lebanon, following request from the Government of Lebanon, UNIFIL deminers started humanitarian demining in two minefields this week, near Blida and Maroun ar-Ra’s. Together, these minefields spread across 18,000 square metres. Such operations are crucial in minimizing risks to civilians who live in or visit areas close to the Blue Line. 
As part of the Mission’s ongoing efforts to build capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, UNIFIL Maritime Task Force ships started hosting Lebanese Navy officers this week for maritime operations. In another training activity this week, Lebanese Army personnel learned about detecting and handling unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices and other landmines.   
UNIFIL peacekeepers yesterday discovered an unauthorized sub-munition and a 120mm grenade in Sector East.
Earlier this week peacekeepers found a weapons cache in Sector East, containing an artillery canon, sub-munitions, aviation bombs and explosives. All of them were referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces. 
UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to observe daily Israel Defense Forces military activities in the area of operations. Yesterday, they observed 71 Israel Defense Forces vehicles moving near Aarab el Louaize. They also reported direct fire across the Blue Line from Israeli positions, impacting in Markaba and Houla in Sector East.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=12%20September%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWNvPEcXyv8

Standard and General Acceptance and Scientific Reliability – Does One Ensure the Other?

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This presentation is part of the virtual workshop "Qualifications of an Expert Witness for Legal Professionals – The Frye Standard," hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 2, 2023.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDlMb73rZzo

State of the European Union 2025: EU–US Trade & Global Partnerships

Source: European Commission (video statements)

In her State of the European Union 2025, President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s €500 billion trade relationship with the United States, supporting millions of European jobs. She stressed that Europe sets its own standards, its own regulations, and always decides for itself.

Beyond the US, the EU was deepening global partnerships — from Mexico to Mercosur — and moving towards a historic trade deal with India. These steps aimed to diversify markets and strengthen Europe’s economic security in uncertain times.

#SOTEU2025

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KR3xVqK5eb8

State of the European Union 2025: Enhanced Version (English subtitles)

Source: European Commission (video statements)

On 10 September 2025, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered the State of the European Union address – known as SOTEU – to the European Parliament.

The SOTEU address is an annual speech by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament, setting the priorities for the Union for the year ahead.

In her speech, President von der Leyen called for unity among European nations and institutions to ensure Europe’s independence, security, and ability to determine its own destiny, especially in light of external threats and challenges such as Russia’s aggression and global economic shifts. Her speech underscored initiatives to support Ukraine, address climate change, food security, enhance technological and economic competitiveness, foster EU-US trade, and manage migration. Furthermore, she focused on protecting democracy and the rule of law within the EU.

The address is followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament, reinforcing accountability. Each SOTEU speech sets out the President’s vision and major initiatives for the upcoming year, marking an important moment to shape the EU’s direction and respond to citizens’ expectations.

Find out more about SOTEU here:
https://europa.eu/!9BFXkc

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVqU4F49x_I