Source: United Nations (video statements)
Expo 2025 is held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan from 13 April 2025 to 13 October 2025 with the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 brings 35 United Nations entities and 15 offices together under the theme “United for a Better Future”.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/Trip Announcement
Deputy Secretary-General
Gaza
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Cyprus
Ukraine
Russia
Senior Personnel Appointment
Yemen
Global Risk Report
International Days
Financial Contribution
SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Secretary-General will be arriving in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th Summit of the BRICS countries.
The Secretary-General has been invited to speak at an outreach session on “Strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs and artificial intelligence", that will take place on Sunday, 6 July. On Monday, 7 July, he will address a second outreach session, on "Environment, COP30 and global health.”
During his visit, the Secretary-General will also be having meetings with various leaders who are attending the BRICS Summit and we will share those readouts with you.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
Our Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, returned to Seville today for the closing of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4).
At the closing with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain, she underscored the consensus around the Seville Agreement as a demonstration of multilateralism in action — with actions to close the SDG financing gap, address the debt crisis, and reform the international financial architecture. She recognized the more than 100 initiatives launched on the Sevilla Platform for Action, including solidarity levies on private jets and first-class travel to generate new resources for sustainable development.
She said that the UN will be operationalizing a Seville Forum on Debt to help countries learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring; that forum will be supported by Spain.
She called for FFD4 to be remembered not only as a conference that responded to crisis, but as the moment the world chose cooperation over fragmentation, unity over division, and action over inertia.
Tomorrow, she will travel to Praia, Cabo Verde, to take part in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence.
GAZA
The Secretary-General is appalled by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Multiple attacks in recent days hitting sites hosting displaced people and people trying to access food have killed and injured scores of Palestinians. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of life.
In just one day this week, Israeli orders to relocate forced nearly 30,000 people to flee, yet again, with no safe place to go and clearly inadequate supplies of shelter, food, medicine or water.
International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians must be respected and protected, and the needs of the population must be met.
With no fuel having entered Gaza in more than 17 weeks, the Secretary-General is gravely concerned that the last lifelines for survival are being cut off. Without an urgent influx of fuel, incubators will shut down, ambulances will be unable to reach the injured and sick, and water cannot be purified. The delivery by the United Nations and partners of what little of our lifesaving humanitarian aid is left in Gaza will also grind to a halt.
He once again calls for full, safe and sustained humanitarian access so aid can reach people who have been deprived of the basics of life for far too long. The UN has a clear and proven plan, rooted in the humanitarian principles, to get vital assistance to civilians – safely and at scale, wherever they are.
The Secretary-General reiterates that all parties must uphold their obligations under international law. He renews his call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=03%20July%202025
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Vuk Talks with Anjani Harjeven- CEO- Womhub
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
On 2 July, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Ghana’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Ghana’s Ambassador Emmanuel Kwame Asiedu Antwi. Just eight more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force.
Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Twenty-year old Yvonne Bejjani, who grew up in Lebanon, describes how that experience helped shaped her convictions and led her to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development as an official delegate.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
On 3 July, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds a press conference together Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, on the start of the Danish Presidency.
The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe.
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Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Trade is vital for development, but many countries face costly delays and inefficiencies. The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is partnering with governments, businesses, and international organizations to streamline customs, digitalize processes, and unlock global markets for SMEs.
The Alliance drives practical reforms that boost exports, cut costs, and make trade faster, safer, and more inclusive. Hear from global leaders on how public-private collaboration is reshaping trade for good.
To learn more about the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation please visit: https://www.tradefacilitation.org/
#TradeFacilitation #DigitalTrade #SMEs #InclusiveTrade #CustomsReform
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
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Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities briefs media ahead of Budget Vote
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Will the government ban destructive fishing methods and protect natural marine environments?
In the latest episode of Inside Lords Questions, we catch up with Baroness Sugg who recently pressed the government on whether it plans to ban bottom trawling and dredging in marine protected areas. Find out why she raised the question and what she wants to see the government do about it.
Watch the full question to hear from other Lords members on the topic and see how the government responded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-yhktZr16s
Bottom trawling is a fishing method that drags large nets along the seafloor. Sir David Attenborough recently drew attention to the impact of this practice on areas of seabed and marine life in his new documentary ‘Ocean’.
Look out for more episodes of Inside Lords Questions where we’ll speak to different members about the questions they raise to government. Catch up on previous episodes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLilBYVf0P9abs7iH2ILMKNy1zWa5xHFB5
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Source: European Commission (video statements)
The EU is staying the course on its quest to decarbonise through pragmatism, flexibility, and responsibility. By 2040, the goal is to cut emissions by 90%, a target that will drive clean tech, boost competitiveness, and build resilience against climate impacts. It’s about protecting people, empowering industries, and leading the global clean transition.
