Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
SG Travels/Japan
Deputy Secretary-General
United Arab Emirates
World Health Assembly
Iraq
Lebanon
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Ebola/Democratic Republic of the Congo
Somalia
Sudan
Ukraine
Protection of Civilians week
Guests tomorrow
SG TRAVELS/JAPAN
The Secretary-General is in Tokyo, where today, he attended an event at UN University with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu, entitled “Celebrating 70: Japan–UN Cooperation, Expo 2025 & the Future of Multilateralism,” held as Japan marks the 70th anniversary of its admission to the United Nations.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General said that he has visited Japan more than 20 times in his capacity as UN High Commissioner for Refugees and as Secretary-General. He has always found strategic cooperation and support that benefited millions of people around the world. The Secretary-General added that the spirit of working together for human progress was on full display at Expo 2025 and the UN Pavilion in Osaka in Japan.
Also on Monday, the Secretary-General held a meeting with the Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae. They exchanged views on global and regional peace and security, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, as well as on UN reforms.
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will chair the sessions of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, also known as the CEB, which brings together the heads of the UN system’s organizations. CEB Members will reflect on current world affairs. And they will engage in deliberations on Megatrends: Transforming the World and the UN80 initiative.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, in her capacity as Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Group, convened a meeting of the Group in Tokyo today, bringing together heads of UN agencies.
Discussions focused on leveraging the full strength of the United Nations development system to respond to the scale of today’s challenges and get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Secretary-General said earlier today that he was deeply alarmed by reports that drone strikes set fire yesterday to an electrical generator within the perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Secretary-General has consistently warned against any further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, and this incident provides yet another reason for all sides to halt the fighting completely.
There must be no further attacks near civilian infrastructure, including nuclear power plants. Attacks on nuclear installations are totally unacceptable, a violation of international law and must be condemned.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance, if needed.
WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
Also today, the Secretary-General addressed the opening of the World Health Assembly via a pre-recorded video message.
He said that the annual gathering is a vital opportunity for Member States to align and accelerate efforts to address global health challenges, in a context where challenges have rarely felt more daunting.
Over the past year, cuts to bilateral and multilateral aid have disrupted health systems and widened inequalities, he said.
The World Health Organization has reprioritized and recalibrated, while preserving core functions while providing technical leadership, operational support, and a trusted convening space.
The Secretary-General said WHO stands at the centre of our global health architecture, adding that it must be strong and independent, with ample and sustainable financing.
His full message is online.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-18