Source: United Nations (video statements)
The UN Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention, Chaloka Beyani, has raised concerns over widespread allegations of war crimes committed in Sudan’s El Fasher last month, and plans to meet his African Union counterpart on Friday to discuss a coordinated response.
The UN is warning of a worsening humanitarian situation in North Darfur, where thousands of families displaced from El Fasher are living in extremely harsh conditions.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/ Belém Climate Summit
Security Council
State of the Climate
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Sudan
Afghanistan
Hurricane Melissa
International Day
Guest
SECRETARY-GENERAL/ BELÉM CLIMATE SUMMIT
This morning, in Brazil, the Secretary-General spoke at the Plenary of Leaders of the Belém Climate Summit. He noted that the hard truth is that we have failed to ensure that we remain below 1.5 degrees.
The Secretary-General pointed out that after decades of denial and delay, science now tells us that a temporary overshoot beyond the 1.5 limit is inevitable – starting at the latest in the early 2030s. He stressed that we need a fundamental paradigm shift to limit this overshoot’s magnitude and duration and quickly drive it down.
The Secretary-General warned that even a temporary overshoot will unleash far greater destruction and costs for every nation. Every fraction of a degree means more hunger, displacement, and loss – especially for those least responsible.
This morning, the Secretary-General held bilateral meetings with the President of the EU Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. He also met the First-ranked Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Ding Xuexiang.
Also today, the Secretary-General is to address the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility. He will say that tropical forests breathe life into our planet. Yet, he will add, they remain under relentless assault – treated as short-term profit, not long-term value.
The Secretary-General underscored that the Facility is a bold mechanism to make standing forests more valuable than cleared land – aligning conservation with opportunity, and solidarity with shared prosperity. He stressed that Governments, development banks, and the private sector must join forces to close the finance gap, unlock investment for sustainable forest economies and scale up monitoring and restoration.
This afternoon, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks at a session on Climate and Nature: Forests and Ocean. He will also meet with other leaders attending the conference.
SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the head of the UN Environment Programme, Inger Andersen, addressed a session of the Security Council dedicated to the environmental impact of armed conflict.
She told Council members that environmental damage caused by conflicts continues to push people into hunger, disease and displacement – increasing insecurity.
She added that climate change exacerbates tensions, and – under some conditions – contributes to conflicts and that conflict-affected countries and communities must be supported with tools to protect natural resources and the environment.
In her remarks, Ms. Andersen highlighted three priorities that would enhance environmental support to conflict-affected counties.
She told Council members that the first priority should be to rebuild national capacity for environmental management, supported by science-based assessments and tools.
Member States should also increase investments in climate adaptation in conflict-affected countries.
As we head to COP30 in Belem, Ms. Andersen said, high ambition is needed both on adaptation and on mitigation. Every fraction of a degree avoided means lower losses for people and ecosystems – and greater opportunities for peace and prosperity.
STATE OF THE CLIMATE
Today, the World Meteorological Organization published its State of the Climate Update for COP30. The report, released in Belém, says that the alarming streak of exceptional temperatures continued this year, and 2025 is set to be either the second or third warmest year on record.
The report also reveals that the past 11 years (2015-2025) are set to be the warmest on record, with each year surpassing previous temperature highs.
Concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and ocean heat content, which both reached record levels last year, continued to rise in 2025.
Arctic sea ice extent after the winter freeze was the lowest on record, and Antarctic sea ice extent tracked well below average throughout the year. The long-term sea level rise trend continued despite a small and temporary blip due to naturally occurring factors.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Speaking at the opening of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit ahead of the UN’s annual climate conference, this year in Belém, Brazil, Secretary-General António Guterres opened the summit, saying that "the United Nations will not give up on the 1.5 degree goal.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate Update 2025 confirms what scientists have feared: the past eleven years are the warmest ever recorded, with 2025 likely ranking second or third hottest. From record-low polar ice to escalating ocean heat and widespread climate shocks, the report paints a stark picture — but also highlights growing global capacity for early warning and climate services. Released ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this evidence-based update anchors negotiations in science and calls for urgent, collective action to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press Conference on the key moments and commitments from the Second World Social Summit for Development.
Speakers:
Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly
Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General
H.E. Sheikha Alya bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar
Moderated by: Martin Samaan, Spokesperson for the Second World Summit for Social Development, UN Department of Global Communications
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing the Council via video teleconference, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong said, “the bilateral relationship between Sudan and South Sudan remains deeply affected by the war that started in April 2023” between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In particular, Cong said, “the conflict in Sudan continues to impact the security situation in South Sudan with cross-border movements of armed groups on both sides, increasing the insecurity in and around the border area.”
He told the Council that in this context, “South Sudan’s oil flow and exports through Sudan have experienced significant disruptions, resulting in a 24.5 percent contraction of its economy.”
Cong noted that “following increased bilateral engagement and new arrangements to improve security along the pipeline route and other installations, oil production and transportation resumed early this year.”
However, subsequent attacks by the RSF on oil installations in Port Sudan on 5-6 May, and another attack on 26
August on oil facilities in Heglig, near the Sudan – South Sudan border, resulted in oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.
Sudan’s Ambassador Ammar Mohammed Mahmoud Mohammed expressed “Sudan’s commitment to work closely with the government of South Sudan to enhance the role of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee,” expressing hope that both countries can activate bilateral mechanisms provided for existing agreements.
Mohammed said, “Sudan firmly believes that a sustainable solution to the Abyei question can only be achieved through sincere dialog and cooperation between the two nations, away from any escalation, in a way to bring lasting peace to the region.”
South Sudan’s Ambassador Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey for his part said, “South Sudan has no intention to hinder or intervene in UNISFA’s mandate. The presence of South Sudan Defence Forces (SSPDF) in South Sudan’s territories is meant to protect civilians and discourage enterprise rivalry among communities.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Cyberbullying affects one in ten young people, and the threat is growing. But there are ways to fight back. UNICEF Youth Advocate Abril Perazzini knows the problem because she experienced it—and she’s taking action to advance digital rights. Joanna Herat, a Senior Programme Specialist at UNESCO, explains how governments and schools can make the world online safer for students. As the world marks the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, UNESCO is focusing on safety in the digital era.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, told the Security Council that “considerable challenges remain in achieving progress on the final status of Abyei,” including “the dynamics related to the ongoing war in the Sudan and the political uncertainty in South Sudan.”
Pobee said, “the political process between the Sudan and South Sudan on Abyei and border issues remains stalled, as it has been since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict in April 2023,” but noted that earlier this year, both parties had indicated to the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) strategic review team, “their openness to resuming contact on Abyei, with United Nations and African Union support.”
This was followed by a visit of the South Sudanese Foreign Minister to Port Sudan, last month where the two countries announced their intention to reactivate cooperation agreements focusing on security and the economy.
She welcomed “these movements towards dialogue” and urged both South Sudan and Sudan “to go beyond statements of intentions, and to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements, as well as use the coordination mechanisms established to address outstanding challenges.”
Pobee said, “the war in the Sudan and the continued influx of people displaced by the conflict continues to create economic hardship for the population of Abyei.”
She said, “funding challenges have had an impact on partners’ capacity for humanitarian support,” and noted that “the Food and Agriculture Organization was forced to cease its operations in Abyei at the end of July and the World Food Programme has reduced its footprint.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, said that Resolution 2797 is “significant” as it “demonstrates a renewed international energy and determined action to resolve this conflict of 50 years.”
De Mistura Spoke to reporters today (5 Nov) from Brussels via video link.
He said, “In view of the strong support and substantive mandate provided by the Security Council Resolution 2797 to the Secretary General and his Personal Envoy, our own follow up plan will be initially to call all the parties to submit proposals and suggestions in order to allow the UN to develop a broad agenda for direct or even if necessary, indirect talks on the most relevant issues.”
The Personal Envoy also said, “We shall of course, as indicated in Resolution 2797, take the 2007 Moroccan autonomy plan as a basis for these negotiations and then soon, hopefully very soon, take into account Morocco’s expanded plan as an input, as well as using Frente POLISARIO’s paper and other relevant ideas.”
De Mistura expressed “satisfaction” for the extension of MINURSO until October 2026. “This would certainly help to create an atmosphere of stability needed to accompany the future negotiations,” he concluded.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Lebanon/Israel
– Deputy Secretary-General
– Sudan/Chad
– Abyei
– South Sudan
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Central African Republic
– Hurricane Melissa
– Human Development
– Tsunami Awareness Day
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that the UN and our partners are reaching more people every day with more supplies and services in all areas of the Gaza Strip, despite access restrictions, bureaucratic hurdles, congestion along transit routes and other impediments.
Today, UN agencies announced the launch of an integrated catch-up campaign for routine immunization, nutrition and growth monitoring, targeting 44,000 children who’ve been cut off from life-saving services due to the war. The UN Children’s Fund [UNICEF], UNRWA, and the World Health Organization will carry out the campaign with partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Children will receive three doses of the Pentavalent, Polio, Rota, and Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccines, and two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine. The first of three planned rounds will start this Sunday and run for 10 days, with vaccinations taking place at nearly 150 health facilities and 10 mobile clinics across the Gaza Strip.
Teams have already brought into the Gaza Strip all vaccines, syringes, cold chain equipment and nutrition supplies necessary for this campaign. Over 450 health workers and support staff, as well as nearly 150 doctors, have been trained.
The agencies stress that the campaign’s success depends on the full respect of the ceasefire so that families, health professionals, and other humanitarian workers can reach vaccination sites freely and safely.
Across Gaza, the number of daily meals being served by 183 community kitchens topped 1.2 million meals on Monday, with the UN and our partners supporting that scale-up. Compared with late September, this represents an increase of more than 80 per cent. You’ll recall that we’re also providing families with food parcels and other forms of food assistance.
Humanitarians are also working to improve access to water supplies, with more than 40 partner organizations operating nearly 1,900 water points. On Monday, the UN and our partners distributed 4,400 hygiene kits, as well as 2,900 buckets and 3,700 jerrycans to people in need.
Yesterday, the UN and our partners distributed hundreds of tarpaulins and hundreds of tents across the Strip to displaced families in need of urgent shelter support. On Sunday and Monday, they provided hundreds of families with cash-voucher assistance for clothing ahead of the winter.
Meanwhile, the UN and our partners keep moving cargo into Gaza and collecting more supplies from Gaza’s crossings. Just to give you a sense of the scale of these operations, on Monday, we were able to offload over 180 truckloads of critical supplies at the crossings, including more than 1,500 metric tonnes of food. And yesterday, our teams collected about 120 truckloads inside Gaza, carrying more than 580 pallets of blankets, tents, winter clothes, hygiene items and more. They also collected over 150,000 litres of fuel and over 90 metric tonnes of animal fodder. These numbers are preliminary, and as we’ve noted before, they exclude bilateral donations and the private sector…
SUDAN/CHAD
Turning to the horrifying situation in Sudan, the UN is deeply alarmed by mounting reports of grave violations against civilians as fighting continues in North Darfur State.
OCHA reports that local volunteers have documented executions, sexual violence, humiliation, extortion and attacks, among other systematic abuses, including against people fleeing the fighting following the Rapid Support Forces’ capture of the state capital, El Fasher, last week.
The International Organization for Migration says that nearly 82,000 people have fled El Fasher and surrounding areas since October 26th, including towards Tawila, which is already hosting hundreds of thousands who have fled previous attacks, with humanitarian needs far exceeding available resources.
The UN Population Fund reports that women and girls faced rape, abduction and other extreme violence while escaping El Fasher. Other local sources report that about 1,300 people with gunshot wounds arrived in the locality of Tawila after being attacked as they escaped the city….
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2025-11-05
