Category: United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:
– Secretary-General/Travel
– Cyprus
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Afghanistan
– Haiti
– Ukraine
– Democratic Republic of the Congo/Ebola
– Democratic Republic of the Congo/Human Rights
– India
– Food Price Index
– International Day of Clean Air
– Air Quality
– International Days
– Financial Contributions

SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVEL
The Secretary-General is on his way back to New York.
Earlier today, he spoke to the media just before leaving Papua New Guinea. He told journalists gathered in Port Moresby that he felt gratitude and solidarity for the role played by the country today, especially as it relates to its contribution to address climate change.
Papua New Guinea does not contribute to climate change, he said, adding that the country has a negative emissions record, due to an enormous carbon sink: its rainforest and the ocean.
The international community, which benefits from the country’s forests and oceans, must pay back, Mr. Guterres said. First, the international community needs to accept that there must be climate justice. Countries like Papua New Guinea must have all the support that was promised to address adaptation needs, to build resilience and to protect people and country against the devastating impact of climate change.
But, he added, there must also be justice in the way international financial institutions address the problems of development. The Secretary-General reiterated his call for reforms of the international financial systems.

CYPRUS
The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Maria Angela Holguin, is set to travel to Cyprus next week. She will meet the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, on 12 September, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, on 15 September. She is also expected to engage with the representatives of the two leaders, among other Cypriot stakeholders.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that the ongoing offensive on Gaza City has further intensified today, increasing the damage to civilians and the facilities on which they depend to survive.
Earlier today, Israeli forces attacked a high-rise building that they say was used to execute attacks against them. Initial information collected by OCHA indicates that tents sheltering displaced people were damaged nearby. We are also concerned by the announcement that more high-rise buildings will be attacked soon.
These developments are forcing increasing numbers of people to flee, in a place where just about everyone has already been displaced, often many times, and famine has just been confirmed. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that in the north, people are simply exhausted.
They can’t afford to move south, not only because displacement sites are overcrowded, but also because transport can cost more than $1,000.
Between Wednesday and yesterday, our colleagues tracking population movements in Gaza recorded nearly 3,000 movements from the north to the south. That brings the total since 14 August to nearly 41,000.
Meanwhile, OCHA reports that in more parts of the Strip, Israeli authorities require any movement of humanitarian personnel to be coordinated with them in advance. On Wednesday and yesterday, our teams attempted to coordinate 29 such movements, but 19 of them were either denied outright or initially approved but then significantly delayed or otherwise impeded on the ground. Only nine were facilitated, and one had to be cancelled by the organizers.
Despite the impediments, we were able to collect some fuel and supplies related to water, hygiene and sanitation from the Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings and transfer some other items within the Gaza Strip. Our teams could also repair a road in Rafah that’s needed to improve cargo flow in the south. And as we mentioned yesterday, they were able to assess the conditions and needs of displaced people in North Gaza.
Yesterday, the World Health Organization distributed critical nutritional supplies to support hospitalized infants and patients at Al Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis. These included 4,900 units of infant and high-protein formula and 2,000 feeding components.
To respond to famine and malnutrition adequately, humanitarians working in Gaza continue to call for scaled-up, sustained, and safe access – so that enough food and medicines can enter the Strip and reach those who need them. And we need sustained and unimpeded access directly to the north, including Gaza City.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=05%20September%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQFyk5HN958

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing guests today are Stephen Rodriguez, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Afghanistan, and Anatoly Balovnev, UNDP Regional Area Manager in Afghanistan. The briefing is on the 31 August earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s eastern region and provide an overview of the situation and outline urgent response and recovery needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGFx7WXCkf8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:
– Secretary-General/Travel
– Cyprus
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Afghanistan
– Haiti
– Ukraine
– Democratic Republic of the Congo/Ebola
– Democratic Republic of the Congo/Human Rights
– India
– Food Price Index
– International Day of Clean Air
– Air Quality
– International Days
– Financial Contributions

SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVEL
The Secretary-General is on his way back to New York.
Earlier today, he spoke to the media just before leaving Papua New Guinea. He told journalists gathered in Port Moresby that he felt gratitude and solidarity for the role played by the country today, especially as it relates to its contribution to address climate change.
Papua New Guinea does not contribute to climate change, he said, adding that the country has a negative emissions record, due to an enormous carbon sink: its rainforest and the ocean.
The international community, which benefits from the country’s forests and oceans, must pay back, Mr. Guterres said. First, the international community needs to accept that there must be climate justice. Countries like Papua New Guinea must have all the support that was promised to address adaptation needs, to build resilience and to protect people and country against the devastating impact of climate change.
But, he added, there must also be justice in the way international financial institutions address the problems of development. The Secretary-General reiterated his call for reforms of the international financial systems.

CYPRUS
The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Maria Angela Holguin, is set to travel to Cyprus next week. She will meet the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, on 12 September, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, on 15 September. She is also expected to engage with the representatives of the two leaders, among other Cypriot stakeholders.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that the ongoing offensive on Gaza City has further intensified today, increasing the damage to civilians and the facilities on which they depend to survive.
Earlier today, Israeli forces attacked a high-rise building that they say was used to execute attacks against them. Initial information collected by OCHA indicates that tents sheltering displaced people were damaged nearby. We are also concerned by the announcement that more high-rise buildings will be attacked soon.
These developments are forcing increasing numbers of people to flee, in a place where just about everyone has already been displaced, often many times, and famine has just been confirmed. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that in the north, people are simply exhausted.
They can’t afford to move south, not only because displacement sites are overcrowded, but also because transport can cost more than $1,000.
Between Wednesday and yesterday, our colleagues tracking population movements in Gaza recorded nearly 3,000 movements from the north to the south. That brings the total since 14 August to nearly 41,000.
Meanwhile, OCHA reports that in more parts of the Strip, Israeli authorities require any movement of humanitarian personnel to be coordinated with them in advance. On Wednesday and yesterday, our teams attempted to coordinate 29 such movements, but 19 of them were either denied outright or initially approved but then significantly delayed or otherwise impeded on the ground. Only nine were facilitated, and one had to be cancelled by the organizers.
Despite the impediments, we were able to collect some fuel and supplies related to water, hygiene and sanitation from the Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings and transfer some other items within the Gaza Strip. Our teams could also repair a road in Rafah that’s needed to improve cargo flow in the south. And as we mentioned yesterday, they were able to assess the conditions and needs of displaced people in North Gaza.
Yesterday, the World Health Organization distributed critical nutritional supplies to support hospitalized infants and patients at Al Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis. These included 4,900 units of infant and high-protein formula and 2,000 feeding components.
To respond to famine and malnutrition adequately, humanitarians working in Gaza continue to call for scaled-up, sustained, and safe access – so that enough food and medicines can enter the Strip and reach those who need them. And we need sustained and unimpeded access directly to the north, including Gaza City.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=05%20September%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQFyk5HN958

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Tour guide Silmara Roman takes us on the Focus on Women tour at United Nations Headquarters. This tour highlights the women who have shaped the United Nations. The tour examines key achievements, ongoing global challenges related to gender equality and the need to empower women worldwide.

Combining historical insight with contemporary relevance, the tour offers participants meaningful takeaways to foster awareness, inspire change, and contribute to building a better future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ial6xaRDd44

Source: United Nations (video statements)

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, concluded his 4-day visit to Papua New Guinea on 5 September 2025 with a final press conference alongside the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape.
————————————

Before his departure from Papua New Guinea, the Secretary-General appealed once again for climate justice and emphasized the need for international financial systems reforms, so that developing countries can have a stronger voice.

Speaking to reporters in Port Moresby, Guterres noted that with more than 800 languages, and very remote parts of the country with enormous challenges, Papua New Guinea is a country with 50 years of uninterrupted democracy.

He said, “In a world where we see democratic values being put into question by countries with much less problems than Papua New Guinea, I must say that we should all be grateful for this remarkable example.”

On climate justice, the UN chief called on the international community to “accept that there must be climate justice and that countries like Papua New Guinea must have all the support that was promised, in order to be able to address the needs of adaptation to build resilience and to protect its people and its country against the devastating impact of climate change.”

He also reiterated the “absolutely” needed reforms of the international financial systems in order for developing countries like Papua New Guinea to have a much stronger voice and a much stronger influence in the way decisions are taken.

Guterres said, “Papua New Guinea has enormous challenges, but because it is a middle-income country, it has no access to concessional funding.”

“This is an injustice that must be corrected,” the Secretary-General continued, “My appeal to the international community is to correspond to the generosity of Papua New Guinea and its contribution to fight climate change with its wonderful forests and its ocean.”

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

Source: United Nations (video statements)

@unitednations
▶ https://youtu.be/-eC4uq2HNdU
Nothing keeps me awake, everything keeps me going – Peter Hawkins | UN ‘Awake at Night’ podcast teaser

—–
Every day, Peter Hawkins wakes up filled with determination to make a difference. As the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Yemen, he puts that boundless energy into helping young people survive one of the world’s most intractable humanitarian crises.

“Despite serving in some of the most challenging and difficult places, I’ve been lucky,” he says. “I’ve loved my life. I have no regrets. Every day I wake up, I feel there’s something I can do. There’s things I enjoy. So nothing keeps me awake, everything keeps me going during the day.”

After a decade of conflict and collapse, a new generation of Yemenis are yearning for a better tomorrow: “So the children sit there in these classrooms with no walls, no floors, no desks, and learn, and they’re proud about what they learn. And they come to me and say, ‘Look, don’t worry, we will continue to learn. But if you can give us desks, if you can fill up the walls and you can give us a floor and a blackboard, it will be even better.’”

In this episode, Peter Hawkins reflects on the striking resilience of the people he serves, and shares how his upbringing in Ethiopia and service in Iraq taught him to never give up working for change. For him, the biggest challenge today is not so much about raising awareness, but about action. “It is so important to understand how one side of the world is so lucky and the other side of the world is still desperately poor, and how we bring those two together.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/raL10Pw7s_g

Source: United Nations (video statements)

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jr9yuogzaT0

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Every day, Peter Hawkins wakes up filled with determination to make a difference. As the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Yemen, he puts that boundless energy into helping young people survive one of the world’s most intractable humanitarian crises.

“Despite serving in some of the most challenging and difficult places, I’ve been lucky,” he says. “I’ve loved my life. I have no regrets. Every day I wake up, I feel there’s something I can do. There’s things I enjoy. So nothing keeps me awake, everything keeps me going during the day.”

After a decade of conflict and collapse, a new generation of Yemenis are yearning for a better tomorrow: “So the children sit there in these classrooms with no walls, no floors, no desks, and learn, and they’re proud about what they learn. And they come to me and say, ‘Look, don’t worry, we will continue to learn. But if you can give us desks, if you can fill up the walls and you can give us a floor and a blackboard, it will be even better.’”

In this episode, Peter Hawkins reflects on the striking resilience of the people he serves, and shares how his upbringing in Ethiopia and service in Iraq taught him to never give up working for change. For him, the biggest challenge today is not so much about raising awareness, but about action. “It is so important to understand how one side of the world is so lucky and the other side of the world is still desperately poor, and how we bring those two together.”

[00:00] Introduction
[01:41] Impact of war on children
[04:20] Reflections on resilience and decades of turmoil
[06:07] The magic of Sana’a
[08:42] Children’s determination to learn
[12:39] The impact of reduced funding
[15:18] Focusing on women and mothers
[18:17] What keeps Peter going
[19:54] Roots in Ethiopia
[23:52] Raising awareness then and now
[25:53] His parents’ influence
[27:44] Why multilateralism still matters
[29:54] A child’s unique identity
[31:04] Memories from Mosul, Iraq
[35:35] Life beyond work and hope for future generations
[38:19] Closing remarks

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

#podcast #unitednations #awakeatnight #UNICEF #Yemen

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=-eC4uq2HNdU

Source: United Nations (video statements)

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, deliver remarks at a meeting of the Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

———————————

The Secretary-General addressed the Papua New Guinea parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

He told members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands and many tongues. The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from a profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary general said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany Papua New Guinea on every step.

On Climate, the Secretary-General commended Papua New Guinea’s bold climate action, highlighting that the island nation is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.

Guterres reiterated, “We must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, and you have made the case that national protection deserves global support. You have emphasized that climate change is a driver of poverty, and been a strong moral voice for climate finance.”

The Secretary-General stressed that while climate finance is vital –– it is not sufficient on its own. Many developing countries are drowning in unsustainable debt, victims of inequalities built into the system.

He said, “Today’s international financial architecture is unequal and unjust. We will keep pushing for meaningful reform to ensure the fair representation of developing countries; to take real action on debt relief; to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks; and to mobilize private capital at scale.”

Guterres also emphasized Papua New Guinea’s vital step of speaking openly, of making commitments, and of forming the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

“Across politics, culture, and every sector, we must keep working to widen the doors of opportunity for women and girls in Papua New Guinea and in the world at large,” the UN chief stressed.

He added, “Ensuring greater voice and representation of women is not only a matter of justice — it is a matter of national strength. Families thrive. Communities grow stronger. And institutions become more responsive when we uphold the rights of all.”

The Secretary-General also met with the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville government and met with Papua New Guinea’s women leaders today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwEQI1Fczgc

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Papua New Guinea
Senior Personnel Appointment
Yemen
Afghanistan
Occupied Palestinian Territory
U.N.I.F.I.L.
Sudan
Trip Announcement
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Education
**Guest Note

SECRETARY-GENERAL/PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Secretary-General is still in Papua New Guinea and this morning, he delivered an address at the Parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
He told the members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands, many tongues.
The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary-General said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany the country on every step.
Turning to climate, the Secretary-General said that time and again we have seen climate leadership flow not from countries with the most wealth and power –– but from those who know the stakes firsthand.
Papua New Guinea is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.
Mr. Guterres said we must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, adding that the country has made the case that national protection deserves global support.
During the day, the Secretary-General met with the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. He also met with Papua New Guinea’s women leaders.
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General is scheduled to travel outside the capital. He will be back in New York on Saturday morning.

SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENT
The Secretary-General is appointing Khassim Diagne of Senegal as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. 
He will succeed Colin Stewart of Canada, to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for his strong leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure.   
Mr. Diagne brings more than 25 years of experience in international affairs and senior leadership within the United Nations system. He is currently serving as Ad Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, a role he has held since October 2024.

YEMEN
This morning the Houthi de facto authorities broke into the UNDP complex in Sanaa.
So far, the UNICEF and WFP offices remain under the Houthi control. Since our last update on the detentions during the past two days, 18 national staff are now detained by the Houthi de facto authorities.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the forced entry into UN premises in Sana’a.
We reiterate that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed, and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.
We, once again, reiterate the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been detained yesterday and before that, including all other personnel from the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions.

AFGHANISTAN
Turning to Afghanistan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Office says that following the earthquake over the weekend, assessments and response efforts continue amid challenging conditions. Aftershocks last night in Chakway and Nurgal districts, two of the most affected districts of Kunar province, are causing further hardship, with many families staying outdoors.
They also impact rescue efforts and assessments in the region. Despite the difficult conditions, food and shelter distributions have started, as well as the provision of health assistance, including through mobile health and nutrition teams.
Our humanitarian colleagues say that urgent priorities remain shelter, medical supplies, drinking water, food and sanitation. The UN Mine Action Service has warned that 25 square kilometers of land is contaminated by explosive ordnance in areas impacted by the earthquake.
Needs remain immense, and the UN calls on all who are able to provide support to the earthquake response.

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=03%20September%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK2ljW8P9Xs