Category: United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Welcome and Opening Remarks:

Speakers
Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Charlotte Valuer, founder and CEO, Institute of Neurodiversity ION

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sVqfLowD9I

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Syria’s new chapter is beginning — but beneath the soil of war, landmines and explosive remnants still threaten every step toward recovery, reconstruction, and economic development. No More Mines. Mine action is the silent enabler that makes rebuilding possible — clearing the path for communities, development, recovery, reconstruction and a lasting peace. Invest in mine action. Invest in Syria’s future.

#NoMoreMines #Syria #SyriaRecovery #MineAction #InvestInPeace #Reconstruction #SyriaRebuild #HumanitarianAction #UNMAS #PostWarSyria #OneUN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS0ESzgC3lk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

REFRAMING THE NARRATIVE: FROM CURE TO SHARED FUTURE

Keynote: Brian Bird (Europe)

Panel
Moderator: Charlotte Valuer (Europe)
Dr. Clarisse Fortes (Latin America)
Shaheda Moosa (Africa)
Sudhansu Grover (Asia)

Keynote: Fatima de Kwant (Europe)

WAAD CHINA
Keynote: Damien Green (Asia)

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgU5BPBet1A

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Welcome and Opening Remarks:

Speakers
Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Charlotte Valuer, founder and CEO, Institute of Neurodiversity ION

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sVqfLowD9I

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:
– UN80
– New York City Mayor
– Middle East
– UNDP
– Lebanon/Israel
– UNRWA
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Yemen
– Syria
– Sudan
– Venezuela
– Financial Contribution

UN80

This afternoon, the General Assembly will meet to consider a resolution that will move the UN80 initiative forward. The resolution focuses on Workstream II – the mandate lifecycle – and it’s important to note that this process has been led by Member States – through a working group co-chaired by New Zealand and Jamaica.

In his remarks this afternoon, the Secretary-General is expected to express his gratitude to the working group, and will remind us that the UN80 initiative included a recognition of the central role of the work of Member States in examining how mandates are created, implemented, and reviewed.

This was essential, he will add, not only to ease the burden on Member States who face an overwhelming volume of reports and meetings.

But also to help the Secretariat avoid duplication, fragmentation and inefficiency.

In that spirit, the resolution presented today reflects a shared understanding of the full mandate lifecycle – and a shared commitment to strengthen each step of it.

NEW YORK CITY MAYOR

The Secretary-General welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani this morning at UN Headquarters.

The Secretary-General thanked the Mayor for the outstanding relationship and support received from the host city.

Noting the critical role that cities play in today’s world, the Secretary-General discussed with the Mayor how to deepen the cooperation with the City of New York.

The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing the dialogue between the United Nations and New York City.

MIDDLE EAST

The Secretary-General’s Personal Representative on the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, is in New York, where he has been holding extensive briefings and consultations internally and with Member States on ways the United Nations can be helpful in de-escalating the conflict and paving the way for a peaceful way forward through dialogue and negotiations.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-03-31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m-s5GZLQSY

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The Secretary-General welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani this morning at UN Headquarters. The Secretary-General thanked the Mayor for the outstanding relationship and support received from the host city.

Noting the critical role that cities play in today’s world, the Secretary-General discussed with the Mayor how to deepen the cooperation with the City of New York.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SPOY08L9dmI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The event will convene iconic women leaders and allies at the forefront of entertainment, science, media, and business to highlight the impact of gender-based violence on the trajectories of women and girls across the globe. This event aims to build powerful coalitions across sectors to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Join us for a high-level event recognizing trailblazing women worldwide at the close of Women’s History Month.

Together, we will build powerful coalitions to help end violence against women and girls.

Featuring:

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed
Audrey Nuna (of HUNTR/X)
Sandra Kwon, Comedian, @jeenieweenie Tatyana McFadden, American Paralympic Athlete
Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME Magazine
Fereshteh Forough, Founder of Code to Inspire
Amanda Nguyen, Astronaut, Founder & CEO of Rise
Katya Echazarreta, Astronaut
Dr. Sian Proctor, Astronaut

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wtV1jn2X1c

Source: United Nations (video statements)

“Our peacekeepers remain on the ground, carrying out Security Council-mandated tasks, in these extremely dangerous conditions,” Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations said.

Briefing reporters in New York Lacroix said two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed earlier in the day when an explosion hit a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan in Sector East, injuring two more. A day earlier, another Indonesian peacekeeper died in an explosion inside a UNIFIL base in Ett Taibe, also in Sector East, with a second critically wounded and evacuated to Beirut.

“We strongly condemn these unacceptable incidents. Peacekeepers must never be a target,” he said, adding that UNIFIL was investigating to determine the circumstances of the deaths. “All acts that endanger the peacekeepers must stop.”

On violations of resolution 1701, Lacroix said: “We have a multiplicity of violations of resolution 1701,” citing strikes in both directions across the Blue Line as well as the presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon. “There cannot be a military solution. There has to be a political solution. The framework is there for a political solution – resolution 1701 – to which all the parties are still committed, to the best of what we hear from them.”

Lacroix said the mission was in constant contact with Indonesia and that liaison with the IDF remained ongoing, “which enables UNIFIL to deconflict a number of movements, for example, for the resupply of positions or for support to the civilian population in the area.”

He reiterated the Secretary-General’s appeal to all sides to cease the fighting, saying only the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 by both parties would “enable a long-term solution to the conflict.”

The USG also said, “The women and men of UNIFIL demonstrate utmost courage and commitment to advancing international peace and security far away from home.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R39EKkR-gjk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

An explosion killed two UNIFIL peacekeepers from Indonesia in south Lebanon on Monday.

UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix strongly condemned the deadly incidents and told journalists in New York that the origin of the explosion has not been determined. The UN is investigating the incidents to determine the circumstances of these tragic developments.

UNIFIL Spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel, sais the ‘the situation is extremely volatile, extremely dangerous’ amid continuing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah fighters on either side of the Blue Line.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aoNkOYDRVo4

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Clearing mines laid at sea can be an ‘extremely challenging and very dangerous’ undertaking according to Paul Heslop, an expert with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) which focuses on clearing land-based mines.
It is still not clear whether mines, which can sink vessels of all types if activated, have been deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3HBIbEahnGY