Global Risk Report, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 September 2026) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

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

Highlights:

– Secretary-General’s Press Conference
– Global Risk Report 2026
– Yemen
– Saudi Arabia
– Yemen/Security Council
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Sudan
– Libya
– Central African Republic
– DR Congo/Ebola
– Nepal
– Senior Personnel Appointment
– West Africa and Sahel
– International Day of Democracy
– Financial Contribution

Secretary-General’s Press Conference

Tomorrow, at 11:00 a.m., be in this room if you want to ask a question to the Secretary-General. He will be here to brief you ahead of the 81st session of the General Assembly.

We will have the briefing live, obviously, on UN Web TV and many other platforms, but we will not take any Zoom questions, given that we are already have enough trouble taking all the questions in the room. So, if you want to ask him questions, grab a seat.

And obviously, we will not have a briefing tomorrow.

Global Risk Report 2026

Today, we launched the 2026 Global Risk Report, which finds that geopolitical tensions and large-scale war are now seen as among the most pressing and interconnected risks of our world.

Drawing on the responses of more than 1,300 stakeholders from governments, business, civil society and the UN system, the report highlights growing concern over risks linked to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, while warning that climate change and other environmental challenges remain among the world’s most significant threats.

However, despite a rapidly evolving risk landscape, international cooperation remains the most effective way to address these challenges and prevent today’s risks from becoming tomorrow’s crises.

The full report is available to you online should you wish to read it, and I encourage you to look at it.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-09-15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p55YBTj0vS8

What keeps the UN Secretary-General awake at night? | UN ‘Awake at Night’ podcast teaser

Source: United Nations (video statements)

@unitednations

António Guterres’ drive to serve those less fortunate saw him rise from a volunteer in the slums of Lisbon to the highest spheres of politics, eventually taking on the world’s most important diplomatic role. Now in his final months in office, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations shares what keeps him awake at night.

“First of all, [it’s] the enormous suffering because of all the conflicts and injustices that we have. Second, thinking about the future, the two existential threats that we are facing. One is climate change, and the other is artificial intelligence running away without control.”

Preventing wars, easing suffering, acting as the world’s moral compass, all these and more count among the formidable expectations placed on the UN Secretary-General. In this episode, António Guterres looks back on the milestones and setbacks of a long career, reflects on the personal tragedy of the loss of his first wife, and shares why his lasting hope is rooted in the promise of “We, the Peoples.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZO2RLquIf3I

What keeps the UN Secretary-General awake at night? | Awake at Night

Source: United Nations (video statements)

António Guterres’ drive to serve those less fortunate saw him rise from a volunteer in the slums of Lisbon to the highest spheres of politics, eventually taking on the world’s most important diplomatic role. Now in his final months in office, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations shares what keeps him awake at night.

“First of all, [it’s] the enormous suffering because of all the conflicts and injustices that we have. Second, thinking about the future, the two existential threats that we are facing. One is climate change, and the other is artificial intelligence running away without control.”

Preventing wars, easing suffering, acting as the world’s moral compass, all these and more count among the formidable expectations placed on the UN Secretary-General. In this episode, António Guterres looks back on the milestones and setbacks of a long career, reflects on the personal tragedy of the loss of his first wife, and shares why his lasting hope is rooted in the promise of “We, the Peoples.”

[00:00] Introduction
[04:20] Peace and inequality
[10:15] Poverty and democracy
[13:31] Portugal’s Carnation revolution
[18:27] Prime Minister of Portugal
[21:45] Personal loss
[26:31] Refugees and UNHCR
[30:39] Faith and refugee protection
[35:53] United Nations leadership
[43:33] What keeps the Secretary-General awake at night?
[47:15] Closing remarks

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

#podcast #UnitedNations #AwakeAtNight #SG

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=hOdCTRbMfyQ

Weaving Resilience: Supporting Victims through Creative Expression in Liberia | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

In Monrovia, Liberia, 30 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse participated in a textile arts initiative facilitated by the Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate.
Through creativity and shared expression, the initiative provided a supportive space to strengthen connection, confidence and hope while placing victims’ rights and dignity at the centre.

More info: https://www.un.org/preventing-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/content/office-victims-rights-advocate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_5uCuoV9Ck

Transformative Spaces: Where Change Begins | Goals Lounge | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Transformation is not only about new strategies, systems or structures — it also begins with how we, as individuals, show up to change. In this interactive two-part session, we explore practical ways staff can create the conditions for greater presence, adaptability, trust and meaningful connection in everyday work.

Drawing on insights from Our Common Agenda, the Pact for the Future, UN80 and the Transformative Spaces initiative, the conversation will connect system-level transformation with the individual: How can we work with uncertainty, shift mindsets, build resilience and make space for new possibilities? What small practices can help us navigate complexity and contribute differently to the teams and systems around us?

The session then moves from conversation into experience, as Rob Rea leads participants through breathwork and mindfulness, informed by psychological insights into stress, presence and self-regulation — offering a practical opportunity to experience the very capacities that support meaningful change.

——
The Goals Lounge is an innovative platform at the UN Headquarters that brings together dialogue, partnerships and visibility to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Since its launch, it has enabled major announcements, mobilized significant financial commitments and supported high-impact initiatives across areas such as mental health, women’s leadership and digital transformation, while engaging diverse stakeholders and audiences worldwide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulZP9HQ_y7E