Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock is a new face at the United Nations. Sworn in as President of the General Assembly in September, she brings experience and energy at a time of challenges and new beginnings – including the selection of the next Secretary-General.
“We need this place where countries, big and small, rich and poor, are coming together and have an equal say and an equal vote.”
Shaped by her nation’s turbulent past and successful reunification Annalena Baerbock entered politics at a young age. In this episode, she reflects on the importance of female pioneers, the impact of online harassment and shares why the UN Charter can still move her to tears.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, told journalists in New York that “the UN is not leaving Iraq,” and said its presence in in the country “is shifting from a more mission-led and also political orientation to more development focus.”
As the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI’s) concludes its work in the country, Isaczai noted that 25 UN agencies operate “to support Iraq’s development needs.”
He pointed out that Iraq recently signed a UN cooperation framework for the next five years, focusing “on four key pillars of economic reform, social protection and service delivery, environment and climate change, and also governance, human rights, and rule of law.”
Isaczai said, “Iraq has really done well in the last two years to maintain a balanced policy in terms of its relationship, both in the region but also with the West. And I think a lot of credit goes again to Iraq to not entangle itself in the regional tension. And I think they’ve done a good job.”
UNAMI, he said, “did what it could to help Iraq where it is,” adding that “the responsibility is now shifting to the government, in most cases, and also to the UN when it comes to residual humanitarian needs and development.”
The Resident Coordinator said, “we just have to prioritise now our engagement based on the government’s national priorities.”
Asked about the situation of the Yazidis displaced from northern Iraq, he said “we continue to advocate for the return of all IDPs,” adding that the government “needs to do more to facilitate the voluntary return.”
Isaczai expressed hope that “as Iraq is forming a new government, the new government will take this issue seriously.”
The UN, he said, “will continue to advocate for their return to their places of origin or solutions that will be more dignified and get them out of the current difficult situation they’re in.”
VENEZUELA
The Secretary-General met with the Permanent Representative of Venezuela, Ambassador Samuel Moncada.
During the meeting, the Secretary-General reiterated his publicly-stated position on the US military action in Venezuela.
He also expressed the availability of his good offices to support a possible inclusive national dialogue in Venezuela.
SYRIA
Turning to Syria, and in particular the developments in the northeast. The Secretary-General is alarmed by reports of civilian deaths and injuries following hostilities in Aleppo, Syria.
The United Nations reiterates that all parties have a clear obligation, under international humanitarian law, to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
We call on all actors to immediately de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint, and take all measures to prevent further harm to civilians.
The United Nations encourages all parties to demonstrate flexibility and goodwill, on both the military and political tracks, and promptly resume negotiations in order to fully implement the 10 March agreement.
LEBANON/ISRAEL
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix continues his visit to the Middle East.
Today in Beirut, he met with senior Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri. Discussions focused on UNIFIL’s support to the Lebanese authorities in sustaining the cessation of hostilities.
Mr. Lacroix also met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, where they discussed the ongoing redeployment of the armed forces in the south and how UNIFIL can continue supporting implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.
Yesterday, Mr. Lacroix traveled to southern Lebanon, where he witnessed firsthand the extensive destruction left by the hostilities.
He urged all parties to respect the 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement, to enable civilians to return safely and allow UNIFIL to carry out its mandate.
And just to note that earlier this week, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis Plascheart, was in Israel, where she met with senior officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, as part of broader consultations related to the implementation of the November understanding and Security Council resolution 1701.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-07
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Venezuela
-Sudan
-Lebanon / Israel
-Syria
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Democratic Republic of the Congo
-Noon Briefing Guest
-Bernard Robinson
VENEZUELA
The UN Humanitarian Country Team, bringing together the UN and other humanitarian partners, is continuing to support people in need in Venezuela.
Teams from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) continue to monitor developments, together with our humanitarian partners. Psychosocial support hotlines are in place and mapping is being carried out to ensure essential services reach the most vulnerable people.
For their part, the World Food Programme (WFP) says that WFP activities, such as general food distribution and emergency response to people impacted by flooding in Venezuela continues. The World Food Programme’s school meal programme also continues to be on schedule and will resume after school break.
SUDAN
In Sudan, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that escalating violence, particularly across the Kordofan region, continues to put civilians at extreme risk and drive new waves of displacement. The UN humanitarian team on the ground notes that according to the Sudan Doctors Network, a drone attack today in the city of El Obeid, in North Kordofan State, allegedly claimed the lives of 13 civilians, including children.
In South Kordofan State, displacement has increased sharply in recent days. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that between December 31st and January 4th, violence drove nearly 1,000 people to flee in Quoz locality, Kadugli town and Berdab village.
Yesterday, another 2,000 people were uprooted from Um Dam Haj Ahmed locality, also in North Kordofan State.
In total, between October 25th and December 30th, some 65,000 individuals were displaced from multiple locations across the Kordofan region.
Once again, the UN reiterates its urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians. The UN also reiterates the need for rapid, safe, sustained humanitarian access, so aid can reach those in need.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-06
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson
Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock is a new face at the United Nations. Sworn in as President of the General Assembly in September, she brings experience and energy at a time of challenges and new beginnings – including the selection of the next Secretary-General.
“We need this place where countries, big and small, rich and poor, are coming together and have an equal say and an equal vote.”
Shaped by her nation’s turbulent past and successful reunification Annalena Baerbock entered politics at a young age. In this episode, she reflects on the importance of female pioneers, the impact of online harassment and shares why the UN Charter can still move her to tears.
[00:00] Introduction
[00:52] Setting priorities for the UNGA80
[02:30] What the UN Charter means to her
[05:23] Inside the role of the PGA
[09:25] Listening as a form of leadership
[12:21] Can the UN still bridge global divides?
[15:26] What keeps Annalena awake at night
[16:58] Facing online hate as a woman leader
[20:56] Holding platforms accountable
[23:10] Choosing the next Secretary-General
[24:16] When humanitarian cuts cost lives
[26:43] Life in New York with her daughters
[27:22] Online noise vs. Real-world solidarity
[29:01] Finding her way into politics
[32:07] Lessons from growing up in 1980s West Germany
[36:51] Closing remarks
Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
#podcast #UnitedNations #awakeatnight #PGA80 #UNGA
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.
The United Nations Headquarters observance on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust will take place on Tuesday 27 January 2026 under the theme "Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights". Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications will host the proceedings. The observance will feature Holocaust survivors sharing their testimonies, and official remarks by the Secretary-General, the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and Representatives of the Permanent Missions of Israel and the United States to the United Nations.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Security Council
-Venezuela
-UN Peacekeeping / Middle East
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Sudan
-Israel-OPT
-Ukraine
-Financial Contributions
SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council held a meeting on the situation in Venezuela, and members of the Council heard from the Secretary-General.
In the remarks that were delivered on his behalf by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent the US military operation may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.
The Secretary-General said that he remains deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the military intervention on January 3rd.
He highlighted that the Charter of the UN enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State.
The Secretary-General said it is possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration. He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future. He further urged Venezuela’s neighbours, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.
And you saw that over the weekend, we did issue a statement on Venezuela that emphasized the importance of full respect by all of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
VENEZUELA
On the humanitarian front in Venezuela, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that the situation in Venezuela remains dire.
At the start of this year, some 7.9 million people in Venezuela were found to need urgent support. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of the country’s population. We, along with our humanitarian partners, under the leadership of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, are assessing the situation, focusing on providing support as needed. We continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including food, health care and protection services. The UN emphasizes the importance of respect for international law, the need to protect civilians and of preserving humanitarian operational continuity, so that assistance can be delivered in line with humanitarian principles. Funding is obviously also critical.
The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela remains critically underfunded. Last year, only 17 per cent of the more than $600 million needed was received, making it one of the least funded country appeals in the world. More support is urgently needed to keep life-saving aid reaching the most vulnerable.
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-05
The Council met in an emergency session to address the US rendition of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, a move that has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond.
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, delivering a statement on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, called for “respect for the UN charter and all other applicable legal frameworks to safeguard peace and security; respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of states,” and “the prohibition of the threat or use of force.”
DiCarlo said, “the power of the law must prevail. International law contains tools to address issues such as illicit traffic and narcotics, disputes about resources and human rights concerns. This is the route we need to take.”
Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres said, “these actions remind us of the worst interference in Latin American and the Caribbean politics and are a threat to our region as a zone of peace.”
Colombia, backed by China and the Russian Federation, requested the meeting.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said, “there is no and can be no justification for the crimes cynically perpetrated by the United States in Caracas,” and called upon the US leadership “to immediately release the legitimately elected president of an independent state and his spouse.”
Nebenzia said, “we are particularly appalled by the unparalleled cynicism with which a Washington did not even attempt to conceal the true aims of its criminal operation, namely, the establishment of unbridled control over Venezuela’s natural resources and the assertion of their hegemonic ambitions in Latin America’s legitimate rights and interests.”
Waltz, in his address to the Council said the US, “successfully carried out a surgical law enforcement operation facilitated by the US military against two indicted fugitives of American justice, narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro and Celia Flores.”
He stressed that “there is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country,” and said, “this was a law enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades.”
The US Ambassador said, “this is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live. And we’re not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be used as a base of operation for our nation’s adversaries and competitors and rivals of the United States. You can’t turn Venezuela into the operating hub for Iran, for Hezbollah, for gangs, for Cuban intelligence agents, and other malign actors that control that country. You cannot continue to have the largest energy reserves in the world under the control of adversaries of the United States, under the control of illegitimate leaders, and not benefiting the people of Venezuela, and stolen by a handful of oligarchs inside of Venezuela.”
Moncada said, “the kidnapping of the President of the Republic by the government of the United States of America,” constitutes “a direct violation of an essential norm of the international legal order, namely, the personal immunity of heads of state in office,” adding that disregard for these norms “not only affects Venezuela. But also sets an extremely dangerous precedent for all states represented in this chamber, regardless of their size, power, or alliance.”
The Venezuelan Ambassador said, “when force is used to control resources, impose governments or redesign states, we are faced with a logic that harks back to the worst practices of colonialism, and neo colonialism.”
He said, “we request today that the government of the United States of America be demanded to fully respect the immune immunities of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, as well as their immediate release and safe return to Venezuela. Second, the use of force against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela must be clearly and unequivocally condemned. Thirdly, that the principle of non-acquisition of territory or resources by force be reaffirmed, and fourth, that measures aimed at de-escalation, the protection of the civilian population and the restoration of international law be adopted.”
The US operation began with overnight strikes in and around the capital, Caracas. Venezuela has declared a state of national emergency, with casualty figures and the extent of the damage yet to be confirmed.
To watch full meeting in all UN official languages, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1kem3z5nm
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Security Council
-Venezuela
-UN Peacekeeping / Middle East
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Sudan
-Israel-OPT
-Ukraine
-Financial Contributions
SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council held a meeting on the situation in Venezuela, and members of the Council heard from the Secretary-General.
In the remarks that were delivered on his behalf by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent the US military operation may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.
The Secretary-General said that he remains deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the military intervention on January 3rd.
He highlighted that the Charter of the UN enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State.
The Secretary-General said it is possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration. He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future. He further urged Venezuela’s neighbours, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.
And you saw that over the weekend, we did issue a statement on Venezuela that emphasized the importance of full respect by all of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
VENEZUELA
On the humanitarian front in Venezuela, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that the situation in Venezuela remains dire.
At the start of this year, some 7.9 million people in Venezuela were found to need urgent support. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of the country’s population. We, along with our humanitarian partners, under the leadership of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, are assessing the situation, focusing on providing support as needed. We continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including food, health care and protection services. The UN emphasizes the importance of respect for international law, the need to protect civilians and of preserving humanitarian operational continuity, so that assistance can be delivered in line with humanitarian principles. Funding is obviously also critical.
The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela remains critically underfunded. Last year, only 17 per cent of the more than $600 million needed was received, making it one of the least funded country appeals in the world. More support is urgently needed to keep life-saving aid reaching the most vulnerable.
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-05
Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Venezuela – Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General delivered by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
