Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on behalf of António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in Venezuela.
Secretary-General’s remarks to the #UN Security Council – on #Venezuela #UNSC 5 January 26
Source: United Nations (video statements)
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.
Security Council program of work for January – Somalia President Presser | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Somali Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman told journalists in New York that Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state is a “calculated effort by the Israelis occupying force to distract the world,” and said that reports that Somaliland “secretly accepted” 1.5 million Palestinians to be deported there from Gaza would be “unacceptable.”
Osman was briefing reporters on the program of work of the Security Council for the month of January, which Somalia is presiding.
On Claims that Somalia had committed crimes of genocide in Somaliland, he said, “those atrocities can never be called genocide. And it was not a term that can be used because it was not targeted for a specific group or specifically. The government were fighting with people who want to overthrow that regime at the time, and it took place many parts of Somalia, not only northwestern region.”
Osman said, “the claim of genocide in Somalia decades ago – more than 40 years ago – by the occupying power of Israel, it was kind of like a shock to us. And it is an attempt, I believe, to distract what the occupying force are doing in the occupied land of Palestine.”
The Somali Ambassador expressed appreciation for Security Council Members who unanimously supported “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia” at the Council on Monday.
6. Wide shot, dais
He said, “Somaliland no longer exists. Somaliland was – when we got independence – was two regions, northeast and northwest region. And northeast, which is about 45 percent of the territory and 45 percent of the population, if it’s not more, are also part of the Federal Government of Somalia.”
Osman Said, “this, basically is not a problem of sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is a small group that want to secede.”
He said Israel’s is to “export the Palestinian from Gaza to any country that accepts,” adding that this was “probably” linked to the recognition of Somaliland.
UN Security Council Welcomes Five New Non-Permanent Members for 2026–2027 | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The Security Council welcomed Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia as the five new non-permanent members for the 2026 -2027 period.
The flags of the five newly elected members of the United Nations Security Council — Latvia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Bahrain, and Colombia – were officially installed today (02 Jan).
Latvia joins the Council for the first time.
Addressing the ceremonial flag-raising, Jamal Fares Al Ruwaiei, Bahraini Permanent Representative said that his country “commit to ensuring peaceful resolution of conflicts, and in particular to the Palestinian cause, our top priority during our membership. We shall strive toward ensuring the legitimate right of Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as the key to opening a new chapter for regional security, stability, and prosperity.”
Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres, said, “This event holds special significance for my country as I am the first indigenous woman to represent it before this body, I assume this responsibility with my people, the people of Colombia, the Arhuaco people and the indigenous peoples of the world as an expression of the commitment of President Gustavo Petro’s government to a more inclusive and representative Colombia and United Nations, where diversity constitutes a genuine force for equality.”
Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said, “With regard to peace and security, we will actively contribute to discussions on the future of United Nations peacekeeping operations. As a host country for more than two decades to one of the largest peacekeeping missions, the DRC has acquired concrete experience of both the challenges and limitations of these instruments.”
Latvian Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes said, “Our presence in the Security Council reflects a long journey from hardship to prosperity, from aspiration to active contribution. Latvia joins this Council as a committed partner, ready to listen and to act in good faith. We believe that responsible engagement by countries big or small strengthens global peace and security.”
Lewis Garseedah Brown II, Liberian Permanent Representative said, “Libera comes to the Security Council guided by experience and anchored in the United Nations Charter. We come committed to diplomacy because we have lived the cost of its absence. We come determined to build bridges, encourage consensus, and contribute constructively to a safer world.”
The ceremonial flag-raising, introduced in 2018 at the initiative of Kazakhstan, marks the start of each country’s two-year term. Before that, the flags of the non-permanent members of the Council were installed and replaced in the normal course of work by the Protocol.
Sexual violence against children rising across Democratic Republic of the Congo #drc #unicef
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Sexual violence against children is endemic, systemic, and worsening across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a new UNICEF report. While conflict remains a major driver, the report shows cases documented in communities across every province and rising sharply since 2022.
You Have Rights | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
This video is based on the United Nations Victims’ Rights Statement, which affirms the Secretary-General’s priority of upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.
It presents a child-friendly version of the statement to help children understand their rights in a clear, safe, and age-appropriate way.
The United Nations is committed to ensuring that the rights of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are accessible and understood by all, including children.
Israel’s Recognition of “Somaliland” as an Independent State – Security Council | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on Israel’s Recognition of “Somaliland” as an Independent State, during the Security Council, 10084th meeting.
Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that on 26 December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s official recognition of “Somaliland” as an independent and sovereign state, a move rejected by Somalia and criticized by several regional actors. Khiari said that on the same day, “Somaliland” issued a statement welcoming what it described as a “historic and principled” decision by Israel to recognize its sovereignty and independence.
Briefing the Council on 29th December, Khiari said Somalia’s federal government responded by reaffirming its “absolute and non-negotiable commitment” to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, as set out in its provisional constitution, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. According to Khiari, Somalia said it categorically rejected what it described as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty, stressing that no external actor has the authority to alter its unity or territorial configuration and that any declaration or recognition seeking to undermine this reality is null and void under international law.
He added that Israel’s announcement prompted reactions from across the region and beyond, including Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as well as a joint statement by 20 Middle Eastern and African countries rejecting and condemning Israel’s recognition of “Somaliland.”
In closing, Khiari recalled that the Security Council has repeatedly affirmed respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, most recently in resolution 2809 adopted on 23 December 2025. He also called on Somalia and Somaliland to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue, recalling the 2023 Djibouti Communiqué on talks between the two sides.
Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Abukar Dahir Osman, told the Council that Israel’s move represented a direct violation of the UN Charter, the African Union’s fundamental principles and international law. He said the decision was aimed at encouraging fragmentation of Somali territory and warned it could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Osman also referred to statements by some officials on the possible forced relocation of Palestinians, saying the A3+ group unequivocally rejected any steps aimed at relocating Palestinians from Gaza to the northwestern region of Somalia.
The United States said there had been no change in its policy. Ambassador Tammy Bruce told the Council that earlier unilateral recognitions of a Palestinian state had not prompted emergency meetings and said the Council’s focus on Somaliland reflected persistent double standards. She added that Washington had no announcement to make regarding U.S. recognition of Somaliland.
France’s Permanent Representative Jérôme Bonnafont said Paris would continue to oppose any forced displacement of civilian populations and any violation of international law, recalling the spirit of the New York Declaration adopted by the General Assembly in September.
Jonathan Miller, Deputy Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations said, “Somaliland’s historical sovereignty, more than three decades of effective self-governance and demonstrated capacity to act as a responsible international partner, meets the legal criteria that guide recognition. Israel has aligned its foreign policy with this reality.”
Goals Lounge 2025 | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
In 2025, the Goals Lounge has become a hub for dialogue, ideas, and real-world solutions, where people come together to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and spark change.
With five years to go until 2030, we’ll keep welcoming new voices, exploring bold ideas, and hosting conversations that truly matter in 2026.
And there’s so much more to come—new sessions, fresh stories, and innovative ways to advance the SDGs.
Thanks for being part of our journey—let’s make 2026 even more impactful together!
Reflecting on 2025: A challenging year for peace | UN Peacekeeping
Source: United Nations (video statements)
In a challenging year for peace efforts, peacekeepers continued to work tirelessly to protect civilians, monitor ceasefires, and support the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the communities they serve. As 2025 draws to a close, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix reflects on the past year and sends best wishes to peacekeepers around the world as they embark towards 2026.
2026 New Year’s Message – UN Chief | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on New Year’s Day 2026.
"As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads.
Chaos and uncertainty surround us.
Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law.
A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family.
People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act.
As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words:
Global military spending has soared to 2.7 trillion dollars, growing by almost 10%.
That is thirteen times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
All, while conflict rages at levels unseen since World War II.
On this new year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight.
A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail.
It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice.
In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain.
And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part.
Our future depends on our collective courage to act.
This new year, let’s rise together:
For justice. For humanity. For peace".
More info: https://www.un.org/sg/en