Interactive dialogue with Ms. Michelle Bachelet Jeria. Ms. Bachelet was nominated on 2 February 2026 by Chile, Brazil, and Mexico.
The process for the selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General has been formally initiated by the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council through a joint letter dated 25 November 2025. The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, has committed to guiding this process in a transparent and inclusive manner.
General Assembly resolution 79/327 on the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly sets out the process for the selection and appointment in line with Article 97 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Article 97: "The Secretariat shall comprise a Secretary-General and such staff as the Organization may require. The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. He shall be the chief administrative officer of the Organization."
A new UN report warned that the Asia-Pacific region’s economic outlook is under pressure from rising tensions and prices.
Today (20 Apr), at the launch of the report, Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, Hamza Malik, Director of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division at ESCAP, said, “Asia Pacific remains the engine of global economic growth, so more than half, or about 53.4 percent of growth is expected to come from Asia Pacific region. So, whatever happens in Asia Pacific matters for the rest of the world.”
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is adding fresh pressure to the economic outlook of Asia and the Pacific, disrupting energy and commodity markets and trade and connectivity routes at a time of already high global economic uncertainty, according to a new United Nations report.
The 2026 edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, published by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), highlights that rising energy and food prices, along with weaker global demand, are dimming economic growth prospects and increasing the cost of living across the region.
Low-skilled workers and low-income households are particularly vulnerable, as they are more exposed to rising living costs and have limited access to social protection.
High public debt vulnerabilities and a likely increase in interest rates due to higher inflation expectations may constrain the ability of Governments to respond to the latest economic shocks.
ESCAP is projecting, although with considerable uncertainty, that developing economies in the region will grow by an average of 4 percent in 2026, down from 4.6 percent in 2025, and inflation will rise to an average of 4.6 percent in 2026, up from 3.5 percent in 2025, reversing recent gains in inflation stability.
Despite this moderation, the region is expected to remain the fastest-growing developing region globally.
However, sustaining this performance will require a gradual shift from a primarily export-driven growth approach towards stronger domestic and regional sources of demand.
Key priorities in this regard include boosting productivity, expanding social protection, improving access to finance, and strengthening digital and physical connectivity across the region. Deeper regional cooperation will be critical to offset the effects of global economic fragmentation.
The ongoing global energy crisis is yet another wake-up call for Asia and the Pacific to strengthen energy resilience, including through homegrown renewable energy.
An energy transition could help reverse years of regression in Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.
However, in the report, ESCAP cautions that transition policies must be carefully designed to avoid unintended socioeconomic consequences.
Measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency could increase inflation, weaken fiscal positions, increase poverty and widen income inequality if not implemented in a calibrated and consultative manner.
In the report, ESCAP also finds that economic policy issues are still only weakly integrated into most national transition strategies. Policy choices need to reflect country-specific conditions.
A gradual fossil fuel subsidy cut would help cushion people’s purchasing power, especially where fiscal support to mitigate higher energy prices is constrained.
Meanwhile, countries with deeper financial markets can mobilize private capital for green investment.
Many least developed countries and small island developing States will require stronger international support to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy.
According to the report, political economic insights can further support these efforts.
For example, Governments can time energy transitions when political popularity is high, while creating new beneficiaries in renewable energy sectors to help to sustain the reform momentum.
Furthermore, the report highlights how behavioural insights can boost policy uptake, such as increasing the adoption of low-carbon technologies through peer comparisons or improving public acceptance of carbon pricing when revenues are used transparently and equitably.
Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that “five years in, the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to test international law, drive deepening divisions, and undermine the broader rules-based multilateral order.”
Khiari said Russian attacks “continued to intensify,” during the reporting period “with mounting civilian casualties and devastation across Ukraine.”
He noted that on 9th of April, “following Ukraine’s earlier proposal of an Easter ceasefire, the Russian Federation announced a 32-hour Easter truce from 11 to 12 April,” adding that Ukraine “responded that it would reciprocate.”
However, Khiari said, “this temporary pause in fighting that could have allowed a peaceful celebration of Orthodox Easter was not respected.”
On the night from 15 to 16 April, he continued, “the Russian Federation lunched its deadliest attack so far this year, targeting Odessa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions.”
In the city of Odessa and Dnipro, the official said, “residential buildings were hit, reportedly killing at least nine and five people, respectively. In total, across the country, at least 20 people, including at least one child, were reportedly killed and dozens more injured by this attack.”
Beyond the immediate conflict zone, Khiari said, “the war has heightened regional tensions and insecurity, with drones reportedly sighted this month in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland.”
He said, “we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ending this war, guided by the principle and obligations set out in the United Nations Charter.”
The 25th UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) has opened in New York, running from April 20 to May 1, 2026, with a focus on ‘Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict’. Reappointed Chair Aluki Kotierk emphasized that environmental degradation and exclusion from decision-making profoundly impact Indigenous well-being. Addressing the opening, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that this two-week session is essential for upholding rights and protecting Indigenous communities.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Next Secretary-General
Financing for Development Week
Financing for Development
Indigenous People
UNIFIL
Lebanon
Gaza
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Middle East Envoy
Security Council
Haiti
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Exhibitions
Chinese Language Day
Financial Contribution
Guest
NEXT SECRETARY-GENERAL
On Tuesday and Wednesday, candidates for the position of Secretary-General will take part in interactive dialogues in which they will outline their vision for the United Nations and answer questions from Member States and civil society. Discussions will focus on their leadership experience and qualifications, reform of the UN as well as the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development, and human rights. These dialogues represent a pivotal moment in the selection process for the next Secretary-General.
Interactive dialogues with Michelle Bachelet [10 am to 1 pm] and Rafael Grossi [3 pm to 6 pm] will be held on Tuesday while the dialogues with Rebeca Grynspan [10 am to 1 pm] and Macky Sall [3 pm to 6 pm] will be on Wednesday. All interactive dialogues will be webcast on UN WebTV.
Ahead of the start of the dialogues, the President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, is expected to deliver a press statement at the GA Hall stakeout tomorrow morning at 9:45 a.m.
Some candidates will participate in media stakeouts shortly following the conclusion of their dialogues.
FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT WEEK
The Financing for Development Forum this morning was also the opening event of the Financing for Development Week.
The Financing for Development Week will feature several events, including a Special High-Level meeting with Bretton Woods Institutions tomorrow, and the SDG Investment Fair from 21 to 23 April.
FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT
This morning, the Secretary-General addressed the opening session of the ECOSOC forum on Financing for Development – the first major gathering on this topic since Member States adopted the Sevilla Commitment last year.
He told participants that the task before us is steep. The financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals now stands at over $4 trillion annually — and it is growing fast.
Mr. Guterres said it is up to us to keep pushing to translate the promises made in Sevilla into concrete progress for people and countries that need it most.
He highlighted three broad areas of focus to bring them to life.
First, the Secretary-General said it’s time to rev-up the machinery of finance.
By increasing the assets housed in Multilateral Development Banks, by combining public and private finance in new and expanded ways to support development. And by mobilizing domestic resources and channeling them to the areas of greatest need — including by tackling illicit financial flows.
And finally, the Secretary-General renewed his call to reform the international financial architecture.
Global economic governance must become more inclusive, representative, equitable and effective, he said.
Also speaking at the forum today, Amina Mohammed, our Deputy Secretary-General presented the 2026 Financing for Sustainable Development Report.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-04-20
On 23 April 2026, in commemoration of the English Language Day 2026 at the United Nations, the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will present the 3rd Annual “Shakespeare at the UN”– an exploration of how the timeless works of Shakespeare, in reflecting the human experience, can resonate with the core values of the UN, such as promoting understanding of humanity and strengthening global connections. The project will be launched on the official global channels of the United Nations – UN Web TV and UN YouTube.
Shakespeare’s literature is more than mere words on a page. It is a mirror held up to the values and aspirations of our shared humanity, echoing the very essence of the United Nations. It resonates across languages and cultures. Shakespeare can connect us all: therefore, the excerpts will be performed through a multilingual and multicultural lens – featuring performances in some of the UN’s official languages.
On this occasion, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Archie Young CMG, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations& Ambassador to the UN General Assembly. The programme brings together the UN’s core pillars — including Human Rights and Peace & Security — illuminated through carefully chosen Shakespeare works. Under Human Rights, Shakespeare’s Globe — led by its Artistic Director Michelle Terry — presents Shylock’s landmark speech from The Merchant of Venice (Act III, Scene 1), a profound meditation on human dignity and the universal demand to be seen as fully human — performed by the late Adrian Schiller, one of Britain’s most distinguished classical stage actors. Under Peace and Security, performers from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama — led by its Principal and CEO, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE – bring monologues from Henry V (Chinese), Titus Andronicus (French), Macbeth (English), and Richard II (Spanish and Sign Language), reflecting on conflict, leadership, and the cost of war. We will also present performances delivered by Japanese actors Yamato Kochi and Maimi, Ukrainian actor Petro Ninovskyi, and the brilliant Richard Keith, the BA in Acting Course Leader at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). The programme will also feature reflections by Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company, with closing remarks by Professor Michael Dobson, Director of The Shakespeare Institute.
English Language Day at the UN is celebrated annually April 23rd, the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. As well as being the most famous playwright, who wrote in English, Shakespeare also had a huge impact on modern-day English. Today, every one in four people in the world uses English. At the United Nations, English is one of the six official languages of the Organization. As we embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s timeless wisdom, the performances in “Shakespeare at the UN” aims to spark reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to the noble ideals that bind us together as nations under the banner of the United Nations. Founded at the United Nations Headquarters by Brenda Vongova, the UN Movie Society is committed to championing the goals and values of the United Nations through the universal language of motion pictures.
For more information:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/english-language-day
Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the opening of the 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up (FfD Forum).
Achieving gender equality is foundational to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and underscore that youth are not just future leaders, but current architects of a more inclusive global society. As the world faces pushback on women’s rights, this session will highlight how young advocates and activists are using digital innovation and grassroots organizing to dismantle gender-based violence and economic inequality.
Moderator
Aishworya Shrestha, Young Leader for SDGs, UN Youth Office
SPEAKERS
Hanna Mulugeta Melaku, Youth Reference Group
Yasmine Aburaya, Founder of Your Voice Initiative and Youth Leader in Gender Equality and Civic Engagement
Africa is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, warming faster than the global average and facing disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly evident in the growing pressures that climate change is placing on water resources and systems across the continent. As water underpins agriculture, livelihoods, ecosystems, and energy production, water-related climate impacts are deepening inequalities and threatening sustainable development across Africa.
African youth are driving critical climate innovations, advancing practical solutions, and changing the continent’s climate future. This dialogue aims to spotlight Africa’s youth innovators at the forefront of addressing climate change impacts, highlighting their leadership in building resilient communities, strengthening water security, and advancing global climate solutions.
Moderator
Damon Hamman, Graduate Student, New York University, Centre for Global Affairs.
SPEAKERS
Ms. Eugenia Boateng, Founder and Executive Director of African Diaspora Youth Hub, FABA (For Africa, By Africa) Institute
Mr. Jabri Ibrahim, UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Mr. Sibusiso Mazomba, UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Briefing by Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, on Sudan and South Sudan – Security Council, 10139th meeting.
Presenting the report, the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said, the operating environment in South Sudan “has become more complex,” since the last mandate renewal.
Gbeho said, “political tensions, escalating security incidents and humanitarian pressures increasingly reinforce one another. Economic stress, climate related shocks, and the spill-over from the conflict in Sudan compound these challenges.”
She told the Council the security situation “remains deeply concerning, as “fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement / Army in Opposition, particularly in Jonglei, has intensified, and in some cases been accompanied by inflammatory rhetoric.”
Civilians, Gbeho said, “continue to bear the brunt.”
She stressed that “challenges facing South Sudan cannot be resolved through military means,” and added that “sustained political pathway anchored in inclusive dialogue remains essential.”
Gbeho said, “as the Security Council deliberates on the renewal of the UN mandate, it is important to recognise the dilemma we collectively face. The scale and urgency of needs on the ground are not yet matched by the type of sustained commitment and investment required to meet the ambition of sustainable path to peace.”
