On 31 August 2026, on the International Day for People of African Descent, the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council is honoured to present a special conversation with two-time Academy Award®-winning director Ben Proudfoot, director of THE EYES OF GHANA. On this occasion, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Samuel Yao Kumah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations.
Executive produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, THE EYES OF GHANA is a documentary feature by two-time Academy Award-winning director Ben Proudfoot, following 93-year-old cinematographer Chris Hesse — personal cameraman to Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah — as he races against blindness and time to rescue and repatriate more than 1,000 reels of long-lost footage documenting the birth of African independence. The film’s story of reclaiming a suppressed visual history speaks directly to the spirit of the International Day for People of African Descent, honouring the memory, culture, and resilience of people of African descent worldwide.
The International Day for People of African Descent reminds us that recognition, justice, and development — the three pillars of the UN’s Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) — remain vital, unfinished work. THE EYES OF GHANA embodies that work: Chris Hesse’s decades-long fight to save the footage of Ghana’s independence from erasure, and Anita Afonu’s mission to ensure that this history is never lost again.
Movies hold the unique power to promote universal ideals, principles, and values so deeply enshrined by the United Nations, including peace, development, respect for human rights, cultural appreciation, the dignity of the human person, and equal rights for all. 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.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Guest
Secretary-General on the Death of Ratko Mladić
Asia Floods
Secretary-General – Ebola / DRC
Ethiopia
Djibouti
Lebanon
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Central African Republic
Security Council/Syria
Deputy Secretary-General/India
Senior Personnel Appointment – UNOPS
World Lake Day
Asia Floods
I think you heard quite an extensive update form our Resident Coordinator in Nepal. I do want to add a bit on Tom Fletcher, our Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and our Emergency Relief Coordinator. He remains in close contact of course with our teams in the region as well as with the Nepalese and Chinese authorities.
Today, he spoke with the Foreign Minister of Nepal, offering the UN support and expressing the condolences on behalf of the UN system. He also spoke with the Resident Coordinator and also participated in some of the Country Team meetings.
Mr. Fletcher has also been in touch with representatives of the Government of China, also expressing condolences and offering our support.
He’s also allocated $2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund in order to save lives with emergency medical care, shelter and water.
Secretary-General – Ebola / DRC
Also this morning, you heard from the Secretary-General, who spoke about the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General stressed that Ebola can be stopped, but that the world must overcome what he calls "the virus of indifference". He warned that international attention and resources continue to lag behind the realities on the ground.
The Secretary-General said that the $2.13 billion humanitarian needs and response plan is only 48 per cent funded and appealed for additional resources to scale up the response, warning that the current funding will only last weeks and not months.
Meanwhile, our humanitarian colleagues on the ground, together with our partners, are increasing safe and dignified burial capacity in the affected provinces, and that is as you know a critical measure to prevent further transmission of the virus, which remains highly contagious even after death. They have deployed about 35 additional mobile safe and dignified burial teams and 286 community-based teams to support disease surveillance and burials as needed.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-08-27
Presenting the findings of the Review on the Future of all Forms of United Nations Peace Operations, Secretary-General António Guterres said, “peace cannot be brought in from abroad,” and stressed that “peace operations can only be effective if their mandates support the national actors who ultimately hold the key to sustainable peace.”
The Secretary-General said peacekeeping “must adapt again to dramatic new realities” as “we are witnessing a resurgence of conflict between states. And an intensification of internal conflicts — now increasingly internationalized, more protracted, and harder to resolve.”
He said, “we see the increasing military use of drones and the looming prospect of autonomous lethal weapons, powered by artificial intelligence. The growing involvement of transnational criminal networks. A wider range of State and non-state actors getting their hands on deadly technologies. The renewed threat of nuclear weapons. The frequent targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. And a mounting sense of impunity, as parties violate international law and States ignore their Charter obligations.”
At the same time, Guterres noted, “comprehensive peace agreements are less common.”
He said, “over the past three decades, our missions were deployed primarily to support conflict parties in reaching and implementing a comprehensive peace agreement after a civil war. But today such frameworks are increasingly rare, harder to achieve, and more fragile.”
The Review, the Secretary-General said, outlines ways to “strengthen partnerships, including through structured consultations among the Security Council, host States, troop- and police-contributing countries, and the Secretariat.”
He said, “peace operations should be focused on areas where they hold a clear, comparative advantage — particularly politics and security and, where mandated, the protection of civilians. Missions must also remain responsive to realities on the ground. When circumstances change significantly, mandates must evolve accordingly.”
Guterres stressed that “responsible stewardship of resources is essential,” and added that “delivering on our commitment to efficiency and effectiveness across all peace operations requires a sharper focus on impact and results.”
He called for a sharper focus on peacemaking; stronger partnerships with host States; focused and adaptable mandates; a clear division of labour; more agile operations; greater cost-efficiency and accountability; readiness and technological capability; and stronger global-regional partnerships.
At the Summit of the Future in 2024, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, which among various actions, requested the Secretary-General to “undertake a review on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations, taking into account lessons learned from previous and ongoing reform processes, and provide strategic and action-oriented recommendations for the consideration of Member States on how the United Nations toolbox can be adapted to meet evolving needs, to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.”
The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) jointly led the review on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations.
The outcome of this review has been submitted to the General Assembly and the Security Council in August 2026 as a report of the Secretary-General.
On Saturday, 29 August 2026, on the UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council is honoured to present a special conversation with filmmaker Michael Russell Gunn, director of THE BRINK OF WAR.
THE BRINK OF WAR is based on the incredible true story of the 1986 Reykjavík Summit in Iceland, where President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met inside Höfði House for a high-stakes, closed-door negotiation at the height of the Cold War. Stripping away political theater, the film captures two opposing leaders locked in intense dialogue as they confront the existential threat of nearly 70,000 nuclear weapons and dare to imagine the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals. Though the summit ultimately collapsed over disagreements regarding the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), the mutual trust forged in that room paved the way for the groundbreaking 1987 INF Treaty a year later. By highlighting how direct, honest communication averted global catastrophe, the film serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of diplomacy on the UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests.
The UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests reminds us that dialogue, mutual understanding, and the courageous pursuit of peace remain our strongest safeguards against atomic escalation and nuclear annihilation. Established by the UN General Assembly to raise global awareness about the catastrophic dangers of nuclear testing, this observance underscores that even the deepest geopolitical divides can be bridged when nations choose dialogue and negotiation over confrontation. THE BRINK OF WAR dramatically reinforces this vital message, showing that true leadership requires looking past suspicion to secure a safer, nuclear-weapon-free world for future generations.
Movies hold the unique power to promote universal ideals, principles, and values so deeply enshrined by the United Nations, including peace, development, respect for human rights, cultural appreciation, the dignity of the human person, and equal rights for all. 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.
Press encounter by United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Ebola outbreak.
———————
Let me begin with a word about the horrifying flooding in Nepal and China. I extend my deepest condolences to families of the victims and express my solidarity with all those affected. The United Nations is mobilizing supplies and humanitarian teams and we pledge to support national efforts to deliver emergency aid and support.
I want to provide an update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with an urgent appeal to step up action to get it under control.
My main message is this: The outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on record. It is growing faster and wider than the response to contain it. But it can be stopped.
We know how to contain Ebola – how to interrupt transmission – and how to save lives.
But we must also overcome another virus – the virus of indifference.
Because international attention, political focus and resources are still lagging behind the reality unfolding on the ground.
The Ebola crisis is first and foremost a human tragedy affecting families and communities on an extraordinary scale.
It is now the largest Ebola outbreak in the history of the DRC.
As of August 25th, 5,713 cases have been confirmed, claiming 2,744 lives.
And with about 500 new cases being reported every week, the outbreak continues to expand across a vast area – with women and children being hit especially hard.
The challenge is immense.
We are facing a public health emergency in one of the world’s most fragile settings.
For example, three decades of conflict in Ituri province alone have displaced one million people and severely weakened access to food, healthcare and other basic services.
Across the region, more than 12 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection.
Meanwhile, health systems are overstretched. Infrastructure is weak. Entire communities remain difficult to reach.
Frontline workers are also operating under perilous conditions.
More than 40 health workers have lost their lives in the effort to save others.
Health workers have been infected. Treatment centres and ambulances have been attacked.
Humanitarian personnel face both the threat of the virus and the threat of violence.
They deserve our recognition and support.
The Government of the DRC is heading up the response – with the United Nations, led by the World Health Organization, and partners teaming up to assist.
We have appointed a UN Senior Ebola Coordinator – and are aligning behind 5 priorities.
First, community engagement is being expanded to build trust and counter fear and misinformation.
Second, surveillance systems are being strengthened to identify and isolate cases more rapidly.
Third, treatment and care capacity are being increased.
Fourth, safe and dignified burial operations are being expanded.
And, fifth, we are working to stop Ebola from spreading further.
The Congo River and busy routes across the region connect millions of people and communities.
And so we are reinforcing preparedness and coordination with South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
Africa CDC is also playing a critical role, mobilizing expertise and solidarity from across the region.
Together with many dedicated partners, these efforts are helping to build an integrated response on the ground.
But let’s be clear:
Every gap in funding and operational support makes the Ebola response more challenging.
We are doing everything possible to invest in that response – including through more than $80 million from UN pooled funds and support from partners.
We have put forward a detailed $2.13 billion humanitarian needs and response plan.
This is 48% funded – thanks in large measure to a major contribution by the United States.
But current resources will last weeks – not months.
Without additional funding, vital operations will run out of money just when they need to expand.
That is why I am appealing for the remaining $1.1 billion to fully fund the humanitarian response plan, recognizing that even more will be needed in the future.
The world still has an opportunity to get ahead of this crisis.
But time is not on our side.
The Ebola outbreak deserves far greater attention than it is receiving today.
The communities affected deserve far greater assistance.
And the response deserves far greater support.
The world has the knowledge, the means, and the resources to stop this outbreak.
It is time to summon the collective determination to act before the cost becomes more deadly, more difficult, and more expensive.
Briefing by Ramiz Alakbarov, Acting Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
After wide consultation, the Secretary-General releases his report on the review of all forms of UN peace operations, including peacekeeping operations and special political missions.
The review calls for a reset in how we think about and use peace operations, including a sharper focus on peacemaking, stronger partnerships with host States, focused and adaptable mandates and more agile operations.
Conditions in Gaza remain dire despite a nearly year-old ceasefire.
UN Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov reported renewed Israeli airstrikes on 12 August after a one-week lull; 100 Palestinian deaths and over 400 injuries during the reporting period; and continued settler attacks in the West Bank.
Mr. Alakbarav and High Representative for Gazan on the Board of Peace Nickolay Mladenov urged full implementation of the 15-point Roadmap and Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which envisions Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal, an international stabilization force and transitional Palestinian governance.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Tomorrow’s Guest
– Burundi
– Nigeria / UN House Abuja Bombing
– Asia Floods
– Security Council / Middle East
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Secretary-General / Peace Operations Report
– Colombia Earthquake
– Syria
TOMORROW’S GUEST
Tomorrow, Ms. María José Torres, the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia, will join as a guest virtually and will give an update on the UN’s response following the recent earthquakes.
The Secretary-General is also expected, subject to confirmation later today, to be at the Security Council stakeout tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. to provide an update on the efforts regarding the devastating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
BURUNDI
UN colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs note that the UN and its partners are continuing to support the Government-led efforts in Burundi to prepare for the potential spread of Ebola in that country.
While Burundi has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, the country remains at higher risk due to its proximity to the affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and continued cross-border population movements.
Preparedness efforts include strengthened surveillance at points of entry through temperature screening and deployment of thermal scanners, including at the airport in Bujumbura.
The UN is also training healthcare providers, including nurses and community health workers as well as journalists.
Nearly 30,000 Ebola prevention posters have been distributed in three languages: Kirundi, Swahili and French.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization and its partners are supporting the national authorities in Burundi in updating their Ebola response guidelines and strengthening lab procedures for the safe collection and transportation of any samples.
At the end of June, Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, released $2 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to bolster the preparedness efforts in Burundi.
NIGERIA / UN HOUSE ABUJA BOMBING
Today marks the 15 years of the terror attack on the UN House in Abuja, Nigeria.
26 August 2011 is a day the UN has not forgotten.
15 years ago, 13 of UN colleagues were killed in the terror attack. In addition, ten other people who were also in the building perished. Many others were injured.
To mark the grim anniversary, a remembrance ceremony was held today at the new UN House in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said that the fallen colleagues are remembered not only for how they died, but also for how they lived with courage and compassion.
The UN joins him in paying tribute to those who were injured, those who witnessed the bombing, and those who lost friends, colleagues, and family, noting that for many the shock and the trauma of that day remain.
15 years on, a number of suspects remain before the courts in Nigeria, but no convictions have been handed out to date.
The UN has not forgotten and will continue to push for those responsible to be held to account.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-08-26
Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Carl Skau linked disruptions in the Gulf to hunger elsewhere, saying, “an oil tanker anchored in the Strait of Hormuz can mean one less meal a day for a child in Sudan, where basic food costs are up almost 40 per cent since February this year.”
Skau warned that “suffocation of fertilizer exports has also hit this planting season hard across Africa and Asia,” and reported that WFP has been exposed to “20 per cent higher shipping costs, 35 per cent more on fuel for our airdrops and our humanitarian flights, meaning less assistance for the people we serve.”
On the Black Sea, he said Russian and Ukrainian exports “equal one third of global wheat supply,” and that “grain shipments through the Bosphorus Strait are now down 40 per cent year on year.”
