Tour guide Silmara Roman takes us on the Focus on Women tour at United Nations Headquarters. This tour highlights the women who have shaped the United Nations. The tour examines key achievements, ongoing global challenges related to gender equality and the need to empower women worldwide.
Combining historical insight with contemporary relevance, the tour offers participants meaningful takeaways to foster awareness, inspire change, and contribute to building a better future.
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, concluded his 4-day visit to Papua New Guinea on 5 September 2025 with a final press conference alongside the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape.
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Before his departure from Papua New Guinea, the Secretary-General appealed once again for climate justice and emphasized the need for international financial systems reforms, so that developing countries can have a stronger voice.
Speaking to reporters in Port Moresby, Guterres noted that with more than 800 languages, and very remote parts of the country with enormous challenges, Papua New Guinea is a country with 50 years of uninterrupted democracy.
He said, “In a world where we see democratic values being put into question by countries with much less problems than Papua New Guinea, I must say that we should all be grateful for this remarkable example.”
On climate justice, the UN chief called on the international community to “accept that there must be climate justice and that countries like Papua New Guinea must have all the support that was promised, in order to be able to address the needs of adaptation to build resilience and to protect its people and its country against the devastating impact of climate change.”
He also reiterated the “absolutely” needed reforms of the international financial systems in order for developing countries like Papua New Guinea to have a much stronger voice and a much stronger influence in the way decisions are taken.
Guterres said, “Papua New Guinea has enormous challenges, but because it is a middle-income country, it has no access to concessional funding.”
“This is an injustice that must be corrected,” the Secretary-General continued, “My appeal to the international community is to correspond to the generosity of Papua New Guinea and its contribution to fight climate change with its wonderful forests and its ocean.”
@unitednations
▶ https://youtu.be/-eC4uq2HNdU
Nothing keeps me awake, everything keeps me going – Peter Hawkins | UN ‘Awake at Night’ podcast teaser
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Every day, Peter Hawkins wakes up filled with determination to make a difference. As the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Yemen, he puts that boundless energy into helping young people survive one of the world’s most intractable humanitarian crises.
“Despite serving in some of the most challenging and difficult places, I’ve been lucky,” he says. “I’ve loved my life. I have no regrets. Every day I wake up, I feel there’s something I can do. There’s things I enjoy. So nothing keeps me awake, everything keeps me going during the day.”
After a decade of conflict and collapse, a new generation of Yemenis are yearning for a better tomorrow: “So the children sit there in these classrooms with no walls, no floors, no desks, and learn, and they’re proud about what they learn. And they come to me and say, ‘Look, don’t worry, we will continue to learn. But if you can give us desks, if you can fill up the walls and you can give us a floor and a blackboard, it will be even better.’”
In this episode, Peter Hawkins reflects on the striking resilience of the people he serves, and shares how his upbringing in Ethiopia and service in Iraq taught him to never give up working for change. For him, the biggest challenge today is not so much about raising awareness, but about action. “It is so important to understand how one side of the world is so lucky and the other side of the world is still desperately poor, and how we bring those two together.”
Every day, Peter Hawkins wakes up filled with determination to make a difference. As the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Yemen, he puts that boundless energy into helping young people survive one of the world’s most intractable humanitarian crises.
“Despite serving in some of the most challenging and difficult places, I’ve been lucky,” he says. “I’ve loved my life. I have no regrets. Every day I wake up, I feel there’s something I can do. There’s things I enjoy. So nothing keeps me awake, everything keeps me going during the day.”
After a decade of conflict and collapse, a new generation of Yemenis are yearning for a better tomorrow: “So the children sit there in these classrooms with no walls, no floors, no desks, and learn, and they’re proud about what they learn. And they come to me and say, ‘Look, don’t worry, we will continue to learn. But if you can give us desks, if you can fill up the walls and you can give us a floor and a blackboard, it will be even better.’”
In this episode, Peter Hawkins reflects on the striking resilience of the people he serves, and shares how his upbringing in Ethiopia and service in Iraq taught him to never give up working for change. For him, the biggest challenge today is not so much about raising awareness, but about action. “It is so important to understand how one side of the world is so lucky and the other side of the world is still desperately poor, and how we bring those two together.”
[00:00] Introduction
[01:41] Impact of war on children
[04:20] Reflections on resilience and decades of turmoil
[06:07] The magic of Sana’a
[08:42] Children’s determination to learn
[12:39] The impact of reduced funding
[15:18] Focusing on women and mothers
[18:17] What keeps Peter going
[19:54] Roots in Ethiopia
[23:52] Raising awareness then and now
[25:53] His parents’ influence
[27:44] Why multilateralism still matters
[29:54] A child’s unique identity
[31:04] Memories from Mosul, Iraq
[35:35] Life beyond work and hope for future generations
[38:19] Closing remarks
Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
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.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, deliver remarks at a meeting of the Parliament of Papua New Guinea.
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The Secretary-General addressed the Papua New Guinea parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
He told members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands and many tongues. The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from a profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary general said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany Papua New Guinea on every step.
On Climate, the Secretary-General commended Papua New Guinea’s bold climate action, highlighting that the island nation is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.
Guterres reiterated, “We must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, and you have made the case that national protection deserves global support. You have emphasized that climate change is a driver of poverty, and been a strong moral voice for climate finance.”
The Secretary-General stressed that while climate finance is vital –– it is not sufficient on its own. Many developing countries are drowning in unsustainable debt, victims of inequalities built into the system.
He said, “Today’s international financial architecture is unequal and unjust. We will keep pushing for meaningful reform to ensure the fair representation of developing countries; to take real action on debt relief; to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks; and to mobilize private capital at scale.”
Guterres also emphasized Papua New Guinea’s vital step of speaking openly, of making commitments, and of forming the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
“Across politics, culture, and every sector, we must keep working to widen the doors of opportunity for women and girls in Papua New Guinea and in the world at large,” the UN chief stressed.
He added, “Ensuring greater voice and representation of women is not only a matter of justice — it is a matter of national strength. Families thrive. Communities grow stronger. And institutions become more responsive when we uphold the rights of all.”
The Secretary-General also met with the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville government and met with Papua New Guinea’s women leaders today.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/Papua New Guinea
Senior Personnel Appointment
Yemen
Afghanistan
Occupied Palestinian Territory
U.N.I.F.I.L.
Sudan
Trip Announcement
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Education
**Guest Note
SECRETARY-GENERAL/PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Secretary-General is still in Papua New Guinea and this morning, he delivered an address at the Parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
He told the members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands, many tongues.
The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary-General said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany the country on every step.
Turning to climate, the Secretary-General said that time and again we have seen climate leadership flow not from countries with the most wealth and power –– but from those who know the stakes firsthand.
Papua New Guinea is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.
Mr. Guterres said we must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, adding that the country has made the case that national protection deserves global support.
During the day, the Secretary-General met with the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. He also met with Papua New Guinea’s women leaders.
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General is scheduled to travel outside the capital. He will be back in New York on Saturday morning.
SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENT
The Secretary-General is appointing Khassim Diagne of Senegal as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
He will succeed Colin Stewart of Canada, to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for his strong leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure.
Mr. Diagne brings more than 25 years of experience in international affairs and senior leadership within the United Nations system. He is currently serving as Ad Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, a role he has held since October 2024.
YEMEN
This morning the Houthi de facto authorities broke into the UNDP complex in Sanaa.
So far, the UNICEF and WFP offices remain under the Houthi control. Since our last update on the detentions during the past two days, 18 national staff are now detained by the Houthi de facto authorities.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the forced entry into UN premises in Sana’a.
We reiterate that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed, and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.
We, once again, reiterate the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been detained yesterday and before that, including all other personnel from the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions.
AFGHANISTAN
Turning to Afghanistan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Office says that following the earthquake over the weekend, assessments and response efforts continue amid challenging conditions. Aftershocks last night in Chakway and Nurgal districts, two of the most affected districts of Kunar province, are causing further hardship, with many families staying outdoors.
They also impact rescue efforts and assessments in the region. Despite the difficult conditions, food and shelter distributions have started, as well as the provision of health assistance, including through mobile health and nutrition teams.
Our humanitarian colleagues say that urgent priorities remain shelter, medical supplies, drinking water, food and sanitation. The UN Mine Action Service has warned that 25 square kilometers of land is contaminated by explosive ordnance in areas impacted by the earthquake.
Needs remain immense, and the UN calls on all who are able to provide support to the earthquake response.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=03%20September%202025
Arriving in Port Moresby this Tuesday, António Guterres said he was honoured to be the first UN Secretary-General to visit Papua New Guinea and to join in celebrating fifty years of the country’s independence. For the past five decades, he said, Papua New Guineans have taken on a profound task: to weave their breathtaking diversity into one people and one country that leaves no one behind. Papua New Guinea has long led the charge for climate justice, he said. And as we approach the UN Climate Conference in Brazil later this fall, he added, the world must move faster to keep the 1.5 degrees limit alive and also to produce a credible path to achieve the $1.3 trillion dollar objective decided in Baku during the last Climate Conference.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– China
– Papua New Guinea
– Yemen
– Afghanistan
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Sudan
– Nigeria
– Myanmar
– New Resident Coordinators/Sudan and Bosnia and Herzegovina
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CHINA
Over the long weekend, the Secretary-General was in Tianjin, in China, where he was invited to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation leaders’ summit.
Speaking during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus session yesterday, the Secretary-General said that as we are moving towards a multipolar world, we need principled leadership to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and deliver for people – as reflected in the Pact for the Future. He added that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Turning to the situation in Ukraine, the Secretary-General told the leaders of the Summit it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace – in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.
The Secretary-General also reiterated his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza; an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access.
While there, the Secretary-General had several bilateral meetings, including with the President of China, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the President of Iran.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Secretary-General has now arrived in Papua New Guinea. Earlier today, he met the country’s Governor General, Bob Bofeng Dadae, as well as the Prime Minister, James Marape.
Later in the day, during a press conference with the Prime Minister, the Secretary-General said he was honoured to be the first UN Secretary-General to visit Papua New Guinea and to join in celebrating fifty years of the country’s independence.
For the past five decades, he said, Papua New Guineans have taken on a profound task: to weave their breathtaking diversity into one people, and one country that leaves no one behind.
Papua New Guinea has long led the charge for climate justice, he said. And as the UN Climate Conference in Brazil approaches, he added, the world must move faster to keep the 1.5 degrees limit alive and also to produce a credible path to achieve the $1.3 trillion dollar objective decided in Baku during the last Climate Conference.
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will address a special session of the Parliament to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence.
YEMEN
In a statement issued over the weekend on Yemen, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the arbitrary detentions of UN personnel by the Houthi de-facto authorities in Yemen. He further condemned the forced entry into the premises of the World Food Programme (WFP), the seizure of UN property, and attempts to enter other UN premises in Sana’a.
The total number of UN detained staff in this moment, after this latest action now stands at least at 18. This is in addition to the 23 colleagues already arbitrarily detained, some since 2021. You will recall that one of our colleagues died while being held by the Houthis and that took placein February of this year.
The Secretary-General strongly reiterates his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been detained, including all other personnel from the UN, international organizations, NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions.
UN personnel and from UN partners must never be targeted, they must never be arrested, and they must never be detained while carrying out their duties on behalf of the United Nations.
Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, justconcluded a visit to Muscat, in Oman, where he met with senior Omani officials, as well as Ansar Allah chief negotiator Mohammed Abdelsalam, and representatives of the diplomatic community.
In these meetings, Mr. Grundberg reiterated his strong condemnation of these detentions, stressingthat these detentions, as well as the forced entry into UN premises and taken of UN property by Ansar Allah, seriously endangers our ability to operate in Yemen and deliver much-needed assistance to the people of Yemen.
He also emphasized that these actions put all UN staff and operations at risk and underscored the fundamental obligation to respect and protect the safety of our colleagues.
Mr. Grundberg also expressed his deep concern over the continuous cycle of hostilities between Ansar Allah and Israel and its repercussions inside Yemen and for the wider region.
Full Highlight: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20September%202025
In remote eastern Afghanistan, aid workers are continuing to race to assist survivors of Sunday’s devastating earthquake as the death toll continues to climb. Amy Martin, Head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, in Afghanistan provides an updates on the situation.
