In 2024, the United Nations marked the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250—a landmark commitment to the global Youth, Peace and Security agenda. On 15 December, the UN Youth Office, in partnership with the UN system and with the support of Member States, convened a high-level stocktaking event and an intergenerational Peace Circle to reflect on progress, elevate youth leadership, and renew political commitment for the decade ahead.
We are grateful to young people around the world leading peacebuilding and conflict-resolution efforts in their communities. We see you and we stand with you.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Parliament is full of red and green, and not just because it’s Christmas. The colours hold special significance for the House of Commons and @HouseofLords
In a video briefing to the press, a World Food Programme official reflects on a recent visit to Gaza, describing the conditions faced by displaced families during winter — including mothers with newborns living in tents, limited food access, and unsafe surroundings.
An on-the-ground account of the humanitarian situation as witnessed during a WFP field visit.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
In 2025 the House of Lords considered 6,500 changes to bills, pressed the government for action in over 1,400 hours of business, and heard from the public, organisations, and ministers in 656 committee meetings.
📄 Catch up on a busy year and explore the key highlight https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/dec-2025/2025-in-the-house-of-lords/
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Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, echoed concerns about instability and funding shortfalls. She said recent violence underscored the fragile situation. “Last week’s attack in Palmyra, and other suspected ISIL attacks in recent months, also illustrate the fragile situation in many areas,” she said, adding that such violence undermines prospects for development and investment.
Msuya warned that aid operations are being constrained by lack of resources. “With our humanitarian appeal for 2025 only 30 per cent funded, there are millions more people that we can’t help,” she said, noting reductions and disruptions in critical assistance.
Civil society voices also addressed the Council. Mariam Jalabi, co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, appealed to Syrians at home and in the diaspora to continue pursuing justice and accountability. She called on Syrians to “celebrate the anniversary of our liberation” and to ensure that “the voice of the Syrian people be the source and compass of all authority.”
"We all share one clear goal. A just and lasting peace for Ukraine." – President von der Leyen
On 19 December 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took part in the European Council press conference with Council President António Costa, and Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, to address securing funding for Ukraine.
It was announced that the EU has secured an agreement to finance Ukraine’s needs for the next two years, committing EUR 90 billion through EU borrowing on the capital markets.
Additionally, it was announced that progress has been made on the Mercosur agreement, enhancing trade opportunities amid rising tariffs. Praising the Danish Presidency’s leadership, Commission President von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, energy independence, and defence initiatives.
For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_3134
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-282866
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Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Stay focused, put the phone awayLet’s work together to make South Africa’s roads safer for everyone.Arrive Alive – because getting there safely is what truly matters. #Govzaupdates #Arrivealive
“Syrians have made great strides since a year ago, but serious obstacles remain,” UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council.
Briefing the Council, she said the Syrian government has restored state institutions, begun integrating armed factions under a single command, issued a constitutional declaration and formed a new cabinet, with indirect legislative elections held in October.
DiCarlo also pointed to shifting international dynamics. “Many countries have lifted bilateral sanctions on Syria,” she said, noting that the US Congress had repealed the Caesar Act and that the Security Council last month adopted resolution 2799, removing designations on President Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab.
However, she warned that security risks persist, particularly in southern Syria. “Israeli airstrikes and incursions in the south have aggravated the security situation,” DiCarlo said, citing a late-November incursion into the town of Beit Jinn that, according to Syrian authorities, killed 13 people and displaced families. She reiterated the Secretary-General’s call on Israel to refrain from violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Press conference by Antoine Renard, World Food Programme’s (WFP) Palestine Representative, on the situation in Gaza following his recent visit to the Strip.
