Three women share an uncommon experience: standing as candidates to lead the United Nations. Having witnessed the Secretary-General selection process from within, they now come together in an intergenerational conversation to explain the complexities of the UNSG election process. With the 2026 race on the horizon and global pressure mounting, this conversation goes beyond reflection.
Speakers:
Susana Malcorra, President, Global Women Leaders (GWL) Voices
Helen Clark, Member, Global Women Leaders (GWL) Voices
Irina Bokova, Member, Global Women Leaders (GWL) Voices
Moderator:
Raj Kumar, Founding President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex
Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2026.
"Happy Lunar New Year.
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we celebrate a symbol of energy, success, and the courage to forge ahead — qualities our world urgently needs as we confront conflict, inequality, and the climate crisis.
This season of renewal reminds us that, together, we can build a safer, more inclusive future.
Let us continue to advance our shared commitment to peace, dignity, and sustainable development for all.
May the spirit of the horse bring you health, happiness, and prosperity."
Remarks to the press ahead of the 39th Assembly of the African Union, by United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, alongside: Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU).
Full Remarks:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-events/2026-02-14/secretary-generals-press-conference-the-39th-african-union-summit
Addressing the African Union Summit, Secretary-General António Guterres pleads for global climate adaption for the continent that faces faster-than-average warming.
Maryam Bukar Hassan, Nigerian spoken word artist and poet, has been named the first United Nations Global Advocate for Peace—a groundbreaking role that recognizes the power of youth voices in shaping peace and security. "Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of understanding," she writes, capturing the essence of her vision for a more just and inclusive world. Drawing on her lived experience with conflict, Maryam brings resilience and creativity to peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts.
Speakers:
Maryam Bukar, UN Global Advocate for Peace
Moderator:
Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary General for the Global Communications
For Valentine’s Day 💙, peacekeepers received heartfelt messages of appreciation from the communities they serve. In sharing their gratitude, community members recognized the meaningful difference that both uniformed and civilian peacekeepers have made in their lives through their support and commitment to security.
Let’s give a round of applause to all the peacekeepers #ServingForPeace, away from their families and loved ones, working hand in hand with communities towards lasting peace. 🙌
0:14 – ‘The world is in a very different place’ Gita Gopinath makes her predictions for 2026: Gita Gopinath, Harvard University economics professor and former deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, explains why recent turmoil hasn’t yet shown up in global growth rates. She also discusses the potential of AI, as well as concerns about a bubble, and the threat of ‘jobless growth’.
3:32 – These data centres can regulate their energy consumption using AI: AI data centres use massive amounts of energy, and as data centres multiply, the problem will only become increasingly severe. That’s the thorny knot Emerald AI is bidding to untangle. Here, founder and CEO Varun Sivaram explains how it works – and how it can use AI to reduce local power bills, rather than raise them.
6:36 – How East Asia is succeeding in the energy transition. According to this expert: In countries like China and South Korea, argues UNSW professor Elizabeth Thurbon, the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is framed as a massive opportunity: one that can provide a huge boost to national, #energy and economic security – and whose benefits can be felt and shared by all.
8:39 – Young people, social media and AI: what’s a healthy way forward?: ‘Friendships are awkward and hard and you need a lot of practice. AI companions take all of it away’, says Jonathan Haidt, professor at NYU Stern and critic of social media use in childhood and adolescence. But Gen Z-er Jenny Kim disagrees, and says AI companions provide her with support when her real friends aren’t available. Also on the Davos panel were Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest, and Adam Grant, psychologist at Wharton School.
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"Today is the time for action" – President von der Leyen
On 14 February 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a keynote speech at the annual Munich Security Conference.
In her speech, President von der Leyen addresses the importance of strengthening Europe’s independence amid ongoing security challenges, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Emphasising the necessity for Europe to take primary responsibility for its security, she outlines the EU’s plan to invest significantly in defence capabilities and embrace more strategic partnerships.
President von der Leyen also calls for a new European Security Strategy, urging a proactive approach to protect European territories and values. Her speech concludes with an affirmation that Europe must honour its commitments and ensure peace and freedom through heightened independence and unity.
For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_414
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Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Programming Note
Ramadan Message
Secretary-General/AI
African Union/Secretary-General
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria/Security Council
Yemen
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Haiti
World Radio Day
Financial Contribution
PROGRAMMING NOTE
There will be a stakeout right after this briefing, at approximately 1:00 p.m., by Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout.
RAMADAN MESSAGE
In a message marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the Secretary-General says this month is a sacred period of reflection and prayer, representing a noble vision of hope and peace. Yet, for too many members of the human family, this vision remains distant. From Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, people continue to suffer from conflict, hunger, displacement and discrimination.
In these difficult and divided times, the Secretary-General calls on all to heed Ramadan’s enduring message, to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those in need, and safeguard the rights and dignity of every person.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/AI
As you have seen, yesterday we issued a statement by the Secretary-General upon the appointment of the members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence by the General Assembly. He noted that the 40 members were selected from more than 2,600 candidates, after independent review by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and UNESCO.
In a world where AI is racing ahead, the Secretary-General said, this Panel will provide what’s been missing, which is rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all Member States, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing. The Secretary-General added that he is confident their work will inform collective dialogue on AI, and support decisions based on evidence and solidarity.
AFRICAN UNION/SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Secretary-General is now in Addis Ababa.
He started the day by meeting the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Throughout the day, the Secretary-General had bilateral meetings with several African leaders. He also met with the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, the President of Angola, H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and he also met separately with the outcoming Chairperson of the AU, President of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye. You have received readouts of all the Secretary-General’s meetings.
A short while ago, the Secretary-General took part in the second Italy-Africa summit. In his remarks, he said this summit sends a clear message that cooperation must be built on mutual respect and trust, and that partnerships must be about delivering on Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Tomorrow morning, the Secretary-General will address the opening session of the 39th African Union summit. You have received an embargoed copy of his remarks.
Throughout the day, he will have additional meetings with leaders attending the summit and in the afternoon, he will hold a press conference.
He will be back in the office on Monday.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-13
