MIL Video Engine

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Young people are engaging with the power of arts and storytelling to communicate the critical impact of nuclear weapons. This initiative in collaboration with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, emphasizes the need for youth involvement in achieving a world without nuclear weapons, promoting public awareness through creative methods. By sharing personal narratives and artistic expressions, participants aim to foster peace and global security.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4bRFrXIM4yk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Press Freedom Day 2026.

"People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.

But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.

Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death.

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.

Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity.

Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.

When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.

When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.

And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.

All freedom depends on press freedom.

Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe".

More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBJLefd0rHg

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed by the time of a planned visit to China by US President Donald Trump, “this issue will be high on the agenda of the bilateral talks” adding that the China-US relations go "far beyond” the Strait.

As China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for May, Ambassador Cong today (01 May) outlined priorities for the month, including a ministerial-level open debate on 26 May titled “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” The meeting is expected to be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Cong called for its reopening “as quickly as possible,” saying the responsibility lies with both sides. He said Iran should lift restrictions in the Strait, while the United States should end its naval blockade.

The Chinese diplomat also expressed concern over recent statements suggesting the US-Iran ceasefire could be temporary and that further military action might be considered. He said the international community should speak out against a resumption of hostilities.

Addressing China–US relations, Ambassador Cong said it is in the interest of both countries and the wider international community for the ties to remain “steady, sound and sustainable.” He added that “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” are key to the relationship’s development.

The Chinese diplomat continued, “the world is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States, it doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game between the two countries. He said preparations are underway for what he described as a “historic visit” by the US president, adding that China hopes the visit will take place.

At the United Nations, Ambassador Cong said China and the United States have “space to cooperation.” He said, “it is incumbent upon both China and the United States to help maintain the international order and to support the role of the UN and the biggest financial contributors of the organization. And there are a lot of commonalities in the positions in how the UN is run.”

He emphasized, “the UN is for all Member States, so no big power should adopt this approach that the interests of that big country should be put above the interests of the entire membership.”

Asked about China’s military involvement with Iran, Ambassador Cong said, “there is no military cooperation between China and Iran,” and described allegations to the contrary by some US officials as “false.” He said China sympathizes with the suffering of the Iranian people and supports efforts to bring an end to the fighting.

On the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, the Chinese diplomat said China supports the principle of geographical rotation and would welcome the appointment of a woman to the post.

Ambassador Cong concluded by reaffirming China’s continued support for the United Nations and for countries of the Global South, saying China’s ability to provide assistance would grow as the country develops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=789aARC7mKU

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Cuba
– Venezuela
– Trip Announcement
– Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict
– Middle East
– Abyei
– Mauritania
– International Days
– World Press Freedom Day
– Financial Contribution

MYANMAR

The Secretary-General has taken note of the transfer of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence. The Secretary-General appeals for the swift and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained as a fundamental step towards conditions conducive to a credible political process.

The Secretary-General reiterates that a viable political solution must be founded on an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue. He stresses the importance of continued dialogue between all relevant Myanmar stakeholders and his Special Envoy on how the United Nations and its partners, in particular ASEAN, can help support efforts towards a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar as called for by the Security Council and the General Assembly.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that we continue to receive reports of gunfire and strikes hitting residential areas across Gaza, causing civilian casualties. Yesterday, in Jabalya Camp, a UN school sheltering displaced families was hit by gunfire, and two people were injured. 

OCHA reiterates that, under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

Meanwhile, humanitarians working on sanitation tell us that four in every five sewage pumping stations are not functioning. As a result, every day, about 40,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage are flowing into the sea and areas where families are staying. Restrictions on the entry of essential items like generators and spare parts must be lifted so that water can be properly pumped and prevent the further collapse of these systems.  

On food security, the Food and Agriculture Organization said yesterday that it has now provided cash assistance to every herding household with at least one sheep or goat that survived the hostilities. That’s more than 2,000 herding households reached, one quarter of them headed by women.  

This has supported the production of milk and protein locally, which are a powerful way to combat malnutrition, especially among children.

In the West Bank, last week, the Israeli authorities delivered final eviction notices, by mid-May, to seven more families in the Batn al Hawa area of East Jerusalem. That’s to make way for settlers to take over the building, placing more than 40 people, half of them children, at risk of imminent displacement.

So far in 2026, 17 families – including 30 children – have been forcibly evicted from their homes in that neighbourhood. 

OCHA calls once again for the protection of civilians. Evictions, demolitions and violence have grave physical, social, economic and emotional impacts, and they deepen humanitarian needs. 

UKRAINE

From Ukraine, OCHA tells us that between Monday and the early hours of today, we and our humanitarian partners reached front-line communities in eastern and southern Ukraine through six aid convoys, delivering urgently needed assistance in the regions of Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson.

The convoys reached 4,000 people with food, hygiene items, dignity kits, generators, clothing and first-aid kits.

Meanwhile, over the past day, attacks and hostilities across Ukraine reportedly killed at least two civilians and injured 58 others, with the regions of Dnipro, Sumy, Kherson, Kharkiv and Odesa among the hardest hit. Homes, a school, railway infrastructure and shops were damaged.

Our humanitarian partners responded quickly in Odesa and Dnipro, providing shelter, psychosocial support, legal aid, hot meals, hygiene kits and materials for emergency repairs. In Dnipro, drone strikes also damaged or destroyed humanitarian vehicles, though thankfully no injuries were reported.

Yesterday and today, local authorities, with support from our humanitarian partners, evacuated nearly 370 people, including 25 children, from frontline areas of Donetsk.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-01

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbNxk3zGYGQ

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Back from a mission to the moon, astronauts from Artemis II arrived at United Nations Headquarters with a message for humanity about our shared purpose on Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgOR8pndMf4