A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Yamashita urges renewed efforts to resolve outstanding humanitarian issues between Iraq and Kuwait
On 26 October, Mari Yamashita, Senior Representative of the Secretary-General for the implementation of Security Council resolution 2792 (2025), briefed the Security Council on efforts to clarify the fate of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and recover missing Kuwaiti property, including national archives. She noted that 315 people remain missing more than 35 years after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, stressing the urgency of identifying witnesses and pursuing credible leads. Yamashita called for stronger cooperation between Iraq, Kuwait and the International Committee of the Red Cross, emphasizing the humanitarian imperative of providing answers to families and advancing the return of missing property.
UN leaders call for concrete action to advance Women, Peace and Security agenda
On 27 October, Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council to mark 26 years since the adoption of resolution 1325, stressing that women’s leadership is central to building just and lasting peace. Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo echoed this message, calling for concrete action to support women leading peace efforts in Afghanistan, Syria and beyond. In the context of Women, Peace and Security Month, Asif Khan, Director of DPPA’s Policy and Mediation Division, addressed a high-level side event on reimagining mediation on 29 October. He highlighted the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation and UN efforts to strengthen women’s engagement in peace processes in Libya and Somalia, emphasizing that inclusive approaches are essential to sustainable peace.
UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia concludes its mandate
On 31 October, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will conclude its mandate following a two-year transition, in accordance with Security Council resolutions and the request of the Federal Government of Somalia. A formal ceremony in Mogadishu on 26 October marked the occasion, attended by Officer-in-Charge Raisedon Zenenga and Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama. The Mission’s mandated functions have been transferred to Somali institutions and UN agencies, funds and programmes, reflecting increased national ownership of peacebuilding and State-building efforts. In a statement, the Secretary-General commended Somalia’s progress and reaffirmed the UN’s continued support for Somali-led efforts towards peace, stability and sustainable development.
Security Council unanimously renews UN Verification Mission mandate in Colombia
On 30 October, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia for another year, until 31 October 2027. The renewal ensures the continuation of the Mission’s work in support of the implementation of Colombia’s Final Peace Agreement and underscores the Council’s continued engagement in the country’s peace process.
UN supports continued dialogue between Cypriot leaders and engagement with civil society
On 30 October, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus María Ángela Holguín met with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides as part of ongoing UN efforts to advance dialogue between the two communities. She is scheduled to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman early next week. Earlier, on 27 October, the two leaders met with representatives of the Technical Committees on Cultural Heritage and Youth, as well as the Steering Committee of the Civil Society Consultative Body. Discussions focused on preserving cultural heritage, fostering cooperation among young people and strengthening civil society engagement in the peace process.
Special Envoy for Yemen discusses political settlement during Moscow visit
On 28 October, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded a visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov and other senior diplomats to discuss developments in Yemen and prospects for a political settlement. Discussions focused on the impact of ongoing escalation on efforts to advance a political process under UN auspices. Grundberg emphasized the importance of coordinated regional and international support for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict and lasting regional stability.
Tetteh advances discussions on Libya’s political process and elections in London
On 27 October, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh, met with UK Minister of State Stephen Doughty in London to discuss Libya’s political process and preparations for national elections. The following day, Tetteh chaired the third follow-up meeting of the Smaller Convening, hosted by the United Kingdom, to review implementation of the 30 August Agreement. Participants emphasized the importance of unifying the judiciary to ensure credible presidential and legislative elections, agreed to broaden consultations with the judicial community and reaffirmed their commitment to engaging political actors.
Bishop urges renewed international action to address Myanmar crisis
On 27 October, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar Julie Bishop briefed the General Assembly’s Third Committee dialogue on the ‘Situation on human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar’. Presenting the Secretary-General’s annual report, she highlighted conflicting narratives between Myanmar’s military authorities and the resistance concerning electoral legitimacy, civilian protection, humanitarian access, territorial control and peace initiatives. Following a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, Bishop warned that conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees do not exist and would require guarantees from non-state actor Arakan Army. Reaffirming UN support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, she advocated measurable benchmarks to assess progress and stressed that Myanmar’s conflict cannot be resolved through military means. Read her full remarks or watch on UN Web TV.
UNOCA supports regional exchange on peace and reconciliation in Burundi
From 19 to 23 October, the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) joined the field visit mission to Bujumbura, Burundi, organized by the Bureau of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC) to examine lessons from the implementation of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. The delegation met with representatives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former President Sylvestre Ntibantunganya, government institutions, civil society and religious leaders. Discussions highlighted Burundi’s experience in truth-seeking, reconciliation and rebuilding social cohesion, offering lessons for strengthening conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding across Central Africa.
UN Verification Mission supports forum marking a decade of peace agreement implementation in Colombia
From 26 to 28 October, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia supported an academic forum at the University of Los Llanos in Villavicencio, Meta, marking the tenth anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement. Organized by the university on behalf of Colombia’s 34 public universities, the forum brought together some 400 participants, primarily students, alongside victims, peace agreement signatories, security forces, academics and government representatives. Under the theme From Signing to Implementation, participants reflected on progress, challenges and lessons learned over the past decade, with particular attention to the reintegration of former combatants.
Partners visit Peacebuilding Fund-supported initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 27 October, representatives of 10 Member States, the European Union, civil society and the UN Country Team visited Peacebuilding Fund-supported initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Led by UN Resident Coordinator Arnhild Spence, the delegation visited Doboj and Tuzla to learn how the Fund supports reconciliation, social cohesion and locally led peacebuilding. Participants engaged with community dialogue platforms, Women, Peace and Security initiatives promoting survivor-centred recovery and economic empowerment, and peace education activities. Students and educators highlighted how evidence-based approaches to teaching about conflict are helping younger generations address the legacies of the past and contribute to a more inclusive future.
UNSCOL engages university students on diplomacy and peacebuilding in Lebanon
To mark United Nations Day, the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) welcomed four university students for a day of engagement with the UN’s diplomatic and peacebuilding work. The students gained insights into the Office’s activities and met with Officer-in-Charge and Special Coordinator [and Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East conflict and its consequences] Jean Arnault to share their perspectives and aspirations for Lebanon’s future. The initiative highlighted the importance of engaging young people in discussions on peace and stability and creating opportunities for their voices to be heard.
UNOWAS welcomes Freetown Declaration on national unity and social cohesion in Sierra Leone
This week, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simão participated in the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference in Freetown, marking the fifth anniversary of Sierra Leone’s Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion. The conference brought together political leaders, civil society, women, youth and other stakeholders, culminating in the adoption of the Freetown Declaration on National Unity and Social Cohesion 2026. The Declaration reaffirmed commitments to dialogue, conflict prevention and implementation of the Agreement for National Unity. Simão emphasized the importance of trust, women’s and youth participation, and sustained support for democratic governance and social cohesion.
UN highlights women’s representation in justice and security institutions
On 26 October, the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office presented the UN Portal on Women in Justice and Security during a high-level meeting of Defence Ministers and senior Women, Peace and Security leaders. The portal brings together Member States’ data and good practices on women’s representation in police, justice, corrections, mine action and military justice institutions. Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Spehar encouraged ministries to contribute data and examples of good practices in military justice and nominate women in senior defence leadership positions to join an expert panel. These contributions will support knowledge-sharing among Member States and help accelerate progress on women’s participation in justice and security institutions.
Next Week
Latvia holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November.
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