A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Special Envoy Cong urges renewed dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan amid rising tensions in Abyei
On 5 November, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong briefed the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2046, warning that Sudan’s conflict continues to threaten stability in Abyei and the wider border region. Condemning the deadly drone attacks on Amiet market in October, he called for civilian protection and accountability. Cong welcomed the resumption of bilateral security discussions between Sudan and South Sudan but stressed the need to sustain dialogue and advance negotiations on Abyei’s final status. He also highlighted worsening insecurity and humanitarian conditions in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States, calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. Read his full remarks here.
Special Envoy Xia promotes women’s participation and regional security in the Great Lakes region
From 2 to 5 November, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia participated in the Women Parliamentary Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, emphasizing the need to move beyond women’s representation towards meaningful participation in policymaking and decision-making. Meanwhile, from 2 to 4 November, his Office co-organized a regional conference in Addis Ababa with the African Union Commission and the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), focusing on strengthening weapons and ammunition management in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes through technical assistance and regional cooperation.
BINUH supports voter awareness initiative for first-time voters in Haiti
On 6 November, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) supported the closing event of the second cycle of voter awareness activities in Port-au-Prince, concluding a series of sessions held across Haiti since September. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women's Rights and the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the event brought together more than 150 participants. Discussions focused on barriers to electoral participation among young people and women, including security challenges, voter registration and accessibility. The CEP also deployed a mobile team to register eligible first-time voters on site.
Personal Envoy Haavisto continues diplomatic engagement on Sudan
On 1 November, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Pekka Haavisto concluded a two-day visit to Manama, Bahrain, where he participated in the Manama Dialogue and held consultations with several interlocutors, including Bahrain’s Foreign Minister. The visit followed his participation in the Tana Forum in Addis Ababa and regional consultations in Nairobi. Haavisto plans to return to Sudan in the coming weeks to continue engaging with key stakeholders on de-escalating violence and strengthening the protection of civilians.
UNAMA chief visits Nangarhar Province to engage with local communities and authorities
During her first visit to Nangarhar Province, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Rabab Fatima met with de facto authorities, women, community elders, business leaders, returnees and UN agencies. The visit provided an opportunity to hear firsthand about local needs, priorities and pressing challenges facing communities in the province. Fatima reaffirmed the UN’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan and addressing their needs through engagement with local communities and partners. Learn more about her trip here.
UN brings together regional and international partners to advance peace in the Horn of Africa
On 29 October, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong convened a retreat in Nairobi, bringing together special envoys, ambassadors, regional organizations and international partners. Discussions addressed peace and security developments in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Red Sea. Participants emphasized the interconnected nature of regional challenges and the need for coordinated action, greater trust among States and sustained international support that reinforces regional leadership in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
UNRCCA and Turkmenistan discuss strengthening regional cooperation
On 4 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze met with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova in Ashgabat. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in Women, Peace and Security, Youth, Peace and Security, counter-terrorism and climate change. Imnadze welcomed Turkmenistan’s initiative to designate 2028 as the Year of International Law and expressed UNRCCA’s readiness to support relevant activities within its mandate, including those addressing human rights and climate change. Read more.
Personal Envoy Holguín advances dialogue and intercommunal engagement in Cyprus
This week, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus María Ángela Holguín continued consultations with political leaders and representatives of civil society and the Technical Committees. Following her meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on 30 October, she met with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman on 2 November. On 3 November, Holguín engaged with the Steering Committee of the Civil Society Consultative Body to discuss perspectives on the peace process. She also attended a youth mentorship event on 4 November, bringing together young people from across the island and experts from various professional fields. On 5 November, she met with the co-chairs of the 13 Technical Committees, underscoring their role in fostering trust and practical cooperation between the two communities. These engagements, supported by the United Nations Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, form part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and inclusive participation in the peace process.
UNSMIL chief advances political consultations following Security Council mandate renewal
On 3 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh met with Presidential Council Vice President Abdullah Al-Lafi to discuss implementation of the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap and the Smaller Convening Agreement. They also exchanged views on economic developments, including Central Bank leadership changes and the importance of sound financial governance. The meeting followed the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2835 (2026) on 30 October, extending UNSMIL’s mandate until 31 October 2027 and reaffirming its support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process towards inclusive national elections.
UN Verification Mission highlights a decade of peace agreement implementation through photo exhibition in Colombia
On 3 November, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) and partners inaugurated the Voices from the Territory photo exhibition in Ibagué, Tolima, highlighting progress over ten years of implementation of Colombia’s Final Peace Agreement. Featuring photographs from across Tolima, the exhibition marked the start of a week of academic, cultural and artistic activities bringing together victims, peace agreement signatories, local communities and institutions. Supported by national and local authorities, transitional justice institutions, academia and civil society, the initiative provided an opportunity to reflect on progress and reaffirm commitments to peace and reconciliation.
UNOCA and Gabon discuss cooperation on conflict prevention and social cohesion
On 5 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Mohamed El-Amine Souef met with the President of Gabon’s Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), Guy Bertrand Mapangou, in Libreville. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in preventive diplomacy, early warning, social cohesion and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The meeting highlighted opportunities for closer strategic and technical cooperation between UNOCA and Gabon in support of national and regional stability.
UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy explores conflict prevention and minority rights
On 4 November, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) organized an online session of its Preventive Diplomacy Academy for young professionals from Central Asia and Afghanistan. Peter Naderer, Senior Adviser at the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, introduced the Office’s role in conflict prevention, including early warning, early action and quiet diplomacy. Participants explored how ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity can shape conflict dynamics and examined practical approaches to identifying and addressing inter-ethnic tensions before they escalate. The session formed part of UNRCCA’s efforts to strengthen young professionals’ understanding of preventive diplomacy tools and practices.
DPPA strengthens women’s participation in ceasefire negotiations
On 4 November, DPPA concluded the sixth edition of its Women in Ceasefire Negotiations Course, a 10-week programme designed to strengthen women peacebuilders’ technical knowledge and practical skills in negotiating ceasefires and security arrangements. Bringing together participants from diverse conflict contexts, the course equipped women with tools and expertise to engage meaningfully in negotiations. The initiative advances the Women, Peace and Security agenda by promoting women’s direct participation in peace processes, recognizing their essential role in strengthening local ownership, enhancing legitimacy and contributing to more sustainable peace agreements.
Turning data into action for Women, Peace and Security
On 29 October, the Gender Unit of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO), with support from Germany, launched the UN Portal on Women in Justice and Security in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The launch featured a panel of women leaders from Tanzania, the Netherlands and the UN Police Division, who shared experiences from police, justice, corrections, mine action and military justice institutions. The Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security, Liberata Mulamula, also delivered remarks. The portal tracks progress, showcases good practices, and addresses critical data gaps to inform evidence-based policies and action. Member States that have not yet contributed are encouraged to participate in the second round of data collection, with submissions due by 26 February 2027. Explore the portal.
Next Week
The Security Council is scheduled to hold meetings on Ukraine on 9 November and the situation in the Middle East on 13 November.
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