A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
USG DiCarlo urges return to diplomacy as Ukraine war enters new dangerous phase
On 8 June, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed the Security Council on Ukraine, warning that the war has entered a new dangerous phase amid escalating attacks and rising civilian casualties. She highlighted large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine and noted reports that Ukrainian attacks in areas under Russian control and within the Russian Federation have caused civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. She also expressed concern over risks to nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. USG DiCarlo welcomed a recent prisoner-of-war exchange, USG DiCarlo reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.
Mounting pressures threaten Afghanistan’s long-term stability, Security Council hears
On 8 June, Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), briefed the UN Security Council on the country’s political, economic and humanitarian situation. While noting relative stability under the de facto authorities, she warned of growing pressures stemming from large-scale returns, economic fragility, environmental stress and shrinking opportunities, particularly for women and girls. She highlighted continued restrictions on women’s rights, deteriorating human rights conditions and challenges facing returnees and vulnerable communities. DSRSG Gagnon also stressed the importance of sustained international engagement through the Doha Process and reiterated that Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community depends on progress toward meeting its international obligations.
ASG Pobee highlights security and governance challenges in Central Africa
On 9 June, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Africa briefed the Security Council on the situation in Central Africa and the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). While noting progress in electoral processes, institutional reforms and regional cooperation, she warned of persistent security and humanitarian challenges, particularly in eastern Chad, the Lake Chad Basin and the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. ASG Pobee also expressed concern over increasing restrictions on civil and political rights in parts of the region and stressed the importance of inclusive political processes and strengthened preventive diplomacy. She reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting regional peace and security efforts, including through continued cooperation with the Economic Community of Central African States and UNOCA.
UN and AU review peace efforts in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region
From 7 to 8 June in Lomé, Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for the Great Lakes Region participated in the African Union semi-annual assessment meeting on the crisis in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region. Convened under the mediation of Faure Gnassingbé, African Union Mediator, the meeting reviewed progress, challenges and next steps in regional peace efforts and explored ways to strengthen coordination among regional and international partners. The Special Envoy also met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, together with SRSG for the Democratic Republic of the Congo James Swan to discuss the situation in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations in support of peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region.
Partners commemorate International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Addis Ababa
On 8 June, the African Union Commission, the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), the Institute for Security Studies and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies concluded a joint commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Addis Ababa. Held under the theme “Invest in Peace,” the event honoured United Nations and African Union peacekeepers through a photo exhibition, wreath-laying ceremony, keynote remarks and a panel discussion with university students and peace and security practitioners. Discussions highlighted the importance of innovation, prevention, sustainable financing, strong partnerships, youth engagement and enhanced protection for peacekeepers and civilians in increasingly complex operating environments across Africa.
SRSG Imnadze discusses regional cooperation and preventive diplomacy in Bishkek
On 8–9 June, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze visited Bishkek for consultations with government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United Nations. Discussions focused on regional developments, peacebuilding and cooperation among Central Asian states, with particular attention to women’s and youth engagement in preventive diplomacy and opportunities arising from Kyrgyzstan’s election to the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. SRSG Imnadze also welcomed the adoption of the General Assembly resolution on the peaceful resolution of border disputes, initiated by Kyrgyzstan and supported by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Discussions also covered preparations for a trilateral Young Peacebuilders Cross-Border Initiative and other regional efforts to foster trust, strengthen cross-border cooperation and promote people-to-people contacts in the Fergana Valley.
SRSG Imnadze participates in conference on Central Asia and the SCO
On 12 June, SRSG Imnadze participated in an international conference in Dushanbe marking the upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Discussions focused on the SCO’s role in promoting regional dialogue, confidence-building, security cooperation and sustainable development. In his remarks, Mr. Imnadze highlighted the importance of trust, opportunity and practical cooperation in sustaining regional stability and outlined UNRCCA’s cooperation with the SCO on preventive diplomacy, counter-terrorism early warning, reintegration of returnees from conflict zones and broader regional security issues. On the margins of the conference, Mr. Imnadze met with Idibek Kalandar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, to discuss cooperation between UNRCCA and Tajikistan, including preparations for the upcoming meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States and activities under the Fergana Peace Process.
Digital skills workshop supports reintegration in Catatumbo
On 9 June, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) supported a workshop to strengthen their skills in photography and digital marketing for the peace signatories in the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander. Through training in portrait and product photography, participants learned new ways to promote their businesses and connect with potential customers. By enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of productive initiatives, the workshop supports economic reintegration and helps create long-term opportunities in communities affected by conflict.
Training programme supports political reintegration in Tumaco
On 10 June, UNVMC accompanied the graduation of twenty peace signatories from the La Variante Territorial Area for Training and Reintegration in Tumaco, Nariño, who completed a diploma course on citizen participation, advocacy and social oversight. Led by the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN) and delivered by the University of Antioquia, the programme aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to engage in civic and democratic processes. The Mission underscored the importance of such initiatives in advancing political reintegration and supporting the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Personal Envoy engages Cypriot leaders and highlights role of Technical Committees
This week, María Ángela Holguín, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) on Cyprus, continued her engagement with Cypriot stakeholders, meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman to discuss ongoing efforts in support of the Cyprus peace process. During her visit, she also participated in an open day showcasing the work of the island’s 13 Technical Committees. Speaking at the event, PESG Holguín commended the committees’ crucial role in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The event highlighted joint efforts on issues ranging from women and youth, education, humanitarian and cultural heritage, while providing an opportunity for the public to learn more about cross-community cooperation.
Podcast explores water insecurity and stability in Iraq
The latest episode of Climate, Crisis and Courage – A UN Podcast examines the growing impact of water scarcity in Iraq, where years of conflict, drought, rising temperatures and pollution are reshaping daily life. The episode explores how water-related pressures intersect with conflict and considers whether improved water management can support cooperation and long-term stability. Host Nazanine Moshiri speaks with Andrea Dekrout and Peshtiwan Al-Dawoudi about the challenges facing communities and opportunities to strengthen resilience and peace.
Next Week
On 16 June, DPPA will convene its annual donor meeting, highlighting the role of voluntary funding in supporting conflict prevention and sustaining peace.
On 17 June, DPPA and the United Nations System Staff College will host an online panel discussion, Leveraging Data Analytics and AI for Early Warning and Conflict Prevention, as part of the Data for Peace Conference. Bringing together experts from the United Nations, civil society and international organizations, the discussion will explore how data analytics and emerging AI tools are shaping decision-making across conflict prevention, crisis response and peacebuilding, and the opportunities and challenges of applying these technologies in support of peace and security.
On 19 June, the DPPA Innovation Cell will host Can Social Media Still Be Trusted? Political Analysis in an AI-Polluted Information Environment (10:00–11:00 a.m. EDT). This hybrid event will examine how AI-generated content, evolving platform policies and declining data access are affecting the use of social media for political analysis. The discussion will explore implications for peace and security contexts and consider how the United Nations can responsibly navigate an increasingly complex digital information environment.
