A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Constructive engagement key to resolving Iran nuclear issue, DiCarlo tells Security Council
On 10 July, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), highlighting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s loss of continuity of knowledge regarding Iran’s nuclear programme following recent attacks and the continued absence of in-field verification activities. Stressing that a framework for further negotiations remains crucial, she urged all parties to engage constructively and in good faith towards a peaceful, comprehensive and durable resolution of the Iran nuclear issue.
USG DiCarlo urges immediate ceasefire as Russian attacks on Ukraine intensify
On 9 July, USG DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on the intensifying war in Ukraine, condemning a series of large-scale Russian aerial attacks that caused heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction. She also noted continued reports of civilian harm in territories under temporary Russian occupation and inside the Russian Federation, reiterating that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law. "There are no military solutions that could bring about lasting peace,” she said.
UNCOPS hears call for prevention-driven response to transnational crime
On 8 July, USG DiCarlo addressed the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026). She highlighted the growing links between conflict, transnational organized crime and illicit economies. “Cooperation is not optional. It is the only way to meet threats that are, by definition, transnational,” she said, stressing that prevention must drive the international response, with stronger investment in peacemaking, integrated action across the UN system and partnerships grounded in human rights and national ownership.
OIC UNSCOL Jean Arnault meets officials in Lebanon and Israel
Jean Arnault, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), who assumed his duties at the beginning of July, held a series of meetings with senior political and security officials in Lebanon to discuss reinforcing stability, strengthening state institutions and advancing the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). His meetings, including with the President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers of Interior and Defense, and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, provided an opportunity to review cooperation between Lebanon and the United Nations. He also travelled to Israel this week, where he met with senior Israeli officials to discuss the current situation.
UN Good Offices Mission engages young diplomats on Cyprus peace efforts
On 8 July, the United Nations Good Offices Mission in Cyprus briefed a group of young Greek diplomats on its mandate, the current state of the Cyprus peace process and recent political developments. The discussion also covered the work of the island’s 13 Technical Committees and highlighted the importance of sustained contact between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as well as trust-building initiatives that bring communities together around issues of shared concern.
UN in Libya opens applications for young women’s leadership programme
On 8 July, the United Nations in Libya opened applications for the fourth cohort of Ra’idat, its annual leadership programme for young Libyan women. Led by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in partnership with UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women, the year-long initiative strengthens participants’ skills in leadership, advocacy, communications and human rights. Encouraging applications from young women across Libya, Special Representative Hanna Tetteh highlighted the programme’s growing impact in empowering participants to become leaders and agents of positive change in their communities.
Colombia: Former combatants share their peacebuilding experience
On 8 July, in Neiva, department of Huila, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVCM) participated in discussions with peace signatories during the presentation of the management report of the National Reintegration Agency (ARN). During the event, peace signatories expressed their appreciation for the institutions that have supported and accompanied their reincorporation process. They also highlighted the significance of the process itself, which enabled them to come together and share that moment as a tangible symbol of peace, reconciliation, and social reintegration.
Peace in Conversation: Reflecting on 10 Years of Colombia’s Peace Agreement
On 8 July, in Medellín, the UNVMC and Comfenalco Antioquia launched “Peace Has the Floor: 10 Years of the Agreement between the Colombian State and the Former FARC-EP”, a series of public conversations in Medellín to reflect on the achievements and remaining challenges of implementing the Final Peace Agreement. The initiative will reach eight Comfenalco libraries across Antioquia, bringing the Agreement closer to communities and highlighting the contributions of civil society and the private sector to reconciliation. It reinforces that sustaining peace is a shared responsibility, ten years after the signing of the Agreement.
UNRCCA contributes to UN Counter-Terrorism Week
From 26 June to 2 July, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) participated in the Fourth UN Counter-Terrorism Week at UN Headquarters in New York, joining Member States and partners to discuss multistakeholder approaches to counter-terrorism. Together with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and other partners, UNRCCA co-organized a side event highlighting Central Asian experiences in the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees from conflict zones, providing a platform for regional cooperation and the exchange of good practices.
Next Week
Next week, the Security Council is expected to hold briefings on the Middle East on 13 July, West Africa and the Sahel on 14 July, and Colombia on 15 July.
