A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Secretary-General presents review on the future of UN peace operations
On 26 August, Secretary-General António Guterres presented to the General Assembly his review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations. Mandated by the Pact for the Future, the review calls for a reset in how peace operations are used, with a sharper focus on peacemaking, stronger partnerships with host States, focused and adaptable mandates, and more agile operations. “UN peace operations are indispensable tools for maintaining international peace and security — but to be more effective, they must adapt to new realities,” he said, adding that we must also make fuller use of our special political missions with regional mandates and consider how to expand the existing network of regional offices and envoys.
DiCarlo urges action as Sudan’s parties remain locked in “zero-sum military logic”
On 24 August, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on the escalating conflict in Sudan, warning that the parties remain locked in a “zero-sum military logic” as civilian suffering mounts and fighting risks further regional spillover. She called for greater international attention and unified action to bring the parties back to meaningful negotiations. USG DiCarlo also highlighted ongoing UN efforts with the Quad and Quintet to advance a humanitarian truce and an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process, as well as the good offices of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Pekka Haavisto, who has intensified engagement with the conflict parties.
DiCarlo urges renewed diplomatic push to end war in Ukraine
Briefing the Security Council on Ukraine on 24 August, marking four and a half years since the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion, USG DiCarlo warned a mounting civilian toll and continued escalation, including attacks affecting civilian and maritime infrastructure. She stressed that the need to end the war “could not be more urgent”, calling for every available diplomatic effort to be mobilized to de-escalate the conflict.
Alakbarov urges action to advance Gaza recovery and a political path forward
On 26 August, Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov briefed the Security Council amid rising tensions and deepening uncertainty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Stressing that Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction and the broader political process are mutually dependent, he called for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2803 (2025), alongside urgent steps to restore essential services and move beyond emergency relief. He also warned of the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including continued settler violence and settlement expansion, and stressed the need to translate existing frameworks into concrete steps towards a two-State solution.
Cordone underscores inclusion as key to Syria’s political transition
On 27 August, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (DSESG) for Syria Claudio Cordone spoke at the Security Council from Damascus on developments in Syria’s political transition. Building on the Secretary-General’s recent visit, DSESG Cordone stressed that the transition’s success will ultimately depend on whether all Syrians are represented and able to participate meaningfully in shaping the country’s future. He also underscored the importance of accountability, transitional justice and the meaningful participation of women and civil society.
UNRCCA strengthens engagement with Tajikistan on regional peace and security
On 21 August, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Kaha Imnadze, met with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Ashgabat to discuss regional developments and cooperation between Tajikistan and UNRCCA. Their discussions focused on priorities including implementation of the General Assembly resolution on the International Decade for Strengthening of Peace for Future Generations (2027–2036).
UNAMA highlights women’s livelihoods and alternative development in Badakhshan
During a visit to Badakhshan province this week, Acting Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Georgette Gagnon met with local authorities, women entrepreneurs, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing communities, particularly women, and efforts to address the impact of narcotics. In Faizabad and Khash district, she visited UN-supported initiatives, including a drug rehabilitation centre, a women’s safe space and a women-led dairy processing enterprise providing an alternative to poppy cultivation. DSRSG Gagnon called for greater investment in alternative development opportunities and sustainable livelihoods while reaffirming the UN’s support for communities across Afghanistan.
UNOCA Head Souef makes first visit to Equatorial Guinea
On 25 August, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Mohamed El-Amine Souef met with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Malabo during his first mission to Equatorial Guinea as Head of UNOCA. Discussions focused on peace and social cohesion in Central Africa, conflict prevention, and the role of women and youth. The SRSG reaffirmed UNOCA’s commitment to supporting regional cooperation and the efforts of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). During his visit, Souef also met with Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.
UNSMIL urges momentum on roadmap to break Libya’s political deadlock
On 28 August, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh had discussions in Benghazi with LNA Deputy General Commander Lt. Gen. Saddam Haftar political, economic and security developments in Libya. The SRSG welcomed the General Command delegation’s constructive engagement in the Smaller Convening, which resulted in agreement on the first two milestones of the UN-facilitated roadmap: the High National Elections Commission and the legal framework for presidential and parliamentary elections. She called on the eastern authorities to build on this momentum to help break the political deadlock and advance legitimate, accountable and unified institutions.
Cypriot leaders agree to intensify dialogue under UN auspices
On 26 August, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman met in Nicosia under United Nations auspices and agreed to intensify their engagement, including by meeting once a week and more frequently as circumstances may require. The meeting followed the Secretary-General’s July visit to Cyprus, when he announced his intention to convene another 5+1 meeting after adequate preparations on confidence-building, methodology and substance. The UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus continues to support the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating dialogue, building trust and advancing the peace process.
Community initiatives advance reintegration and reconciliation in Colombia
In Tolima and Cauca, peace signatories and local communities came together through initiatives supporting reintegration and reconciliation. On 19 August in Honda, Tolima, farmers and peace signatories, accompanied by UNVMC, carried out their first collective fishing activity, providing food for 47 families while supporting livelihoods and ties with the host community.
On 27 August in Morales, Cauca, peace signatories joined local communities for a day of art and culture, creating a mural with messages of peace and reconciliation and helping strengthen dialogue, trust and peaceful coexistence.
Next Week
France assumes the presidency of the Security Council for September.
