Press releases

Kinshasa, 25 June 2024 — The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) today closed its Bukavu office, the nerve centre of its South Kivu operations for more than 20 years with a high-level event. On 30 June, as agreed with the Government of the DRC, the Mission will complete its withdrawal from South Kivu marking the end of the first phase of its disengagement from the country.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the United Nations Global Service Centre, in Brindisi today:  Vice Primo Ministro e Ministro degli Affari Esteri Tajani, Sindaco Marchionna, Governatore Emiliano, Illustri ospiti, signore e signori. È meraviglioso essere di nuovo a Brindisi. Permettetemi di iniziare ringraziando il governo e la popolazione di Brindisi per il vostro caloroso benvenuto. E ringrazio l’Italia per essere un così buon amico, alleato e ospite delle Nazioni Unite.

UN Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 30 May 2024. In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Since that time, more than two million peacekeepers from 125 countries have since served in 71 operations around the world. Today, some 76,000 women and men are serving in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed on 29 May: Today we pay tribute to the more than 76,000 United Nations peacekeepers who embody humanity’s highest ideal:  peace. Hailing from over 120 countries, our blue helmets serve in 11 peace operations in conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.