Press releases

Secretary-General's remarks to UN Security Council Open Debate on Peace and Security in Africa: "Addressing root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa"

19 May 2021 | UN Headquarters

Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Council on the important subject of addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have warned of the risks it poses to people and societies around the world, especially in countries affected by conflict. The series of Policy Briefs I issued last year included one that focuses only on the impact of COVID-19 on Africa. This was the backdrop to my appeal for a global ceasefire to enable us to focus on our common enemy: the virus.

Speech by Jean-Pierre Lacroix (DPKO) on Peace and security in Africa (Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel) - Security Council

18 May 2021 | UN Headquarters

Remarks by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on Peace and security in Africa (G5 Sahel).

Secretary-General's video message to the International Conference to Support the Sudanese Transition

17 May 2021 | UN Headquarters

[Watch the video on webtv.un.org] I thank France for hosting today’s Conference. We have a responsibility to help Sudan consolidate its democratic transition. Rebuild its economy. And deliver sustainable peace and development for all its diverse society. I commend the Government of Sudan for undertaking difficult economic reforms.

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General - on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

11 May 2021 | UN Headquarters

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General - on the Democratic Republic of the Congo The Secretary-General strongly condemns Monday’s attack against a temporary position of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Beni territory, North Kivu, by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The attack resulted in the killing of one peacekeeper from Malawi.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the death of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Erskine - first UNIFIL Force Commander from 1978 to 1981

9 May 2021 | UN Headquarters

The Secretary-General is saddened at the passing of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Erskine, of Ghana, at the age of 86. Lt. Gen. Erskine served as UNIFIL’s first Force Commander from 1978 to 1981, a particularly difficult time for south Lebanon. He led the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the initial implementation of Security Council Resolution 425 (1978).

Secretary-General's remarks at the Annual Memorial Service to honour United Nations Personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2020 [as delivered]

6 May 2021 | UN Headquarters

Dear Colleagues and family members, We gather to remember and honour United Nations personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty over the course of last year. While we unfortunately cannot yet gather in person, this solemn ceremony powerfully reflects how those bonds transcend physical distance. We may not be in the same room, but we are together -- with unity in purpose and solidarity in sorrow. The year 2020 was like no other in the history of the United Nations.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix (DPKO) on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan - Security Council VTC Briefing

26 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters

Remarks by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan - Security Council VTC Briefing.

Secretary-General's video message marking the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

24 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters

The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are. There is a clear and urgent need for concrete multilateral solutions, based on common action across borders for the good of all humanity, starting with the equitable distribution of vaccines as a global public good. This need goes far beyond the pandemic. It applies to all the transnational threats we face: the climate crisis; air and water pollution; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; the development of new technologies in the absence of agreed principles and norms.

Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Subregional Organizations in enhancing confidence building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution [as delivered]

19 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters

I would like to thank the Vietnamese Presidency for organizing this open debate and for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on what has been a key priority since taking office: cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. This cooperation has grown exponentially since 1945.

Secretary-General's remarks at Security Council Open Debate on Mine Action [as delivered]

8 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters

Mr. President, Excellencies, Let me first congratulate His Excellency Foreign Minister Bui Son on his appointment and welcome him to the United Nations. I thank Viet Nam for putting this important issue on the agenda and reminding us of the work left to do. Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices maim and kill indiscriminately. They are left in the path of women walking to work, a family displaced by conflict and seeking safety, children on their way to school. They crush lives and end livelihoods.

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