Press releases

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Western Sahara

13 Nov 2020 | UN Headquarters

In recent days, the United Nations, including the Secretary-General, has been involved in multiple initiatives to avoid an escalation of the situation in the Buffer Strip in the Guerguerat area and to warn against violations of the ceasefire and the serious consequences of any changes to the status quo. The Secretary-General regrets that these efforts have proved unsuccessful and expresses grave concern regarding the possible consequences of the latest developments.

Secretary-General's message on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

6 Nov 2020 | UN Headquarters

[scroll down for French version] Conflict and the environment are deeply interlinked. Around the world, at least 40 per cent of all intrastate conflicts have had an important natural resource dimension. Rising temperatures due to climate change now threaten to further amplify environmental stresses and tensions. And, all too often, the environment is among the casualties of war, through deliberate acts of destruction or collateral damage, or because, during conflicts, governments fail to control and manage natural resources.

Secretary-General’s video message at the opening of UN Police Week

2 Nov 2020 | UN Headquarters

Sixty years ago, Member States first deployed national police officers as United Nations Police – or UNPOL. This was undertaken as part of United Nations peacekeeping operations, to help protect those most in need around the world. UNPOL’s mission is to help host countries foster responsive, accountable and representative policing services. Effective policing is crucial for building peaceful, prosperous and equitable societies. Today, more than 11,000 United Nations Police Officers are working around the world to do just that.

Secretary-General's video message to High-Level Event of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network

30 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

“20 YEARS AFTER UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325: LEADERSHIP AND CONCRETE ACTION TO REALIZE THE WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA” I send my warmest greetings to this High-Level Event. Over the two decades since Security Council Resolution 1325, there have been notable achievements on women, peace and security. But progress is too slow, too narrow, and too easy to reverse.

Secretary-General's briefing to the Security Council on Women, Peace and Security

29 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

[scroll down for French version] Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, I thank you for this opportunity to brief you on Women, Peace and Security, twenty years after the landmark Security Council resolution 1325. The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest test the international community has faced since the Second World War. In March, I appealed for an immediate global ceasefire so that we could focus on our common enemy: the COVID-19 virus. I built on this call in my address to the General Assembly last month.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix (Peacekeeping Operations) on Sudan and South Sudan - Security Council, 8772nd meeting

22 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

Remarks by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on Sudan and South Sudan. Watch on UN Web TV

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General - on Mali

16 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

[Scroll down for French]

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General - on Lebanon-Israel maritime boundary discussions

14 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

The Secretary-General welcomes the launch today of discussions on the delineation of the Lebanon-Israel maritime boundary, following the framework agreement announced on 1 October 2020. The United Nations through its representatives is fully committed to supporting the parties in the discussions, as requested by them, as they work towards a final agreed outcome. Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

Secretary-General's remarks at Roundtable Discussion on Women, Peace and Security in Peacekeeping Contexts

8 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

[scroll down for French] Excellencies, colleagues and friends, Today, I have the honor of meeting – albeit remotely – four formidable women leaders who strive for peace in their regions and countries. Thank you for joining us as we mark both the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and 20 years since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 that Melissa has referred. That resolution was a landmark -- a ground-breaking step spearheaded by the women’s movement and women leaders.

Secretary-General's launch of "Call to Action" following Roundtable Discussion on Women, Peace and Security in Peacekeeping Contexts [as delivered]

8 Oct 2020 | UN Headquarters

Indeed I wanted to launch a call to action, and to call on Governments, on the United Nations system - because it starts by us all and the way we behave - on Regional Organizations, African Union, European Union, many others, Civil Society Organizations, academia, and the wider international community to take bold actions to translate commitments into reality. To prioritize women’s leadership. To invest in community-based women’s networks as equal partners. To embrace evidence-based decision-making through a gender data revolution.

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Press releases