“Resilience Amid Ruin: Stories of Women in Conflict Zones”
Women and girls experience conflict in deeply distinct and often overlooked ways. In war zones, they are not only caught in the crossfire but also face heightened risks of displacement, sexual violence, and loss of family and community support systems. The photo exhibitions at the UN Headquarters lobby powerfully capture these realities, portraying stories of resilience alongside profound suffering. Images of mothers fleeing with children, girls denied education, and survivors of violence reveal how conflict reshapes everyday life for women in ways that are both visible and hidden. Beyond physical danger, women often carry the burden of holding families together amid chaos, stepping into roles as caregivers, providers, and community leaders. Yet their voices are frequently excluded from peace negotiations and decision-making processes that shape their futures. This exclusion deepens cycles of injustice and limits opportunities for lasting peace. At the same time, the photographs highlight courage—women organizing for survival, advocating for rights, and rebuilding communities from the ground up. These visual stories serve as a call to action, urging global audiences to recognize not only the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls but also their essential role in creating sustainable peace.
I.Tahhan - UNHQ- UMN
Michelle Jarvis, Deputy Head of The IIIM
United Nations Headquarters, Side Event.
Ms. Jarvis’s work has centered on strengthening how international justice systems respond to some of the most serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. In her current role with the IIIM for Syria, she helps lead efforts to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence of atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict, with the aim of supporting future prosecutions in national or international courts. A key part of her contribution has been ensuring that investigations are not only legally rigorous but also sensitive to the needs and experiences of victims and survivors.
During her time at the ICTY and the MICT, she played an important role in shaping prosecutorial strategies and legal approaches in complex, high-profile cases. Her work there contributed to the development of international legal precedents, particularly in areas such as sexual violence in conflict, command responsibility, and accountability for senior leaders.
She has also been a strong advocate for integrating gender perspectives into international criminal law. Through her writing, policy work, and initiatives like the Prosecuting Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Network, she has helped push for more effective legal responses to sexual and gender-based violence in conflict settings.
Beyond courtroom work, Ms. Jarvis has been deeply involved in capacity-building efforts in post-conflict countries. She has supported local justice systems by sharing expertise, training practitioners, and helping develop legal frameworks to address mass atrocities. Her broader goal has been to promote accountability while also making justice processes more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to affected communities.
To learn more about it, please visit (IIIM – International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism)
I.Tahhan - UNHQ- United Media News.
Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH, Chief Justice & President of the Supreme Court in Kenya.
The discussion highlights that technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is not accidental but structurally embedded, serving to intimidate and exclude them from digital spaces and, by extension, from economic, political, and social opportunities. This exclusion limits their access to rights and participation in development. Addressing this issue requires progress in three key areas.
First, there is a need to strengthen global norms and legal standards. Currently, fewer than half of countries have comprehensive legal frameworks addressing online gender-based violence. Collaborative efforts are necessary to develop model legislation and rights-based policies that effectively respond to digital abuse.
Second, accountability mechanisms must be reinforced. This includes investing in survivor-centered justice systems and expanding the collection of data and evidence on effective prevention strategies. Ensuring justice requires systems that are responsive, accessible, and grounded in the lived realities of survivors.
Third, it is essential to amplify women’s voices, agency, and leadership in digital spaces. Women and girls must play a central role in shaping digital futures, while social norms must evolve to support their participation. Civil society movements also need sustained resources, as they are critical in driving policy change and accountability.
The remarks further explore how justice systems are responding to these challenges, using Kenya as an example. Technology has created new forms of gender-based violence, including online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and other abuses. These forms of violence expose significant gaps in legal frameworks, investigative capacity, and survivor support.
In response, Kenya has introduced specialized gender justice courts to improve access to justice for survivors. Traditional court processes were often slow, stigmatizing, and retraumatizing. The new courts aim to address these issues through three principles: survivor-centered processes, specialized judicial capacity, and integrated support systems.
Survivor-centered approaches reduce secondary trauma by adapting court procedures to prioritize dignity and safety. Specialized training equips judicial officers to understand gender-based violence, including its digital dimensions, and to handle complex evidence. Integrated support systems connect survivors with legal aid, healthcare, and psychosocial services, ensuring a holistic response.
These reforms have improved case handling and increased survivor confidence in the justice system. However, the rise of digital violence requires continued adaptation. Justice systems must evolve alongside technology, including modernizing laws, strengthening cybercrime investigations, and ensuring that digital abuse is treated with the same seriousness as physical violence.
Ultimately, combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence requires coordinated efforts across legal systems, governments, technology companies, and education sectors. The goal is to ensure that all women and girls can safely participate in both digital and physical spaces and access justice when their rights are violated.
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo’s remarks at the UNHQ Side Event.
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo’s remarks highlight both the transformative power of digital technology and the urgent need to address its unintended harms, particularly technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Over the past decades, the world has experienced a rapid digital revolution, with more than half of the global population now owning smartphones and accessing online platforms for communication, services, and innovation. In Kenya, this transformation is especially evident, with internet penetration reaching 85.2%, a strong ICT infrastructure, and over 22,000 government services available online. The ICT sector has grown at an average rate of 10.8% annually, while more than 83% of youth aged 18 to 34 are active online, driving innovation in sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, and e-commerce.
However, this progress presents a dual reality. While technology fosters development and connectivity, it also creates new risks. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is one of the fastest-growing forms of violence, often escalating from online abuse to offline harm, including stalking and even femicide. A key challenge remains the lack of a clear and comprehensive definition of TFGBV within existing legal and policy frameworks.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that online safety is fundamental to human dignity, trust, and inclusive development. Ensuring that women and girls can participate safely in digital spaces is critical to closing the gender digital divide and guaranteeing equal access to opportunities, services, and justice. In response, Kenya has strengthened its legal framework through key legislation such as the Children’s Act (2022), the Sexual Offences Act (2006), and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018), with further amendments in 2025 to address cyber harassment, harmful digital content, phishing, and online exploitation. These reforms also introduce mechanisms for the removal of abusive content.
Beyond legislation, the government has implemented several strategic measures. Public awareness campaigns, including the 2025 “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” have focused on sensitizing communities about TFGBV. Plans are underway to establish a centralized digital reporting platform to improve access to justice through coordinated responses among law enforcement and support services. Additionally, technology companies are being required to enhance accountability by establishing local presence or liaison mechanisms to respond more effectively to harmful content.
Kenya is also investing in digital literacy and capacity-building programs to empower citizens—especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups—with skills to navigate online spaces safely. International cooperation is being strengthened to address the cross-border nature of digital violence, alongside efforts to equip the justice system with practical tools for investigating and prosecuting cyber-enabled offenses.
In conclusion, addressing TFGBV requires collective action from governments, the private sector, civil society, and international partners. By prioritizing safety by design and fostering collaboration, digital spaces can remain inclusive, empowering, and safe for all.
Mike Waltz, the United States Ambassador to the UN, remakes at Security Council meeting on Iran.
On March 11–12, 2026, the United Nations Security Council held a meeting to address escalating tensions caused by Iran’s missile and drone strikes on several Gulf states and Jordan. The session focused on condemning attacks that violated international law and posed serious threats to regional peace and security. The resolution, sponsored by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, demanded that Iran immediately cease all attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. It also emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and condemned any threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international shipping route. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, none against, and two abstentions from Russia and China. The abstentions reflected concerns that the text did not address actions by other parties involved in the broader regional conflict. Despite this, no veto was exercised, allowing the resolution to pass and demonstrating strong international support for condemning Iran’s attacks. During the debate, the U.S. ambassador highlighted Iran’s destabilizing activities, including advances in its nuclear program and missile capabilities, stressing that the enforcement of UN sanctions under previous resolutions such as Resolution 1737 was essential. The Gulf states and their allies welcomed the adoption as a firm statement in defense of sovereignty and regional security. Conversely, Iran’s representative criticized the resolution as biased, arguing that it ignored provocations and attacks by other parties in the conflict. Russia echoed concerns about the balance of the text but abstained rather than vetoing it, signaling nuanced opposition without blocking consensus. The adoption of the resolution represents a significant diplomatic posture by the Security Council, showing broad condemnation of Iran’s recent actions while revealing divisions among permanent members. It underscores the Council’s focus on maintaining international peace, protecting maritime routes, and addressing the risks of escalation, even as differences remain on how to fairly account for all actors in the ongoing regional crisis.
Vasily Nebenzya on the Situation Between Russia and Ukraine — Press Conference at the United Nations Security Council Media Stakeout
On March 11, 2026, Vasily Nebenzya, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, spoke to journalists during a United Nations Security Council media stakeout about the ongoing war in Ukraine. His remarks came after discussions among Security Council members regarding the latest developments in the conflict.
Nebenzya criticized Western governments for their continued political, financial, and military support to Ukraine. He argued that the supply of advanced weapons and military assistance by Western countries contributes to prolonging the conflict rather than encouraging peace negotiations. According to Nebenzya, these actions increase tensions and make it more difficult to reach a diplomatic solution.
He also accused the Ukrainian government of refusing to engage in constructive dialogue with Russia. Nebenzya stated that Russia remains open to negotiations but insisted that any meaningful talks must address what Russia considers to be its legitimate security concerns. Among these concerns, he referenced the issue of NATO expansion and Russia’s long-standing objections to Ukraine’s closer military cooperation with Western alliances.
During the stakeout, Nebenzya further criticized what he described as biased narratives in international media and Western political discourse regarding the conflict. He claimed that Russia’s perspective and security concerns are often ignored or misrepresented, and that Western countries are promoting a one-sided interpretation of events.
Nebenzya emphasized that Russia believes a lasting settlement to the conflict can only be achieved through negotiations that take into account the interests and security of all parties involved. He reiterated Russia’s position that external military support for Ukraine risks further escalation and prolongs instability in the region.
Overall, the press encounter reflected Russia’s consistent diplomatic messaging at the United Nations: defending its actions, criticizing Western involvement in the conflict, and calling for negotiations that incorporate Russia’s stated security interests while addressing the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
UMN IT ,March 11, 2026
Press Encounter joint of UN Member states at media stakeout regarding the situation in Lebanon
Permanent Missions of Armenia, Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Panama, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and Uruguay will have a joint media stakeout on the situation in Lebanon On March 11, 2026, members of the UN Security Council held a joint media stakeout after meeting to discuss the worsening situation in Lebanon. The briefing focused on rising violence along the Israel–Lebanon border and the growing humanitarian impact inside Lebanon. Officials explained that tensions escalated after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel earlier in March, which led to Israeli airstrikes across parts of southern Lebanon and other areas. These exchanges significantly increased the risk of a wider regional conflict. Council members expressed deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating security conditions and the danger posed to civilians on both sides of the border. Speakers highlighted reports of hundreds of casualties, large numbers of injuries, and widespread displacement of civilians. They stressed that continued hostilities could further destabilize Lebanon, which is already facing severe economic and political challenges. Many members emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The Council also underscored the importance of maintaining the safety and operational capacity of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which monitors the ceasefire line between Israel and Lebanon. Overall, representatives called for immediate de-escalation, restraint by all parties, and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and support stability in Lebanon and the wider region.
United Nations Headquarter. Media Stakeout.
Ambassador Aglaia Balta is the current Permanent Representative of Greece at United Nations in NY
Aglaia Balta, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, addressed the United Nations Security Council by emphasizing the urgent need to protect children affected by armed conflict. She highlighted that millions of children worldwide are living in war zones where violence disrupts education, safety, and normal development.
Ambassador Balta stressed that education must remain a priority even during crises, describing schools as vital spaces that provide stability and protection. She also underlined the growing role of digital technology in maintaining access to learning, while cautioning that online environments must be made safe from exploitation and abuse. She called for stronger international cooperation to safeguard children’s rights and support long-term peace and stability.
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo delivered a stark and urgent briefing to the United Nations Security Council, focusing on the devastating impact of armed conflict on children and their access to education. She warned that the world is experiencing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War, resulting in unprecedented civilian suffering. Children, she stressed, are among the most vulnerable victims. Millions are living in or fleeing conflict zones, where they face displacement, violence, recruitment by armed groups, trafficking, and severe psychological trauma. Grave violations against children—including attacks on schools—have risen significantly in recent years. DiCarlo emphasized that education is not only a fundamental right but also a critical layer of protection. Schools provide structure, stability, and safety during chaos. When educational institutions are destroyed, closed, or militarized, children lose more than classroom instruction—they lose safe spaces that shield them from exploitation and radicalization. She noted that in several regions affected by military operations, schools have been forced to shut down or move to remote learning, disrupting millions of students’ lives. While acknowledging that digital technology can help sustain learning during crises, she cautioned that online environments also expose children to new risks, including misinformation, exploitation, and cyber threats. Expanding safe digital access, she said, must go hand in hand with strong safeguards. DiCarlo called on Member States to increase funding for education in emergencies, strengthen accountability for violations against children, and ensure that schools are protected under international law. Ultimately, she underscored that the most effective way to protect children is to prevent and resolve conflicts themselves. Her central message was clear: safeguarding children’s education is not secondary to peacebuilding—it is foundational to it.
First Lady Melania Trump at UNSC.
First Lady Melania Trump delivered a historic address to the United Nations Security Council as the United States assumed its rotating presidency in March 2026, becoming the first sitting First Lady to preside over the body. In her remarks, she presented a clear and forward-looking message: “Peace does not need to be fragile.” Speaking before member states responsible for maintaining international peace and security, Mrs. Trump framed education and access to knowledge as the foundation for lasting global stability. She argued that enduring peace depends on societies that value learning, understanding, and intellectual freedom. According to the First Lady, nations that protect books, language, science, and mathematics ultimately protect their future, fostering citizens capable of empathy, innovation, and moral reasoning. Mrs. Trump emphasized that education is a fundamental human right, yet millions of children and young adults worldwide remain barred from secondary schools and universities. She warned that restricting access to education not only harms individuals but limits a nation’s full potential, preventing breakthroughs in medicine, food security, and technology. A society that excludes segments of its population, she said, can realize only a fraction of its capabilities. Central to her remarks was the transformative role of artificial intelligence in what she described as the “age of imagination.” AI, she said, is democratizing knowledge that was once confined to university libraries and elite institutions. With roughly 6 billion people—about 70 percent of the global population—already using mobile devices and the internet, Mrs. Trump argued that closing the remaining technological divide is both achievable and essential. She called on the global community to ensure complete access to technology, including in remote and underserved regions, so that every individual can reach their full potential. AI, she noted, allows people to instantly learn about different cultures, religions, customs, and histories, fostering understanding across geographic and ideological boundaries. By expanding digital connectivity, nations can empower a new generation to transcend prejudice and fear. Mrs. Trump underscored that conflict arises from ignorance, while knowledge builds unity and peace. She urged Security Council members to pledge to safeguard learning and promote equitable access to education and technology worldwide. The path to durable peace, she concluded, lies in empowering children through education—elevating them above ideology and equipping them with the wisdom needed to lead a more secure and harmonious global future. --------------------------------------------------- "The 10,113 meeting of the Security Council is called to order on children raised in a culture rooted in intelligence develop confidence innovate build compete and maintain a deep value system their knowledge fosters empathy for others transcending geography religion race gender and even local norms they become caring people but children raised in culture rooted in ignorance are surrounded by disorder and sometimes even conflict when a nation restricts staff it restricts its own future education is widely recognized as a fundamental human right and yet today so many children and young adults are banned from attending secondary schools and universities the cost is not abstract collectively your mission to maintain security while upholding the responsibility of preventing conflict during times of both war and peace is significant must be applied evenly and should never be carried out lightly peace does not need to be fragile" " Melania Trump". 3/2/2026. Security Council- United Nations Headquarter.
Greek Ambassador Aglaia Balta Addresses Journalists on the Importance of Truthful Reporting at the United Nations
Her Excellency Aglaia Balta, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, recently welcomed members of the press to a special gathering at the Greek Embassy in New York. In her remarks, Ambassador Balta emphasized the vital role of journalists in upholding truth, integrity, and transparency in reporting. She highlighted that accurate and ethical journalism is essential not only for informing national audiences but also for fostering understanding and accountability in the international community, particularly within the framework of the United Nations.
Ambassador Balta praised the press for their dedication to covering complex and often sensitive global issues. She underlined that journalists serve as a bridge between international institutions and the public, documenting events, promoting dialogue, and ensuring that facts reach citizens worldwide. “Your work strengthens democracy, builds trust, and contributes to global awareness,” she remarked, stressing that reporting the truth is both a responsibility and a public service.
During the event, she also welcomed journalists to the Greek Embassy, highlighting the mission’s commitment to supporting the media and facilitating their access to accurate information on diplomatic and United Nations affairs. The gathering included briefings on recent UN initiatives, reinforcing the importance of media engagement in international diplomacy.
Ambassador Balta concluded her address by reiterating Greece’s strong support for press freedom and the essential role journalists play in shaping a transparent and informed global community. She encouraged reporters to continue their work with professionalism, courage, and a commitment to facts, noting that their efforts are crucial in promoting understanding and accountability across nations.
The event reflected Greece’s ongoing dedication to dialogue with the media and its recognition of journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and global cooperation.
Inaam Tahhan - UNCA Member. - UM News- The Greec mission to the United Nations.
United Nations Correspondence Association - Gala
At the UNCA Gala, Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, warmly welcoming attendees and expressing her deep appreciation for journalists who dedicate their work to highlighting the successes of the United Nations and its programs. She emphasized that without the tireless efforts of journalists, the stories of positive change—from humanitarian aid to health initiatives and food security programs—would remain largely unseen. Addressing the audience, Baerbock acknowledged the unique challenges faced by journalists, who often work under pressure, across borders, and in complex environments, to ensure that the public receives accurate and timely information. “Your dedication ensures that the narratives of progress, hope, and resilience reach the world,” she said, recognizing the vital role that media plays in supporting global initiatives. Baerbock highlighted key areas where journalism has made a tangible impact, including food security programs, public health campaigns, and community development projects. She pointed out that reporting on these initiatives not only informs the public but also strengthens accountability and encourages collaboration among governments, NGOs, and civil society. Throughout her speech, she underscored the partnership between the United Nations and the press as essential for meaningful change. She encouraged journalists to continue their work with courage and integrity, noting that their reporting allows the international community to learn from successes, address ongoing challenges, and amplify the voices of those often unheard. Concluding her remarks, President Baerbock expressed gratitude to everyone attending the gala, calling it a celebration not just of achievements, but of the shared commitment to a better world. She reaffirmed that the collaboration between the UN and journalists is a cornerstone for building awareness, inspiring action, and achieving sustainable progress across the globe.
Inaam Tahhan- UM News
At the United Nations, counterterrorism officials have warned that Da’esh remains resilient despite sustained global military and political pressure. Vladimir Voronkov, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council that while the group has been territorially defeated in Iraq and Syria, its affiliates continue to pose serious threats, particularly in Africa, which he described as the new epicenter of terrorist activity.
Voronkov noted that Da’esh cells in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and parts of East and Central Africa are expanding their operations, exploiting weak governance, local grievances, and porous borders. He stressed that these affiliates have adapted to shifting international counterterrorism strategies, making use of illicit trade, extortion, and digital propaganda to recruit and finance their activities.
He also underlined that groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) remain designated as terrorist organizations, despite attempts to portray themselves differently. Voronkov reminded Council members that HTS, active in northwest Syria, continues to share extremist ideology and violent tactics that threaten both regional and international peace.
The UN official called for renewed cooperation, investment in prevention, and support for states facing the highest risks, warning that without a unified response, terrorism could further destabilize already fragile regions.
By: Inaam Tahhan- UNSC. 8/21/2025
At United Nations Security Council meeting 9983, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, addressed the Council regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on Syria. Serving as President of the Security Council for August 2025, Fu Cong emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the need for all actions to adhere strictly to the principles of the UN Charter. In his remarks, Fu Cong highlighted China’s call for all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through political dialogue and negotiation rather than military escalation. According to Fu Cong, the international community must support efforts that foster inclusive governance and address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. The Ambassador also underscored China’s longstanding foreign policy principles, including non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He urged UNSC members to work collaboratively to create conditions conducive to stability in Syria and the broader Middle East region. Fu Cong’s address reflected China’s commitment to a balanced, diplomatic approach and its desire to play a constructive role in facilitating peace. The meeting served as a reminder of the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict and the critical need for international cooperation.
8/21/2025
Ambassador Qusai Aldahhak has concluded his service at the Syrian Mission to the United Nations after fourteen years of tireless work during one of the most turbulent chapters in Syria’s modern history. His tenure began as the Syrian conflict erupted, a time marked by violence, uncertainty, and immense diplomatic challenges. Throughout these years, Aldahhak stood at the center of international dialogue, carrying the voice of Syria to the world stage.
Representing a nation at war is never an easy task. It requires resilience, patience, and a deep sense of duty. Ambassador Aldahhak shouldered that responsibility with dignity, working under the constant shadow of conflict while striving to defend the rights of the Syrian people. His mission was not only about politics but also about keeping alive the hope of sovereignty and eventual peace.
As Syria’s long struggle moves into a new chapter, the conclusion of Aldahhak’s diplomatic service marks the end of an era. His dedication and perseverance will be remembered as part of Syria’s journey through hardship toward freedom. Today, colleagues and observers alike honor his service, recognizing the sacrifices made in representing his homeland during its most difficult years.
In recent months, world leaders have held several high-level meetings aimed at preventing the escalation of global conflicts into a third world war. Tensions in multiple regions, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the South China Sea, have prompted urgent diplomatic engagement among the United States, European Union, Russia, China, and Middle Eastern powers.
These meetings focus on open communication, conflict de-escalation, and establishing mechanisms for crisis management. Leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels, avoiding provocative military actions, and adhering to international law. In addition, negotiations have addressed critical issues such as nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes, and the security of vital energy and trade routes.
Experts note that the world has reached a delicate moment where miscalculation or miscommunication could have catastrophic consequences. The discussions also underline the need for multilateral cooperation and the role of international institutions in preventing conflicts from spreading.
Although no immediate resolutions have been announced, diplomats insist that dialogue is the most effective tool for maintaining global stability. These ongoing efforts demonstrate that, despite rising tensions, countries remain committed to avoiding large-scale war and protecting millions of lives from the devastating effects of global military confrontation.
BY: Inaam Tahhan - Aug 13, 2025.
Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of two devastating world wars, the international community came together to write a new and hopeful chapter in human history. Out of the lessons of war, the United Nations was born — a symbol of humanity’s shared aspiration for peace, security, and a better future for all.
In San Francisco, the Charter of the United Nations was adopted, laying the foundation for modern international relations. China was the first country to sign the UN Charter, marking its deep commitment to global cooperation and working hand in hand with others to promote peace and development.
Today, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, we reflect on the progress we have made — but we must also confront the challenges that persist. Conflicts continue to erupt, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is falling behind.
This anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance but a call to action — to renew our commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, to strengthen multilateralism, and to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world for future generations.
BY: Inaam Tahhan - UNHQ, N.Y - Aug 13, 2025
Ambassador of China to the United Nations is Fu Cong
A grand chapter in human history was written — the United Nations was born, a lesson learned from two world wars, and an aspiration for a better future. In San Francisco, the Charter of the United Nations was adopted, laying the foundation for governing international relations. China was the first country to sign the Charter and has worked hand in hand with others for peace and development.
Eighty years later, conflicts still remain rampant, and the 2030 Agenda is falling behind. We gather to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II.
BY: Inaam Tahhan- UNHQ Aug 13, 2025.
مجموعة الدول الخمس (E5) تدين التوسع العسكري الإسرائيلي في غزة وتدعو إلى وقف فوري لإطلاق النار وتسهيل المساعدات الإنسانية
أدلى السفير صمويل ژبوغار، باسم مجموعة الدول الخمس (الدنمارك، فرنسا، اليونان، سلوفينيا، والمملكة المتحدة)، ببيان قوي أمام مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة في 10 أغسطس 2025، أدان فيه قرار الحكومة الإسرائيلية بتوسيع عملياتها العسكرية في قطاع غزة. وأكد أن هذا التصعيد ينطوي على مخاطر جسيمة بانتهاك القانون الدولي الإنساني، ويجب التراجع عنه فورًا لتفادي كارثة إنسانية جديدة.
وأعرب ژبوغار عن قلقه العميق تجاه تداعيات هذا التوسع على المدنيين، مشيرًا إلى أن استمرار العمليات العسكرية يعرض حياة الأبرياء للخطر، بما في ذلك الرهائن المحتجزين. كما حذر من أن المزيد من التصعيد سيؤدي إلى زيادة في التهجير والمعاناة وسقوط مزيد من الضحايا.
وجددت مجموعة الدول الخمس موقفها الرافض لبقاء حماس كطرف مسلح أو حاكم في غزة، داعية إلى أن تتولى السلطة الفلسطينية المسؤولية الكاملة عن الحكم في القطاع، في إطار مسار يؤدي إلى الاستقرار والوحدة الوطنية.
وشدد السفير على ضرورة السماح العاجل بدخول المساعدات الإنسانية دون عوائق، داعيًا إلى رفع القيود المفروضة على عمليات الإغاثة، وضمان وصول آمن ومحايد ومستقل للمنظمات الإنسانية، بما فيها وكالات الأمم المتحدة. كما دعا إلى إزالة العقبات التي تواجه عمل المنظمات غير الحكومية، مثل التأشيرات ومتطلبات التسجيل.
وختم ژبوغار بتأكيد أن الوقت قد حان لوضع حد للحرب المستمرة منذ 22 شهرًا، داعيًا إلى وقف دائم لإطلاق النار، والإفراج غير المشروط عن جميع الرهائن، واستئناف الجهود نحو حل الدولتين كطريق وحيد لتحقيق السلام الدائم في المنطقة.
E5 Condemns Israeli Military Expansion in Gaza – Calls for Urgent Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
Speaking on behalf of the E5 group (Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom), Ambassador Samuel Žbogar delivered a firm statement at the United Nations Security Council on August 10, 2025, condemning the Israeli government's decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. He warned that this escalation risks violating international humanitarian law and must be reversed immediately to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
Žbogar expressed grave concern over the consequences for civilians, emphasizing that renewed military action endangers innocent lives, including those of hostages still held in Gaza. He highlighted the already dire situation, warning that further displacement, suffering, and loss of life would follow if the military campaign continues.
The E5 reaffirmed their position that Hamas must disarm and play no future role in Gaza’s governance. Instead, they advocated for the Palestinian Authority to assume leadership, stressing the need for a unified and legitimate governing body to bring stability to the region.
A key part of Žbogar’s remarks focused on the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access. He called on all parties to lift restrictions on aid delivery, urging that UN agencies and humanitarian organizations be granted safe, impartial, and independent access to affected populations. He also emphasized the importance of removing barriers to NGO operations, including visa and registration obstacles.
Žbogar concluded with a strong appeal for diplomacy over conflict. After nearly two years of war, he said, the time has come for a lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a renewed push toward a two-state solution. The E5’s message was clear: military action must give way to negotiation and international cooperation to restore peace and security in Gaza and the wider region.
BY: Inaam Tahhan - UNHQ- Media Stakeout - 8/10/2025
Riyad Mansour (Palestine) on the situation in Gaza -Security Council Media Stakeout
Riyad Mansour (Palestine) on the situation in Gaza -Security Council Media Stakeout Palestinian UN Envoy Riyad Mansour Condemns Massive Israeli Operation in Gaza, Calls for Urgent Peace Efforts United Nations, New York — The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, delivered a powerful statement today in response to what he described as a massive Israeli military operation targeting Gaza City. He warned that the renewed offensive poses a grave threat to civilians and risks triggering even deeper humanitarian catastrophe. Mansour called on the UN Security Council to intervene immediately, urging the international community to pursue peace, not war. “Enough bloodshed. Enough targeting of civilians, women, and children. This cannot be the future we accept,” he said. He emphasized that all families—Palestinian and Israeli, including those of hostages and prisoners—are waiting for peace, not more destruction. “This is a moment for diplomacy, for humanitarian action, for ending the occupation. It is time for peace, not another war plan.” Mansour also appealed for urgent humanitarian aid to reach families trapped in Gaza under siege conditions, warning that continued military action would only deepen suffering and instability.
BY: Inaam Tahhan 8/8/2025
UN Noon Briefing – Statement by Stephanie Tremblay, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
New York, United Nations — During today’s noon briefing, Stephanie Tremblay, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, addressed the latest escalation in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the planned new Israeli military invasion, which she warned could lead to further catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
Tremblay emphasized that the people of Gaza are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and a return to peace negotiations, rather than continued military operations.
She also noted that closed-door meetings are currently taking place between several Member States to discuss the unfolding situation. While these meetings will not be broadcast to the public, she confirmed that a draft agenda is being prepared by Nigeria, Turkey, and Indonesia, which will be presented to the Security Council in the coming days.
BY: Maryann Jalaf 8/8/2025
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - Security Council, 9972nd meeting
Israel: 668 Days of Suffering — Demand the Release of Hostages Now
It has been 668 days since innocent civilians were taken hostage, ripped from their lives, and thrown into unthinkable conditions by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Among them: a 24-year-old young man, abducted from the Nova music festival, where joy turned into terror.
He was forced to dig his own grave — a horrific act that reflects the cruelty inflicted upon the hostages and their families every single day.
We must impose maximum pressure on Hamas — politically, diplomatically, and globally — to release all remaining hostages without condition. These are human lives, not bargaining chips.
This is not about politics. It's about basic humanity.
BY: Inaam Tahhan
1948 -UN Archive
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a persistent and deeply rooted issue in international politics for over 77 years. Since 1948—the year the State of Israel was declared and the first Arab-Israeli war broke out—the United Nations and the global community have grappled with how to resolve the conflict. One of the earliest international attempts to manage the situation was the 1947 UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181), which proposed the division of British Mandate Palestine into two separate states: one Jewish and one Arab, with Jerusalem as an international city. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, viewing it as unjust and as a form of colonial imposition. When Israel declared independence in 1948, neighboring Arab states launched a war, resulting in significant territorial changes and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians—a foundational moment known as the Nakba (catastrophe) in Palestinian memory. Since then, the idea of a two-state solution has remained at the center of peace efforts, though success has repeatedly proven elusive. The United Nations has passed numerous resolutions affirming the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination, notably including UN Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which emphasized the "land for peace" principle following the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s marked a significant step toward mutual recognition, with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel acknowledging each other and laying the groundwork for a future Palestinian state. However, violence, settlement expansion, political fragmentation, and shifting regional and global priorities have all undermined the path to peace. In recent years, international consensus on the two-state solution has begun to erode, even as the UN and major powers continue to endorse it in principle. Critics argue that facts on the ground—particularly Israeli settlement growth in the West Bank—have made the two-state solution increasingly unviable. Others believe it remains the only realistic framework for securing peace and justice for both peoples. Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to seek recognition of their statehood at the UN and through bilateral relations, while Israel emphasizes security concerns and normalization with neighboring Arab states.
Despite 77 years of efforts, a just and lasting resolution remains elusive. The continued advocacy for a two-state solution reflects both enduring hope and the persistent complexity of the conflict.
BY: Ratibah T.Arb
7/31/2025 UNHQ
UNHCR Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan Crisis (From Nairobi)
UNDP Officials Witness Widespread Devastation During Visit to Crisis-Stricken Sudan A recent mission by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Sudan has revealed the staggering scale of destruction and human suffering caused by the ongoing conflict. As the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to escalate, UNDP officials on the ground have described the situation as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory. During their visit to affected regions, UNDP teams observed entire communities destroyed by fighting, hospitals burned or abandoned, and critical infrastructure in total collapse. Roads, schools, and water systems have been severely damaged or rendered unusable. In areas such as Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, the UNDP teams met with displaced families who have lost everything and are now living in overcrowded shelters with no access to clean water, food, or healthcare. “The level of destruction is devastating,” said one UNDP representative. “What we are seeing is not just a conflict between armed groups—this is a full-blown collapse of systems that sustain life. Millions of people are in desperate need of assistance.” The conflict, which began in April 2023, has forced more than 10 million people to flee their homes, both internally and across borders. Sudan now faces the world’s largest displacement crisis. UNDP staff reported severe malnutrition among children, widespread trauma, and a total breakdown in social services. Many communities no longer have functioning clinics, schools, or government support. UNDP emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to scale up humanitarian aid and begin planning for long-term recovery and stabilization. Their report highlighted the importance of restoring basic services, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting local governance structures—if and when the security situation allows. In partnership with local organizations and international agencies, UNDP has pledged to continue delivering emergency aid while preparing for the eventual recovery and reconstruction phase. However, without immediate ceasefires and safe humanitarian access, officials warn that the country’s suffering will only deepen. “The people of Sudan cannot wait,” a UNDP official stressed. “They need the world’s support now—to survive today, and to have any hope for rebuilding tomorrow.” The visit serves as a stark reminder that Sudan's crisis is far from over—and that urgent, coordinated global action is essential.
BY: Noreen H. , Aug 1st 2025
NICEF: 25 Children Die Each Day in Gaza Due to War and Hunger.
Gaza: 25 Children Die Each Day Due to War and Hunger, UNICEF Reports Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, the toll on children has reached alarming levels. According to recent reports, an estimated 25 children are dying every single day—either from direct violence or from hunger and preventable diseases caused by the collapse of basic infrastructure. UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations have repeatedly sounded the alarm, warning that Gaza is becoming one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a child. Food supplies are critically low, hospitals are overwhelmed or destroyed, and clean water is increasingly unavailable. Many families are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate sanitation, while continued airstrikes and violence have left children traumatized and vulnerable. “The death of even one child is a tragedy. The loss of dozens every day is a moral and humanitarian catastrophe,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. Humanitarian agencies are urgently calling for a sustained ceasefire, unimpeded access for aid, and international efforts to rebuild essential services. Without immediate action, the suffering and loss of young lives will only continue to rise.
BY Maryann Jalaf
Updated 6:00 PM EDT, Aug 1st , 2025