This Week in DPPA: 21 March - 27 March 2026

A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events

and developments globally

USG DiCarlo reiterates call for full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine

Briefing the Security Council on 23 March, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo said that over four years since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine - nearly 1500 days of death, destruction and despair – the violence was worse than ever. “The longer the war exists, the deadlier it becomes, with growing risks to regional and international security,” she said. The USG reiterated the call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and welcomed the diplomatic efforts led by the United States over the past year to advance peace in Ukraine.

“The aim must be a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions,” she said, adding that a settlement must uphold the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon engages political and military actors as part of de-escalation efforts

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert continued to leverage the good offices of the Secretary-General to push for the de-escalation of hostilities and a pivot to diplomatic solutions, as the exchange of fire between Israel and Hizbullah continued unabated. The Special Coordinator held a round of meetings with Lebanese officials this week, including with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on the efforts of the government to respond to and de-escalate the hostilities, as well as with Minister of Information Paul Marcos for a discussion centered on the critical need for healthcare workers and journalists to be protected. She was also received by the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Rodolph Haykal for an exchange on the critical role of the Lebanese army in securing the country’s long-term security and stability. Advocating for a scale-up in domestic and international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Special Coordinator paid a visit to the army’s headquarters for the South Litani Sector in Tyre, southern Lebanon

Empowering women peacebuilders via South-South cooperation

On 25 March, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia brought together more than 150 women peacebuilders, mediators, diplomats and UN officials from Colombia, West Africa and the Sahel for an inter‑regional exchange on strengthening South–South cooperation.

The opening session featured senior officials, including UnderSecretaryGeneral for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel; Miroslav Jenča, SRSG for Colombia and head of the Verification Mission, and Claudia Patricia Mosquera Rosero, Ambassador of Colombia to Senegal.

 In her keynote, USG DiCarlo warned of a growing backlash against gender equality and noted increasing challenges for women peacebuilders globally. She reaffirmed DPPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and highlighted progress in UN-supported peace processes.

Colombian women leaders stressed that peace is meaningful only when implementation improves daily life for women especially at local level and praised the resilience of women mediators confronting insecurity, underfunding, and political pressures. Adriana Benjumea from non-governmental organization Corporación Humanas reflected on the initial exclusion of women in the Colombian peace process 10 years ago: “We were not called to the table, which was a mistake. [...] they thought we would only talk about ‘women’s issues,’ but feminists and LGBTI leaders showed that all issues are women’s issues.”

From West Africa and the Sahel, speakers described women’s expanding roles in resolving land conflicts, preventing violence, and sustaining community cohesion, even amid violent extremism and economic fragility. Participants highlighted the erosion of women’s networks following political setbacks, such as the dismantling of Mali’s ECOWAS-linked platforms, which provided a meaningful platform for women’s political participation. Chad’s Minister of Commerce, Achta Sy, captured the spirit of the day: “Whatever the nature of the conflict, we, women must be strong to invite ourselves – no one will invite us.” .

UNOWAS and ECOWAS strengthen coordination

On 25 March 2026, SRSG Santos Simão met in Abuja with ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray to reinforce cooperation on regional security and integration in West Africa. The two leaders reviewed recent political and security developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to dialogue as a pathway to peace, stability, and democratic governance. Emphasizing the importance of regional unity, they stressed the need to safeguard progress achieved in West Africa’s integration efforts. Both UNOWAS and ECOWAS reiterated their determination to enhance collaboration in addressing regional challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.

Cameroon and Nigeria - toward a final demarcation

SRSG Santos Simão, President of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), concluded a working mission to Cameroon and Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to finalize the border demarcation between the two countries. He met with senior officials, including Cameroon’s Prime Minister Joseph Ngute and Nigeria’s Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi. Discussions reviewed progress, the 2026 workplan, and steps needed to complete demarcation by end2027. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful resolution, strengthened cooperation, and cross-border development. The UN reiterated support for this model of conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

SRSG Jenča visits Huila to assess progress

SRSG Jenča is visiting Huila from 26 to 28 March to assess progress and remaining challenges in implementing the Final Peace Agreement, nine years after its signing. He is engaging authorities, communities, and peace signatories to advance priorities on security guarantees, rural reform, and territorial stabilization.

On 26 March, the SRSG met with the Governor of Huila and reaffirmed that effective implementation is key to strengthening security and stability for communities, former combatants, and social leaders. Land delivery advances are supporting rural reform, State presence, and sustainable development. He also met with women victims and signatories, whose leadership continues to drive reconciliation: “Their voices are key to sustaining peace. They can count on our continued support.”

Community participation strengthens reintegration in Patía

On 15 March, in Patía, department of Cauca, the Verification Mission in Colombia engaged with peace signatories, their families, and local communities during the Third Encounter for Peace, fostering reconciliation and strengthening community ties.

In coordination with ARN Colombia and peace signatories, participants joined cultural, sports, and commercial activities, alongside a dialogue with women highlighting the gender perspective. During the visit, books donated by Banco de la República were delivered to the community library at the Aldemar Galán TATR, supporting children’s access to reading and learning. The event reinforced the role of these initiatives in advancing social cohesion and sustainable reintegration.

PBC convenes second annual Interactive Strategic Dialogue with the Peacebuilding Fund

On 18 March 2026, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), chaired by H.E. Omar Hilale, held its second Annual Interactive Strategic Dialogue with the Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Peacebuilding and Peace Support Elizabeth Spehar underscored that peacebuilding is most effective and durable when nationally led, and emphasized the PBF’s role in providing agile, catalytic support to national priorities. The ASG outlined that the Fund’s investment plan for 2026 prioritized fewer countries and programs due to restricted resources, while underscoring the high demand for UN peacebuilding support. The ASG highlighted the complementary relationship between the PBC and the PBF, with the Fund demonstrating what is possible through timely investment, and the Commission sustaining political attention, mobilizing partnerships and building longer-term support for peacebuilding efforts. Briefings from Member States that are recipients of the PBF enriched the discussion, including the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Jocelyne Kabengele Lukundula, and Chargé d’Affaires of Sierra Leone H.E. Kalilu Ibrahim Totangi. The Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana, also took part. Member States highlighted, among other measures, the use of assessed contributions in addressing root causes of conflict, enhancing coherence with the PBC, national ownership, and strengthening partnerships with IFIs to mobilize peacebuilding finance.

PBC Expert-level meeting on PBAR implementation

On 26 March 2026, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held an expert-level meeting on the implementation of the Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR). During the meeting, envisaged as an initial conversation on ways in which the Commission can track the implementation of the twin General Assembly and Security Council PBAR resolutions, Member States reiterated the centrality of, among other elements, nationally led prevention and peacebuilding strategies, the convening role of the PBC and the importance of partnerships and financing. Member States voiced support for the idea of using the PBC as a space to monitor implementation and called for a clear roadmap for continued engagement.

PBPSO briefs Member States on peacebuilding impact

On 25 March, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) briefed partner Member States on ongoing efforts to improve, measure and communicate peacebuilding impact. Updates included the Guatemala Peacebuilding Fund Impact Evaluation and the forthcoming Gambia Spotlight report, accompanied by a sneak preview of a documentary on transitional justice in The Gambia. The team also shared updates on the inaugural Peacebuilding Review report, to be launched during Peacebuilding Week, as well as the upcoming Peacebuilding Data Platform.

Bahrain will assume the rotating presidency of the Security Council on 1 April.

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