A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Security Council discusses implementation of resolution 1559 in Lebanon and regional escalation in the Middle East
On 5 May, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed a closed-session of the Security Council on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 in Lebanon. On 6 May, USG DiCarlo briefed the Council again during a closed session on developments in the Middle East, including recent missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates.
Structured Dialogue meets in Benghazi to discuss security sector
During meetings in Benghazi this week, the Security Track of the Structured Dialogue discussed proposals to address legal, operational and political challenges related to unifying Libya’s military and security institutions. Participants identified challenges including parallel armed structures, foreign interference, border vulnerabilities, and the presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries. Members agreed that political will and alignment between security reforms and the broader political process are essential to unification and stressed that resolving political division and establishing a unified civilian-led authority are critical prerequisites. Discussions also focused on support for the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and proposals related to election security, conflict prevention and security sector governance.
Strengthening a community coffee initiative in Tolima
On 2 May, in Dolores village, Tolima, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia participated in the delivery of agricultural inputs and infrastructure, supported by the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization (ARN) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Colombia. The initiative is designed to strengthen a community coffee production project led by the ACOPAZ association, which brings together 150 farmers, including peace signatories. This support enhances the sustainability and productivity of the association’s initiative, while simultaneously contributing to reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in the territory.
Forum for Peace in South-Central Huila
On 7 May, the Verification Mission underscored the need to preserve the gains of the Peace Agreement, strengthen security guarantees, and advance a comprehensive State presence during its participation in the “Perspectives on Peace” forum held in Algeciras, Huila. The forum convened key institutional and community stakeholders, with the support of the UN Mission, the Peace Agreement Implementation Unit, the National Reintegration Agency (ARN), the Ombudsman’s Office (Defensoría del Pueblo), and the Catholic organization FICONPAZ. Participants included representatives from local communities, as well as local and regional authorities.
Journalist training in Haiti promotes human rights and peaceful elections
With support from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council launched a training initiative for journalists, with sessions held in Hinche on 29 April and in Port-de-Paix from 4 to 6 May. The training this week brought together representatives from 22 media outlets, including online and traditional media, to discuss the role of the media in promoting a peaceful electoral process that respects human rights.
UNTMIS supports workshop on countering hate speech during elections in Somalia
This week, the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) backed Somalia’s Ministry of Information in organizing a two-day workshop on addressing and countering hate speech during electoral periods. The workshop, attended by more than 35 journalists from 21 media outlets based in Mogadishu, focused on the importance of a safe and enabling human rights environment for genuine elections and the risks posed by hate speech to the enjoyment of these rights in Somalia.
New podcast episode explores climate, identity and security in the Pacific
The latest episode of Climate, Crisis and Courage – A UN Podcast, titled From Islands to Highlands: Climate, Identity, and Security in the Pacific, explores how climate change is shaping peace and security in one of the world’s most climate-exposed regions. Featuring perspectives from Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, the episode examines how rising seas, extreme weather and environmental pressures intersect with governance, culture and geopolitical dynamics, while also highlighting locally led resilience efforts and regional leadership.
Next Week
The Security Council will hold a meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 May. On 15 May, members will convene for a meeting on Syria.
