UN Spokesperson

UN Spokesperson

5/18/2025, 1:45:09 PM

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq. They discussed developments in Iraq and the region. They also discussed the remaining period of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the United Nations remains fully committed to continuing to support the Government and people of Iraq following the departure of UNAMI. https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/readout/2025-05-18/readout-of-the-secretary-general’s-meeting-he-mr-mohammed-shia-al-sudani-prime-minister-of-the-republic-of-iraq

UN Spokesperson

5/17/2025, 11:01:51 AM

I am honoured to be with you to further strengthen our partnership with the League of Arab States. The region and the world face trials and tests on all fronts. Starting with Gaza. Nothing justifies the atrocious October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. We need a permanent ceasefire, now. The unconditional release of all hostages, now. And the free flow of humanitarian aid ending the blockade, now. I am alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations and more. And I emphasize that the United Nations will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality. And I reiterate my appeal for the urgent and full support of UNRWA’s work, including financial support. We reject the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – and we obviously reject any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza. We must also stay focused on the terrible situation in the occupied West Bank. Let’s be clear: Annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal. Only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace: Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, in line with UN resolutions, international law, and previous agreements. The high-level conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity. The world, the region – and, most of all, the people of Palestine and Israel -- cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear before our eyes. That goal has never been more imperative – but unfortunately it also looks more distant. The international community has an enormous responsibility in this decisive moment. Excellencies, In Lebanon, Security Council resolution 1701 is unequivocal: sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected, and the Government of Lebanon must have control over all Lebanese territory. And I welcome the stated commitment by Lebanese officials to ensure a state monopoly over weapons. I also encourage continued progress on reforms – as well as efforts to deploy the Lebanese Armed Forces to southern Lebanon, with the support of UNIFIL. In Syria, sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity are critical. And we must firmly support an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, based on the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254 – a process that safeguards the rights and participation of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity and religion, and ensures their protection. This is the pathway to a peaceful, independent and democratic future, and an economic revival as sanctions are removed. Excellencies, Highnesses In Yemen, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have significantly damaged the regional and global economies. I welcome the announcement made by the Sultanate of Oman on 6 May that the United States and the Houthis would cease hostilities. The trajectory of violence must cease – as we work for a negotiated Yemeni-led political settlement. UN staff and others that were arbitrarily arrested must be released. In Sudan, renewed and coordinated multilateral engagement is crucial to help stem appalling violence, famine, and mass displacement. And I am very grateful to the Arab League and to the AU for the excellent coordination meeting that we managed to have yesterday. I commend the efforts of the League of Arab States to strengthen multilateral coordination. In Somalia, unity and inclusive dialogue are imperative. The assistance of Somalia’s partners will be essential in the fight against Al Shabaab and strengthening peace and security in the country. That is why I put forward a recommendation to the Security Council to enable predictable and sustainable financing for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. In Libya, we are actively engaging with national and international actors to end the confrontation between armed groups, to preserve the independence of key oversight institutions, to address the obstacles preventing national elections, and set the course for long-term stability and prosperity -- in line with the Libyan people’s needs and aspirations. And once again, the League of Arab States is a vital partner in these efforts. Finally, here in Baghdad, I want to recognize and commend the progress Iraq has made since the restoration of sovereignty in 2004 -- strengthening institutions, resolving disputes through dialogue, providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development and human rights. And I sincerely hope that all pending issues will find a just solution by dialogue. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq has accompanied the country on this path and we are working to ensure the successful delivery of its residual mandate and an orderly drawdown by 31 December 2025. We are committed to continue supporting the Government and people of Iraq towards a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future. Highnesses, Excellencies, Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity. That is the shared goal of the League of Arab States and the United Nations – and I look forward to continue to deepen our partnership together. Shukran. Secretary-General’s full remarks at the Arab League Summit: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-05-17/secretary-generals-remarks-the-league-of-arab-states-summit-scroll-down-for-arabic

UN Spokesperson

5/20/2025, 5:22:20 PM

Highlights of today's noon briefing [20 May 2025]: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight

UN Spokesperson

5/18/2025, 1:51:23 PM

Secretary-General's remarks at the wreath-laying ceremony for the victims of the Canal Hotel attack in 2003 Dear survivor colleagues, dear colleagues, Almost 22 years ago, the United Nations family suffered the worst terrorist attack in the history of our organization. 22 years is a long time. But we will never forget the colleagues who were killed that day in the bombing at the Canal Hotel. They were sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends who are, to this day, mourned by those they knew and loved. We will always remember their leader, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was also killed in the attack. We will stand with the survivors whose lives were changed forever. And we will remember the courageous colleagues and others who rushed to help on that terrible day, and in the days and weeks after — showing us the very best of the humanitarian spirit. This memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the people of Iraq. It also stands as a reminder of how far Iraq has come since 2003. Working with the brave and resilient people of this country, the women and men of the United Nations have worked tirelessly to support their quest for stability, development and peace. Above all, this memorial is as a clear reminder of the vital work that our organization does around the world — and the dangers our people face in carrying out that work. With World Humanitarian Day, the date of 19 August has been forever transformed from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy here in Iraq into a global day of solemn remembrance for all humanitarians — inside and outside the organization. Their bravery, dedication, and belief that a better future is possible will always inspire us. And like those whose lives were lost on 19 August, 2003, their sacrifices and contributions to our world — and to our vital cause of peace — will never be forgotten. Thank you. https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-05-18/secretary-generals-remarks-the-wreath-laying-ceremony-for-the-victims-of-the-canal-hotel-attack-2003

UN Spokesperson

5/14/2025, 1:52:07 PM

Secretary-General's press encounter following the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping in Berlin: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2025-05-14/secretary-generals-press-encounter-following-the-ministerial-meeting-the-future-of-peacekeeping

UN Spokesperson

5/20/2025, 3:12:19 PM

From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together. They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas. All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries. Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact: Without maritime security, there can be no global security. But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers. From challenges around contested boundaries… To the depletion of natural resources at sea… To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime. Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace. From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime… To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure… To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability. No region is spared. And the problem is getting worse. Secretary-General's full remarks to the Security Council - on Maritime Security: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-05-20/secretary-generals-remarks-the-security-council-maritime-security-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english-and-all-french

UN Spokesperson

5/21/2025, 5:58:49 PM

Highlights of today's noon briefing [21 May 2025]: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight

UN Spokesperson

5/20/2025, 8:35:26 PM

The Secretary-General takes note of the decree issued on 19 May by the Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council appointing Dr. Kamil Eltayeb Idris as Prime Minister. The Secretary-General hopes the appointment will serve as the first step towards inclusive consultations aimed at forming a broad-based technocratic government and forging peace. He underscores that consensus efforts must be prioritized and lead to tangible progress for the benefit of all the Sudanese people, including by silencing the guns, delivering essential services to all the population and laying the groundwork for a common vision for Sudan’s future: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-05-20/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-–-sudan

UN Spokesperson

5/16/2025, 1:52:29 AM

Highlights of today's noon briefing [15 May 2025]: https://press.un.org/en/2025/db250515.doc.htm

UN Spokesperson

5/13/2025, 12:29:08 PM

UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace. Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world. But they are united in their commitment to peace. As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected… Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire… Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need… And laying the foundations for long-term recovery. In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death. And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace. Secretary-General’s keynote address to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-05-13/secretary-generals-remarks-the-ministerial-meeting-the-future-of-peacekeeping-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english