A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally. ASG Khiari underscores importance of UN–EU cooperation across peace and security On 13 April, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Khaled Khiari briefed the Security Council on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union. He stressed that cooperation remains longstanding, comprehensive and operational, and highlighted the EU’s role as a…

A ten-day US-brokered ceasefire came into effect at midnight Thursday-Friday following 45 days of hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah. To support the efforts leading to a ceasefire, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, exercised her good offices role through a round of meetings and phone contacts with Lebanese and Israeli officials during the past week. In Lebanon, the Special Coordinator met with…

By Vibhu Mishra From election support in the Central African Republic to patrols in the disputed Abyei region, UN peacekeepers are operating in increasingly volatile environments – but shrinking resources and new threats, including drone warfare, are testing their ability to keep communities safe. Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, senior Headquarters and field officials warned that peacekeeping missions are under growing strain, as…

UNOAU and AU insights from the CSM Community of Practice meeting on 26 February

The MONUSCO Strategic Planning Cell, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, through the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division based at United Nations Headquarters in New York, organized a training session on Tuesday, April 14 in Beni, in North Kivu Province, for the Mission’s military and police personnel on a new operations planning tool. The aim of the training is to help peacekeepers improve operational planning, measure…

On 16 April 2026, South African Blue Helmets of MONUSCO, based in Eringeti in Beni Territory, North Kivu Province, provided assistance to pupils of Ndalya Primary School through the donation of desks and school supplies aimed at improving learning conditions. The donation included 20 desks, two soccer balls, 450 notebooks, pens and pencils, colored paper, markers, rulers, a globe, binders, and other essential school materials. A total of 152…

WESTERN EQUATORIA - With South Sudan scheduled to hold its first post-independence elections in December, the time for preparations to ensure it is conducted peacefully and credibly is fast running out. Minimal funding has been provided to electoral institutions and legal frameworks so far and security plans and other necessary processes are still pending. “The entire international community has a stake in ensuring that the transitional period…

Planting the seeds of peace: Youth Champions are investing in a greener Cyprus

Mogadishu, 16 April 2026 - The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is conducting an accredited mediation training for 18 staff, equipping them with dispute resolution skills to effectively manage challenges and disagreements encountered in their professional roles. The intensive five-day course forms part of a broader national staff capacity strengthening programme aimed at providing national staff with a foundational understanding…