News by topic: UN Affairs, Secretary-General
On Friendship Day, Ban says lives can be enriched, future enhanced through unity and camaraderie
30 July – Marking the International Day of Friendship, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged everyone to unite in a shared spirit of human solidarity to overcome the crises confronting the global society.
Global Goals ‘rallying call’ to tackle world’s ills, says new President of UN economic and social body
28 July – Opening the first meeting of the 2017 session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the body’s new President, Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, of Zimbabwe, said today that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a “rallying call” to address the complex challenges facing the world.
FEATURE: 'We all have to do what we can' to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse – Jane Holl Lute
26 July – The United Nations has a “zero tolerance” policy towards sexual abuse by anyone working under the blue flag.
The matter is one of such weight for the Organization that earlier this year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Jane Holl Lute as the Special Coordinator on improving the UN response to sexual exploitation and abuse.
As Rio Games approach, UN calls for cessation of hostilities during 'Olympic Truce'
25 July – Ahead of next month's start of the Olympics in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, has issued an appeal to all United Nations Member States to observe the historic cessation of hostilities during the Games
Selecting the next UN Secretary-General: Security Council holds first round of secret poll on candidates
21 July – Following its first-ever private discussions with the candidates vying for selection as the next United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Security Council today conducted the first round of informal polls on those seeking the world’s top diplomatic post.
Selecting the next UN Secretary-General: Informal briefings reopen
14 July – The latest candidate for the position of the next United Nations Secretary-General was heard today, answering questions on how she would promote sustainable development, improve efforts to create peace, protect human rights, and deal with huge humanitarian catastrophes should they be selected to lead the 193-member Organization.
Selecting the next Secretary-General: UN to hold townhall meeting with candidates
12 July – Continuing a series of ‘firsts’ regarding the selection of the next United Nations Secretary-General, candidates for the world’s top diplomatic post will this evening participate in a globally televised and webcast event in the UN General Assembly Hall, where they will take questions from diplomats and the public at large.
Ban 'deeply saddened' by death of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel
3 July – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he was “deeply saddened” to learn the passing yesterday of Elie Wiesel, 87, a Holocaust survivor, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and long-standing UN Messenger of Peace.
On World Day, UN hails cooperatives as drivers of sustainable future
2 July – Cooperatives are an old idea but more relevant than ever as they can be the drivers of a sustainable future, senior United Nations officials said on the International Day of Cooperatives today, urging Governments to create an enabling environment for these groups to thrive and grow.
Sweden, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan elected to Security Council
28 June – The 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly today elected Sweden, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan to serve on the world body’s Security Council for a period of two years, starting from 1 January 2017.
In the Spotlight
Patrice Lumumba by Brian Urquhart
Headlines at a glance
3 August
In South Sudan, UN humanitarian chief calls for end to attacks against civilians, aid workers
UNESCO explores ways to apply World Heritage Convention to ‘wonders’ of open ocean
UN ‘deeply troubled’ by latest DPRK missile launch
Ban congratulates Kazakhstan on its signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change
UN agency launches smartphone app in drought-hit Malawi to fundraise for school meals
E-government a powerful tool to implement global sustainability goals, UN survey finds
Ban reiterates strong condemnation of ‘heinous’ crimes committed by ISIL in Sinjar
UN warns of escalating tension in eastern Ukraine as casualties hit highest since last August
2 August
Colombia peace accord offers chance to ‘close chapter of war once and for all’ – UN envoy
Syria: UN ‘deeply disturbed’ by reports of airstrikes on hospitals, other civilian infrastructure
In South Sudan, UN humanitarian chief calls on all parties to work together for peace
Undernutrition in Ghana takes huge human and economic toll – new UN study
‘If you want to protect your image, protect children,’ Ban tells debate on war-affected children
In Iraq, UNICEF Ambassador Ewan McGregor urges help for children 'ripped from their homes'
Some 60,000 flee recent South Sudan violence, bringing exodus to 900,000 since 2013 – UN
1 August
South Sudan: UN Mission condemns ‘unspeakable acts’ of abuse, sexual violence
Some 25,000 people displaced by military attacks in western Aleppo – UNICEF
In wake of renowned lawyer’s murder, UN experts urge Kenya to put an end to police impunity
Yemen: Focusing on local suppliers, UN agency reaches thousands more in need of food aid
UNICEF working at ‘full strength’ in north-east Nigeria, despite attack on aid convoy
UN rights chief expresses concern about Iraq's fast-tracking of executions
30 July
Yemeni peace talks extended for another week – UN envoy
On Friendship Day, Ban says lives can be enriched, future enhanced through unity and camaraderie
29 July
Security Council approves 228-strong UN police contingent for Burundi
South Sudan: Security Council approves two-week extension of UN Mission
DR Congo: six years on, UN envoy calls for action in Walikale mass rape
UN envoy cites urgent need to establish 48 hour pause for humanitarian access to Aleppo
Ready for Olympic Games, UN-supported refugee athletes set out for Rio
After attack on convoy, UN suspends aid delivery in areas of restive north-eastern Nigeria
UNICEF deplores ‘shocking’ attacks in northern Syria towns that leave scores of civilians dead
FEATURE: How concerned should you be about Zika?
On World Day, UN urges stronger action to shield millions from human trafficking
Breastfeeding within hour of birth provides baby’s ‘first vaccine,’ says UNICEF
UN rights office shocked by inhumane treatment of children in Australian detention centre
Gambia: UN human rights office concerned over prison sentences of opposition party
Millions worldwide trapped in vicious cycle of violence and hunger – UN
On International Tiger Day, UN calls for urgent action against illegal wildlife trade
28 July
Security Council urges cooperation among countries in West Africa and the Sahel to tackle Boko Haram
UN and OSCE experts condemn Turkey’s crackdown on media
Racism in US casts ‘dark shadow’ over rights to free assembly, association – UN expert
UN appeals for halting imminent execution of prisoners in Indonesia
Proposed humanitarian corridors in Aleppo must be guaranteed by all sides, says UN relief chief
With planting season weeks away, millions in drought-hit southern Africa need support – UN
Despite positive trends, poaching of African elephants still 'unacceptably high' – UN-backed treaty
UN warns of more heatwave deaths as climate change pushes up temperatures
27 July
Root causes of Boko Haram threat in Lake Chad Basin must be tackled – UN political chief
UN deputy aid chief calls for strengthened response to upcoming La Niña weather event
FEATURE SERIES: What is UN peacebuilding and its role in preventing conflicts?
Turkey: In call with Foreign Minister, Ban seeks update on current probe into attempted coup
UN experts urge Dominican Republic to protect women's rights to reproductive health
UN anti-crime chief calls for greater prevention efforts, youth advocacy to fight terrorism
Concerned by amended child labour bill in India, UN agency urges stronger legal framework
Yemen: Amid rising tensions in Taiz, senior UN official calls for humanitarian pause
FEATURE: Tackling cholera in Haiti by building sanitary cordons
UN rushes to ramp up support for South Sudan's battle against cholera outbreak
Indonesia: UN rights chief urges region's 'most prolific executioner' to end practice
26 July
FEATURE: 'We all have to do what we can' to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse – Jane Holl Lute
Security Council extends UN Central African Republic Mission through 2017
Security Council extends UN mission in Cyprus for six months
Gender equality, women's empowerment central to Colombian peace process – UN officials
Syria: UN envoy aims for peace talks to resume in late August
Temperature in Kuwait hits 54 Celsius, sets possible record amid Middle East heatwave – UN
Recent attacks on hospitals in Aleppo 'can amount to war crimes' – UNICEF
UN agency appeals for added funds for return of Somali refugees from Dadaab camp
Thailand: UN rights expert warns against curbs on free speech ahead of major vote
On first International Day, UNESCO calls for protection of mangrove ecosystems
Some 4,000 South Sudanese fleeing into Uganda daily – UN warns
Somalia: UN condemns terrorist attack near Mogadishu airport
25 July
UN envoy condemns Israel's decision to continue settlement expansion in occupied West Bank
UN Assembly adopts resolution proclaiming Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa
Security Council extends mandate of UN Iraq Mission for one year
In Skype video chat, Ban applauds Solar Impulse pilot on remarkable journey
As Rio Games approach, UN calls for cessation of hostilities during 'Olympic Truce'
Syria: UN aid chief calls for weekly, 48-hour humanitarian truce in Aleppo
UN health agency to launch new hepatitis testing guidelines ahead of World Day
General Assembly decision makes International Organization for Migration part of UN system
UN agency condemns Israel's closures in Hebron as 'collective punishment'
Afghan civilian casualties hit half-year record, with 5,166 dead or maimed – UN
23 July
Afghanistan: UN condemns terrorist attack that leaves scores dead in Kabul
22 July
Security Council authorizes countries to help Libya destroy chemical weapons
Somalia: UN envoy calls for better protection of children affected by armed conflict
Ban appoints Chilean national as Deputy Special Representative for Central African Republic
UN-backed AIDS conference closes with calls to end discrimination, bolster HIV care, support
Top UN counter-terrorism official urges cohesive response to 'persistent' threat of terrorism
UN body agrees framework to make globalization and trade work for billions across global south
UN launches e-learning training to tackle sexual exploitation and abuse
UN deputy aid chief urges support for millions in southern Africa hit by El Niño-induced droughts
Lebanon: Security Council calls for presidential and parliamentary polls by next May
Aid reaches thousands affected by Boko Haram violence in northern Nigeria – UN
UN agencies launch new tool to help displaced populations manage fuel needs
Mali: UN condemns renewed clashes between armed groups in country's north
Over 26,000 people flee South Sudan into Uganda; influx sets single-day record
UNESCO chief condemns killing of journalist in Ukraine
21 July
Ban welcomes new agreement with Inter Parliamentary Union; reiterates concern at South Sudan crisis
UN officials alarmed by closure of access route in eastern Aleppo; call for ‘humanitarian truce’
Partnerships and coherence vital to development cooperation, UN deputy chief tells Forum
Ban urges Turkish authorities to respect constitutional order, human rights amid state of emergency
As DR Congo polls approach, UN rights chief warns of threats to free speech, public assembly