Mogadishu – The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) recently hosted a one-day seminar for 40 Somali women entrepreneurs, equipping them with knowledge of United Nations procurement procedures and how to compete in the global UN marketplace. Held at the UN compound in Mogadishu, the seminar provided a dedicated platform for Somali women entrepreneurs to better understand UN procurement processes. The UNSOS Procurement Section…

On the day after his arrival in Goma, North Kivu, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, Mr. James Swan, visited the Mubambiro transit camp on the morning of Saturday, 25 April. The site is located about 20 kilometres from Goma, near the town of Sake. According to Ms. Rebecca Lusolo, camp coordinator and officer with MONUSCO’s Disarmament, Demobilization…

WESTERN EQUATORIA – “When women hold power, they provide essential perspectives that advance social justice, education, healthcare, and economic development.” Ann Tuna Richard is one of few women to hold that power in Western Equatoria. As the Speaker of the State’s legislative assembly, her success inspires others to try and secure influential roles in the executive branch of government. However, there are many hurdles to overcome in reaching…

TRIPOLI – Members of the Structured Dialogue’s National Reconciliation and Human Rights Track concluded their third round of in-person meetings in Tripoli on Thursday. The discussions focused on transitional justice, accountability for past violations, abuses, strengthening trust in state institutions and their role in advancing national reconciliation. Members reviewed existing initiatives and legislation, examining how to strengthen them to…

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Barrie Freeman, concluded today her visit to Banjul, The Gambia, where she participated in a two-day high-level workshop on “Strengthening Security and Stabilization in Sahel and West Africa: Bridging Good Governance, Regional Cooperation, and Multilateral Responses.” During the workshop, Ms. Freeman contributed to a panel discussion on “Regional and…

YAMBIO - Esther John Hayat is hard to miss on the Yambio airstrip. Driving a candy-red fire truck across the tarmac, dressed in a hard hat and a fireproof suit, she cuts a striking figure. But it’s not just the uniform and vehicle that draws attention, it’s the fact she’s the only woman in the entire state of Western Equatoria doing this job. Her day begins at 6:00 am with meticulous equipment checks of the hoses, water cannons, fire…

A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally. ASG Khiari warns of escalating fighting and rising civilian toll in Ukraine On 20 April, Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, briefed the Security Council on developments in Ukraine. He noted that a temporary Easter truce announced from 11 to 12 April was not respected, with…

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, Mr. James Swan, arrived in Goma on Friday, April 24, 2026, as part of his first field visit to the eastern part of the country since taking office and which started on 20 April with Beni. This visit comes amid persistent security challenges and ceasefire monitoring responsibilities for MONUSCO. Upon his arrival at Goma…

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert held a round of meetings this week with Lebanese political, security and religious representatives. In exercising her good offices role, the Special Coordinator discussed with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ongoing efforts to consolidate the cessation of hostilities and advance stability in Lebanon. Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also met with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces…

New analysis underscores urgent need for coordinated responses to protect civilians. Bogotá, Colombia – 15 April 2026. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Colombia has launched a new technical paper titled “Uncrewed Aircraft Systems with Explosive Payloads: Emerging Threats and Challenges for Colombia”, highlighting the growing humanitarian risks associated with the use of weaponized drones by non-state armed groups. Presented…