Press Conference

The Security Council’s programme for September features a ministerial-level open debate on peacekeeping transitions and a briefing on the maintenance of international peace and security by The Elders, a non-governmental organization of distinguished public figures that promotes human rights and peace, its President for the month told a Headquarters press conference today.

The Security Council will focus on three major areas — maritime security, peacekeeping and terrorism — in August, alongside briefings on developing situations in the Middle East and other regions, its President for the month told a Headquarters press conference today.

Humanitarian issues and the Middle East are priority topics on the Security Council’s programme of work for July, with the 15-member organ intent on conducting all its meetings in person for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its President for the month told a Headquarters press conference today.

The Security Council will adopt a “bold but cautious” approach to resuming in-person meetings given the improving COVID-19 situation in New York, its President for June said today at a Headquarters press conference announcing its programme of work.

The Security Council will hold two open debates and more than 20 meetings, in virtual format in May, despite members’ preference for in-person gatherings amid the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in New York, its President for the month said today at a Headquarters press conference announcing its programme of work.

Following is a transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference to launch the “State of the Global Climate 2020” report, with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Petteri Taalas, held in New York today:

The Security Council has scheduled five open debates for April, all in a virtual format, as it looks forward to reconvening in person if the COVID-19 situation in New York significantly improves, its President for the month said today at a Headquarters press conference unveiling its programme of work.

Following is a transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference with Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau of Canada and Andrew Holness of Jamaica on the high-level event on debt and liquidity, in New York today:

An open debate on conflict-induced starvation and hunger, along with renewed focus on the crisis in Yemen and the tenth anniversary of the conflict in Syria will mark the Security Council’s work programme in March, its President for the month said during a press conference today, as she held out the possibility of elevating the crises unfolding in Myanmar and Ethiopia on the agenda.

Following is the transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference with Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at the launch of the UNEP report titled “Making Peace with Nature:  A scientific blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies”, in New York today: