Security Council: No name

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the UN Security Council’s open debate on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, in New York today:

The Russian Federation’s intention to hold presidential elections from 15 to 17 March 2024 in areas of Ukraine under its control is unacceptable, the UN’s political affairs chief told the Security Council today as delegates warned that such conduct further undermines the prospects for peace.

The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2025, expressing its appreciation for the Organization’s long-term commitment to support the people of that country and stressing the need for a continued field presence.

With concentric circles of escalation and risky military adventurism in the Red Sea, Yemen could descend into a new cycle of war, the Organization’s senior official for that country warned the Security Council today, as he urged all actors to exercise maximum restraint and work towards de-escalation and the peace process.

The Security Council met this afternoon to conclude its open debate on working methods.

On 16 February 2024, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 2713 (2023) concerning Al-Shabaab held its first informal consultations of the year to meet with the Panel of Experts pursuant to resolution 2713 (2023).

The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan until 30 April 2024, unanimously adopting resolution 2726 (to be issued as document S/RES/2726 (2024)) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

Amidst an upsurge in armed conflict around the world — with the highest number of conflict-related deaths in 30 years — the Security Council heard today of the urgent need to promote inclusive prevention strategies that address the root causes of conflict during its first-ever open debate on empowering all actors, particularly women, to engage in that task.

With multiple global crises threatening the foundations of international peace, stronger cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations is more important than ever, the Council heard today, as delegates highlighted the indispensable role of multilateralism.

The Security Council must amend its working methods, including through restraining the use of the veto and making improvements to its penholdership system and sanction regimes, to enhance its transparency, accountability and credibility and to improve its ability to take effective action in the face of multiplying and worsening global and regional conflicts, speakers told the 15-member organ today in an open debate on the topic.