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.
In progress at UNHQ
Security Council: Press Conference
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.
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.
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.
The Security Council’s agenda for February will feature two major meetings — one on climate security risks and the other on equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in conflict-affected areas, its President for the month said during a video press conference today.
The Security Council’s agenda for January will feature two high-level open debates — one on challenges in maintaining peace and security in fragile countries and the other on stronger international cooperation in combating terrorism, the organ’s President for the month said during a video press conference today.
The Security Council’s agenda for December will feature a ministerial‑level debate on security sector reform, a high‑level meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union and a briefing on strengthening the rule of law, the organ’s President for the month said during a video press conference today.
The Security Council agenda for November will feature a high-level meeting on contemporary drivers of conflict and insecurity, such as climate change and underdevelopment, the organ’s President for the month said during a video press briefing today.
October’s Security Council meetings focused on signature matters like the situation in the Middle East, as well as the women, peace and security agenda, Council President Vassily A. Nebenzia (Russian Federation) said today at a press conference to sum up the month’s activities.