The Security Council was briefed today by the heads of three of its subsidiary bodies — which relate to Da’esh, Al-Qaida, UN counter-terrorism efforts and measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors — hearing that the threat posed by terrorism continues to evolve, especially in Africa, as malign actors exploit new technologies to pursue dangerous ends.
As Syria seeks to rebuild its economy and establish inclusive politics, the international community must support its efforts, lift all remaining sanctions and protect its sovereignty, the Security Council heard today from senior UN officials as well as concerned Member States.
The United Nations has a slim window of opportunity to earn back public trust and burnish its global image — which is too often tarnished by the paralysis of its 15-member Security Council — the General Assembly heard today, as delegates warned that the Organization is widely judged by that most-headlined organ’s failure to end wars, prevent atrocity crimes and keep up with today’s emerging challenges.
The Security Council today debated strengthening regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel — now the global epicentre of violent extremism — with speakers urging unified, long-term strategies that confront both immediate threats and the underlying drivers of instability, from poverty and weak governance to climate shocks and limited economic opportunity.
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, to the Security Council meeting on the theme, “Enhancing Regional Counter-Terrorism Cooperation in West African and the Sahel”, in New York today:
The Security Council today endorsed the United States-backed “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”, welcomed its establishment of the Board of Peace and authorized the Board and Member States working with it to establish a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
As famine grips Sudan and Gaza and acute hunger surges worldwide, humanitarian law must be upheld, the use of starvation as a weapon stopped, and perpetrators held to account, speakers told the Security Council during a day-long debate on conflict-related food insecurity.
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council today voted to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and its support for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism until 15 November 2026. The 15-member organ adopted resolution 2802 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2802(2025)) by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (China, Pakistan, Russian Federation).
The Security Council today decided to renew for 12 months a travel ban and assets freeze imposed on certain designated individuals and entities in Yemen and to extend for 13 months the mandate of the Panel of Experts tasked with assisting the Council’s Yemen Sanctions Committee.
The Security Council must address issues hampering its working methods and credibility, including broadening penholder access, enhancing transparency, unblocking delays in filling and operationalizing subsidiary bodies, and restraining use of the veto, speakers urged the 15-member organ today as it undertook its annual open debate on the subject.
