Meetings Coverage

The Economic and Social Council began its two-day management segment today, discussing the reports of several of its subsidiary bodies and adopting draft resolutions and decisions contained in the reports.

In the wake of the Houthis’ 19 July attack on Tel Aviv and Israel’s 20 July retaliation against the port of Hudaydah in Yemen, two senior United Nations officials stressed the urgent need to avoid regional escalation before the Security Council today, as members expressed similar concern but disagreed over the party ultimately responsible for the latest developments.

Amid the stalemate in Syria’s political situation, speakers urged the Security Council today to maintain their focus on that country, emphasizing that the consequences of neglecting the 14-year conflict could be severe for both the country and the region.

The Secretaries-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) told the Security Council today of the need for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations like theirs, as Council members — despite expressing support for regional expertise — disagreed over how increasing challenges in the Eurasian region should be addressed.

The Security Council today adopted a resolution strengthening the mandate of the Focal Point for Delisting — set out in resolution 1730 (2006) to receive requests for delisting from United Nations sanctions regimes — and establishing an Informal Working Group on general sanctions issues.

The Economic and Social Council concluded its High-Level Segment today under the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development concluded its three-day ministerial segment today, with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration and the Forum’s procedural report.

The Security Council today heard growing calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as speakers reiterated their concern about the ongoing war’s unspeakable toll on civilians and the dwindling prospect for a two-State solution for Israel and Palestine.

The General Assembly today adopted three texts — including a resolution in support of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States — and conducted a debate on building peace, with speakers applauding the work of the Peacebuilding Commission and calling for resources to increase its engagement.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened on day two today of its three-day ministerial segment.  It heard messages from the UN Environment Assembly and held an interactive session on “Messages from the regions”, which showcased regional challenges, innovative pathways and opportunities for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and presented transformative policies and actions for the remaining six years until the established deadline for the SDGs in 2030.