Meetings Coverage

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development began its 2016 annual session today, with a focus on its role as a central global platform for ensuring the world would meet its most critical development objectives.

The Central African Republic’s remarkable progress over the past two years risked being reversed unless national authorities demonstrated commitment to inclusive and transparent governance, and to addressing the root causes of the crisis afflicting the country, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations warned as he briefed the Security Council today.

Rising political tensions ahead of presidential and legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo risked sparking a “severe crisis”, the Deputy Secretary-General told the Security Council today, calling on all political stakeholders to give dialogue a chance, engage in good faith and prioritize the nation’s interests.

The Security Council extended its authorization of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 May 2017 today, agreeing with the Secretary-General that conditions in that country were not appropriate for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

The Economic and Social Council concluded its dialogue on the longer-term positioning of the United Nations development system in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development today, with Member States underscoring their consensus on the need for reform, despite differences on how to undertake that task.

The General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution that welcomed progress in Africa in conflict prevention and peacebuilding while pointing to ways to address the root causes of conflict and promote durable peace and sustainable development.

The General Assembly continued its fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopting a resolution on ways in which to redouble efforts to work swiftly, collectively and effectively in rooting out the scourge.

Concluding its 2016 resumed session today, the Special Committee on Decolonization approved two draft resolutions, as its Chair reflected on the need to move past the stagnation characterizing the current state of decolonization efforts around the world.

Despite continuing violence and terrorism, including stabbings and shootings, important progress could be made through a demonstration of sincere commitment to advancing the goal of a two-State solution, the Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council today.

The General Assembly today elected Italy to the Security Council for a two-year term from 1 January 2017, with that country’s representative saying it would cede its place to Netherlands after one year.