The United Nations is opening a public call for nominations of experts to serve on the multi-stakeholder High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which has been convened by the Secretary-General to carry out analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

In Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that hunger and displacement due to the ongoing war are spiraling out of control. More than 6 million people in the country — about 13 per cent of the population — are now one step away from famine.

In Somalia, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the risk of famine still lingers among communities of displaced people in parts of the country. This is despite the scale-up of humanitarian assistance and better-than-forecast rains which have brought some relief from the devastating drought.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that more than 40 trucks carrying some 1,600 tons of food reached Kassala, Gedaref and White Nile between 22 and 27 July and five trucks delivered roughly 300 tons of relief supplies to West Kordofan.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom):

In Niger, United Nations Humanitarian Air Service flights are grounded as air space in that country remains closed. While the Organization and its humanitarian partners will continue supporting vulnerable populations there, the $583 million humanitarian appeal for Niger is only 32 per cent funded.

The Support Mission in Libya, noting the approval of a road map and the announcement of nominations for a new Government by the House of Representatives, stressed that the political process is at a critical stage. Abdoulaye Bathily, Head of the Mission is intensifying his engagement with various stakeholders.

Following is the transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference on climate and the situation in Niger, in New York today:

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The United Nations Mission Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization in the Central African Republic announced today a plan to dedicate about $3 million to finance quick-impact projects intended to support the reconciliation, political process and peace process, improve security and help restore State authority.