Following the adoption of resolution 2444 (2018) on 14 November 2018, by which the Security Council lifted the arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes and targeted sanctions imposed on Eritrea in resolutions 1907 (2009), 2023 (2011), 2060 (2012) and 2111 (2013), the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia, formerly known as the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea, began its work under a modified mandate.

The new Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations, Luis Benigno Gallegos, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

Delegates speaking at the Fifth Committee’s (Administrative and Budgetary) meeting today urged the Secretary-General to put forward a bold mobility framework to generate a more efficient, nimble Organization while giving staff members expanded opportunities to develop their careers.

The Commissioner-General for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Pierre Krähenbühl, praised the Agency’s donors in Amman today for collectively helping to reduce its $446 million budget shortfall to $21 million.   The Agency was able to open its 711 schools on time as a result.

During its informal consultations on 24 October 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan was briefed by Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.  Ms. Patten, whose predecessor last briefed the Committee in March 2017, noted inter alia that sexual violence remained rampant in South Sudan and was used as part of a strategy to degrade, shame and humiliate both the victims and communities, often along ethnic and/or political lines.

Following are UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ remarks to the Group of Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, in New York today:

Following consultations, United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé of Spain as his High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, from 1 January 2019.

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) approved nine draft resolutions today, including three related to the advancement of women.

Reiterating the importance of convening a constitutional committee as a first step towards a political solution to the crisis in Syria, the Secretary‑General’s Special Envoy for that country told the Security Council today that the United Nations is open to any suggestions on the list of disputed attendees that allows inclusive participation by civil society.

The membership of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the Internet Governance Forum has been renewed.