The Security Council today welcomed improvements in the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur, but remained concerned about outstanding challenges, as it expressed its support for a review that would consider a new mission concept for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

As the seventh annual Economic and Social Council Youth Forum opened today, playing host to Government ministers and officials, youth delegates and representatives from civil society, discussions focused on the role of young people in the building of sustainable and resilient urban and rural communities.

Continuing its regular session for 2018, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today recommended 61 organizations for special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and deferred action on the status of 24 others.

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

The new Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, Ma Zhaoxu, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock and United Nations Development Programme Head Achim Steiner are in Somalia to bring attention to the recently launched $1.5 billion aid appeal to avert famine and build resilience in the country.  Some 5.4 million people need life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the thirteenth Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy, in New Delhi today:

The Security Council extended its sanctions regime against the Central African Republic today, consisting of an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on listed individuals and entities, until 31 January 2019, and the mandate of the Panel of Experts facilitating those measures until 28 February 2019.

Delegates from around the world shared their experiences in combating poverty against the backdrop of both long‑standing and emerging challenges — including an unprecedented global displacement crisis, protracted conflicts and a rising tide of intolerance — as the Commission for Social Development continued its fifty‑sixth annual session today.

The United Nations and its partners faced serious challenges in accessing 13.1 million people requiring assistance in Syria, the Deputy Relief Coordinator told the Security Council today, stressing that in the last month alone, “not one convoy has been able to deploy” to besieged and hard-to-reach areas.