Reflecting a deep chasm in disarmament and arms control discussions, delegates from nuclear-weapon States today defended deterrence policies while their counterparts from nations free of atomic bombs questioned slow progress in dismantling arsenals, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard as it concluded its debate on nuclear weapons and took up its agenda item on other weapons of mass destruction.

The world was not on track to eradicate hunger and malnutrition by the international community’s goal of 2030, the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) heard today from many speakers as it took up agriculture development, food security and nutrition.

Through regional courses, online resources and legal publications, as well as a new project producing accessible digital files, the Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law was stepping up to the demanding task of meeting the increased need for international law training and research materials, the Sixth Committee (Legal) heard today as it began its consideration of the Secretary-General’s report on the matter.

The Secretary-General, expressing his solidarity with the people of Somalia after the brutal attacks in Mogadishu, said he was disgusted by the unprecedented violence.  He urged all Somalis to unite in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism and work together in building a functional and inclusive federal State.

The General Assembly today elected, by secret ballot, 15 States to serve on the Human Rights Council, the United Nations body responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.

The United Nations and Mattel, Inc., today announced at MIPJunior in Cannes, France, details of their collaboration to incorporate a number of the Sustainable Development Goals into the storylines of the animated children’s television series Thomas & Friends™.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks on Africa Week, in New York today:

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

On 29 September 2017, the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission transmitted to the Security Council updated versions of documents offering practical information on the procurement channel, established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and endorsed by resolution 2231 (2015), for the review of proposals by States seeking to engage in certain transfers of nuclear or dual-use goods, technology, and/or related services to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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