The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Pedro Comissário Afonso (Mozambique):

As the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) began the second part of its resume session today to consider a proposed $5.7 billion budget for nearly a dozen peacekeeping missions around the globe from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, delegates stressed the need for careful management of the Organization’s resources during a period of ongoing financial constraint.

With the sharp escalation of threats to security in and from outer space, a legally binding agreement to preserve its peaceful nature is pivotal, speakers told the General Assembly today, in a meeting sparked by a veto cast by the Russian Federation, blocking a draft resolution on 24 April that aimed to prevent an arms race in outer space in all its aspects, including through the obligation not to place in Earth’s orbit any objects carrying weapons of mass destruction.

The Commission on Population and Development concluded its 2024 annual session today, highlighting its main outcome — the adoption on 29 April of a political declaration to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the landmark Programme of Action on Population and Development.

At least 11 United Nations personnel — seven military and four civilians — were killed in deliberate attacks in 2023, the UN Staff Union Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service said today.

In Madagascar, following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Gamane in late March, the United Nations continues to support the Government-led response. Focusing on the health response due to the risk of epidemics, humanitarian organizations have provided medicine, mosquito nets and water purification products.

It will be recalled that following the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2667 (2022), the armed and security forces of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are exempt from the embargo on the supply of military equipment and assistance.

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

As speakers discussed the importance of collective efforts to promote a culture of peace in a world torn by conflict and crisis, the General Assembly today adopted a draft resolution in pursuit of that goal, in addition to draft texts on a variety of other topics.