States Must Promptly Act to End Colonialism, Honour Charter Principles, Secretary-General Says in Message for Special Decolonization Committee

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Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, to the opening of the 2016 session of the Special Committee on Decolonization, in New York today:

Intensify Action-oriented Dialogue to Boost Momentum for Self-determination, Urges Secretary-General, as Special Committee on Decolonization Begins 2016 Session

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The Special Committee on Decolonization should intensify action-oriented dialogue with the aim of generating further momentum to fulfil the United Nations decolonization mandate, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement read out on his behalf at the opening of that body’s 2016 session today.

Speakers Call for Reshaping Development System through New Policy Directions, as Economic and Social Council Concludes Operational Activities Segment

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The Economic and Social Council concluded its three-day operational activities segment today, with Governments calling on the United Nations to “fundamentally reshape” its development system by outlining new policy directions and partnerships that increased the efficiency, coherence and funding of the Organization’s 27 programmes, funds and specialized agencies.

Humanitarian Chief, Briefing Security Council, Welcomes Cessation of Hostilities Accord as ‘a Long-Awaited, Optimistic Sign’ for Millions Suffering in Syria

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Welcoming the nationwide ceasefire agreement due to take effect in Syria on Saturday, the United Nations humanitarian chief described the development today as a long-awaited, optimistic sign for millions suffering in the war-torn country.

Expressing Cautious Optimism about Somalia, Deputy Secretary-General, in Closing Remarks at High-Level Forum, Pledges Support for Inclusive Peacebuilding Plans

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Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s closing remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the High-Level Partnership Forum on Somalia, in Istanbul, Turkey, today:

Opening High-Level Partnership Forum on Somalia, Deputy Secretary-General Urges Strong Support for Building Nation’s Peaceful, Prosperous Future

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Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the High-Level Partnership Forum on Somalia, in Istanbul today:

Secretary-General Applauds ‘Pioneering Analysis and Forceful Advocacy’ of United Nations Development Programme at Fiftieth Anniversary Event

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Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the ministerial meeting marking the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in New York today: