As the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States opened in Antigua and Barbuda today, speakers highlighted its theme — “Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity” — and detailed, over the course of a day-long debate, the unique challenges that such countries face, the distinctive perspectives they hold and the tailored support they require to unlock their transformative potential.

In Gaza, aid partners report being able to reach Al Aqsa Hospital, in Deir Al Balah, with about 15,000 litres of fuel. Consistent fuel delivery is vital to keep oxygen generators running, without which the lives of over 20 newborn babies would be at risk. Between 7 and 23 May, just over 900 aid trucks have entered Gaza.

Approving two resolutions that emphasize the importance of ensuring public access to information and reaffirming the crucial role of the Department of Global Communication in addressing the spread of misinformation in the era of artificial intelligence, the United Nations Committee on Information concluded its forty-sixth session today.

An Indian military peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) will receive the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

United Nations Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 30 May.

In the wake of a day-long open debate on protecting civilians in armed conflict that it held on 21 May, the Security Council today adopted a resolution calling on States to respect and protect United Nations and humanitarian personnel in accordance with their obligations under international law, recalling those established 75 years ago in the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement aimed at addressing security, political and humanitarian challenges in West Africa and the Sahel.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UN peacekeepers are conducting day and night joint patrols with the Congolese armed forces in several areas in North Kivu province to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent the free movement of armed groups, particularly the Allied Democratic Forces.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the United Nations Security Council debate “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Strengthening the Role of the African State in Addressing Global Security and Development Challenges”, in New York today:

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Mari Yamashita of Japan as the Deputy Head of Mission of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA).