Many speakers emphasized the invaluable nature of intergovernmental negotiations to reform the Security Council, and suggested a range of possible changes to its membership, while discussing the future of the veto power, as the General Assembly today held its annual debate on Council reform and the question of equitable representation in the 15-member body.

Cyber-crime and cyber-terrorism were on the rise, as the fast growth of information and communications technologies transformed the world into a global village, with profound impacts on all aspects of social and economic life, including security, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today as it continued its thematic debate.

Expressing concerns about elections marred by misconduct, demand for United Nations electoral assistance had remained strong throughout the world, the Organization’s political affairs chief told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, as it continued its consideration of the promotion and protection of human rights, tabling 10 draft resolutions.

The Secretary-General and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees condemned the attack yesterday on Camp Hurriya, near the Baghdad International Airport that had left at least 26 residents dead and many more injured, and called on the Iraqi Government to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Today’s conflicts were outpacing the ability of the United Nations to address them, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today, drawing attention to new international momentum for the changes needed to ensure that peace operations were designed, equipped and financed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Security Council this morning underscored the importance of increased coordination, cooperation and interaction among the principal organs of the United Nations, in particular the Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, other relevant bodies including the Peacebuilding Commission, and regional organizations, including the African Union.

As part of the UN70 celebrations in New York City, the Department of Public Information has mobilized the participation of over 220 staff and diplomats in the annual Dash to the Finish Line race, organized by the New York Road Runners every year on the day before the New York City Marathon.

Renewed efforts and collective engagement by the international community were needed to ensure accountability for grave violations and to open space for cooperation with States to find remedies, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today as it held interactive dialogues with experts on the human rights situations in Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea and the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 alongside findings presented on education and on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

As old disputes festered, new conflicts and tensions were emerging in several regions and subregions, from the Euro-Atlantic area to the Middle East and elsewhere, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today during the thematic debate on regional disarmament.