In progress at UNHQ

Preparatory Body Begins Work on Funding Rules for Ocean Biodiversity Treaty

SEA/2211

The commission assigned to prepare for the entry into force of a high-seas biodiversity treaty continued its first session today, addressing financial rules governing the instrument’s operationalization. Among the key proposals presented were consideration of the special circumstances of small island developing States and least developed countries, as well as a multi-year budget cycle.

Ongoing Military Build-Up, Economic Crisis in Libya Reignite Concern over Potential Eruption of Violence in Capital, Special Representative Tells Security Council

SC/16045

While Libya’s ceasefire agreement is holding, ongoing military build-up, fierce competition for territorial control among Western armed groups, recent armed mobilizations in and around Tripoli, coupled with a crippling economic crisis, have renewed fears about a potential outbreak of violence in the capital, the UN’s top official in the country told the Security Council today.

As Displacement, Sexual Violence Surge in Democratic Republic of Congo, Redoubled Peace Efforts Key to End Decade-Long Conflict, UN Envoy Tells Security Council

SC/16044

As eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains gripped by violence, mass displacement and grave human rights violations, especially of women and children, the United Nations top official for the Great Lakes region urged the Security Council to support and encourage peace efforts — “messages of hope” — to end the decade-long conflict.

Adopting Four Drafts, General Assembly Declares 2027-2036 UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation, Encourages Greater Cooperation with Council of Europe

GA/12681

With the adoption of two draft resolutions today, the General Assembly moved to foster sustainable forest management around the world by proclaiming 2027–2036 as the United Nations Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation and bolstered cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Preparatory Commission for Marine Biodiversity Treaty Takes Up Issues Relating to Meetings, Subsidiary Bodies, Observers

SEA/2210

In the third day of its first session, the commission responsible for preparing for the entry into force of a new treaty on maritime biodiversity addressed issues including the location, frequency and format for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to that accord, as well as the procedural rules that will apply to its subsidiary bodies.

Economic and Social Council Adopts Decisions on Themes of Upcoming Segments

ECOSOC/7197

The Economic and Social Council today adopted two draft decisions, “Theme of the humanitarian affairs segment of the 2025 session of the Economic and Social Council” (document (E/2025/L.4) and “Economic and Social Council meeting on the transition from relief to development” (document E/2025/L.5). Neither decision carries any programme budget implications.