With a burgeoning and increasingly complex caseload taxing the global humanitarian aid system, more funding and better ways to help and protect people in strife-torn countries from the Central African Republic to Syria were more vital than ever, speakers said today as the Economic and Social Council began its three-day humanitarian affairs segment.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to “Acting on the Call: Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Death”, in Washington, D.C., today:

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire until 30 June 2015, adjusting it in line with progress on the ground, including the improved security situation.

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months, until 31 December 2014, requesting the Secretary-General to ensure that it had the required capacity and resources to fulfil its duties.

During a debate on the situation in Afghanistan, the Security Council issued two presidential statements on recent elections, reiterating their importance to that country's transition and democratic development, and on the threat posed by rampant illicit opium cultivation.

Resolving past and present questions concerning the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme was a central element of the Security Council’s discussion today as it met to hear a briefing by the Chair of the Committee monitoring that sanctions regime.

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the inauguration of the United Nations House in Equatorial Guinea, in Malabo today:

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) until 30 June 2015, within the authorized troop ceiling of 11,200 military and 1,440 police personnel.

Concluding its three-day humanitarian affairs segment today, the Economic and Social Council adopted a consensus resolution that not only called upon the United Nations to continue enhancing its existing humanitarian capacities but also included new language addressing the frequently protracted nature of displacement resulting from complex crises and emergencies.