Ensuring greater participation of people with disabilities and tackling inequities in food and nutrition were among concerns addressed in briefings to the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, as delegates also engaged in interactive dialogues on the freedom of religious belief, the rights of minorities and the protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The importance of strengthening the participation of women for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security remained in the spotlight today as the Security Council resumed — and concluded — its annual open debate on the topic of women, peace and security.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that from Saturday through Tuesday 62 trucks travelled through the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza, carrying water, food and medical supplies. Most of this aid has already reached hospitals, ambulances and internally displaced people.

The worsening tension, unspeakable violence and harrowing suffering must end now, UN General Assembly President stressed today at an emergency meeting on the situation in the Middle East, during which he condemned the killing of all civilians on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides and urged all parties to abide by international law and immediately allow for aid to access the Gaza Strip.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on 2 November:

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) resumed its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, with some speakers expressing concern about a draft resolution titled “Space technology for promoting peace” (document A/C.4/78/L.5), which is being put forward by the Russian Federation.

The Government of the Central African Republic must engage in inclusive dialogue with opposition parties and armed groups to build trust among stakeholders ahead of local elections in October 2024, the United Nations top official there told the Security Council today, as she highlighted progress in the country’s peace process.

Today, the Secretary-General at a press conference announced the creation of a new Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body on risks, opportunities and international governance of artificial intelligence.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the press conference launching the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, in New York today:

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the high-level pledging event of the Invest-In-Women Global Summit, in New York today: