​​​​​​​While the newly signed deal to resume grain exports through Ukrainian ports offers a “beacon of hope” for countries in increasingly desperate need, close coordination among the parties involved will be critical to its success, the United Nations political affairs chief stressed today, as delegates in the Security Council both welcomed its potential for staving off famine and condemned the strike on the port of Odesa less than 24 hours later that threw that likelihood into jeopardy.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the EurAfrican Forum 2022, “Empowering the European Union-Africa Alliance in times of disruption”, in Carcavelos, Portugal, today:

With 161 votes in favour and 8 abstentions, the General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution today recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right and calling for greater global efforts to ensure that principle is upheld.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and the Development Programme continue to help build national capacity, with 27 Internal Security Forces heads of units, including five women, participating in training on “Central African model community policing”.

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for three months — until 31 October 2022 — as members underscored the urgent need to appoint a Mission Head to enable it to offer support to the country and debated the need to extend the mandate for a longer period of time.

​​​​​​​United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Abdou Abarry of Niger as his Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA).

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Antje Grawe of Germany as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, with the host Government’s approval.  She takes up her post on 31 July.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Denise Brown of Canada as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, with the host Government’s approval.  Ms. Brown takes up her post on 30 July.  She will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, observed on 30 July: