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Press Release

4 December 2020

SG/SM/20472

Pandemic Must Not Distract from Peace, Security Efforts in Africa, Stresses Secretary-General, during Debate on Cooperation with Regional Bodies

Following are UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ remarks, as delivered at the Security Council debate on Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Subregional Organizations: African Union, today:

4 December 2020

SC/14372

Pointing to Peaceful Elections in Burundi, Security Council Presidential Statement Ends Mandatory Reporting

Noting an improved security situation in Burundi, but also calling on its Government to address human rights violations and other continuing issues, the Security Council today ended mandatory reporting on the country and encouraged its international partners to continue dialogue towards resumption of development assistance.

4 December 2020

SC/14371

Security Council Presidential Statement Urges Stronger Response to Conflict, Coordination between African Union, United Nations

Ahead of a high-level debate on cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in peace and security, the Security Council today encouraged the two organizations to further strengthen their coordination in a mutually supportive manner across the range of possible responses to conflict.

4 December 2020

SG/SM/20474

Misinformation ‘Shadow Pandemic’ on COVID-19 Risks Lives, Threatens Uptake of Vaccines, Secretary-General Warns, in Message to Web Summit

Following is UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ message to the Web Summit, in Lisbon today:

4 December 2020

DSG/SM/1514

Upcoming Decisions Will Have Impacts for Decades, Deputy Secretary-General Warns, during General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19 Response

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery to the General Assembly Special Session in Response to the COVID‑19 Pandemic, today:

4 December 2020

SG/SM/20475

Achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 Means Spending More, Better on Health, Secretary-General Says, in Message for International Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on International Universal Health Coverage Day, observed on 12 December:

3 December 2020

DSG/SM/1513

Deputy Secretary-General, at Launch of COVID-19 Data and Innovation Centre, Highlights Civil Society’s Critical Role in Swift Response, Recovery

Following are UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina J. Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery at the COVID‑19 Data and Innovation Centre launch, today:

3 December 2020

SG/SM/20471

Stressing Dangers of Harmful Fishing, Plastic Waste, Secretary-General Calls for Better Ocean Management, ‘Blue’ Recovery from COVID-19, at Report Launch

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message at the launch of the report of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, held today:

3 December 2020

SG/SM/20469

Post-Pandemic, World Must Seize Opportunity for Change, Prioritize Investments in Health, Climate, Secretary-General Urges General Assembly Special Session

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, as delivered, to the General Assembly special session in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, held today:

3 December 2020

SC/14370

Security Council Updates Reform Text to Address Gaps in Post-Conflict States, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2553 (2020)

The Security Council updated a resolution on security sector reform today, adding new provisions aimed at addressing gaps in implementing such transformation in fragile and post-conflict States, with the voting results announced virtually in accordance with the temporary silence procedure established during the COVID‑19 pandemic.