Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Government of Saudi Arabia must immediately halt the reportedly imminent execution of 26 Egyptian nationals sentenced to death for drug-related offences, in violation of international law, an UN expert said today.

“The Government’s claim that applying the death penalty for offences such as smuggling, receiving and distributing narcotic substances under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act complies with international law is incompatible with its legal obligations under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said Morris Tidball-Binz, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

“The right not to be arbitrarily deprived of life is a fundamental tenet of international law, from which no derogation is permitted,” Tidball-Binz said.

The 26 Egyptian nationals, currently held on death row in Tabouk prison, have reportedly been informed that their executions will take place shortly after the Eid al-Adha holidays. This follows the execution of two other Egyptians from the same group, carried out on 24 and 25 May respectively, without prior notification to their families.

UN experts previously raised these cases with the Government of Saudi Arabia in a formal communication, to which the Government responded.

“The death penalty for drug-related offences fails to meet the threshold of the ‘most serious crimes, and lacks conclusive evidence of serving as an effective deterrent,” the expert said.

According to court documents reviewed by the expert, some of the Egyptian prisoners were denied legal representation, while others were convicted based on self-incriminating statements which they later retracted in court, claiming that they were made under coercion.

“The right to effective legal representation must be ensured at all stages of criminal proceedings – during interrogations, preliminary hearings, trial, and appeal – and constitutes an effective safeguard against torture and other forms of ill-treatment,” the expert said. “Violations of fair trial guarantees leading to the imposition of the death penalty render such sentences arbitrary and unlawful,” he added.

Since the beginning of 2025, Saudi Arabia has reportedly executed 141 individuals, approximately 68 of whom were foreign nationals. The vast majority were reportedly executed for non-lethal drug offences, in clear violation of international law.

Imposing death sentences and carrying out executions for such offences significantly increases the number of people worldwide subjected to punishments fundamentally incompatible with human rights norms, and amounting to arbitrary deprivation of life.

“I urgently call on the Government of Saudi Arabia to halt the planned executions of the 26 Egyptian nationals, to abolish the death penalty for drug-related offences, and to ensure that its drug control policies fully comply with its international human rights obligations, notably the right to life,” the expert said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

For a year now, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in Darfur, Sudan, have been witnessing outbreaks of measles in the four Darfur states where we currently work. While massive vaccination campaigns are finally ongoing in several locations across the region, MSF calls on health authorities and medical organisations to increase efforts to catch up on the immunisation of children who have never been vaccinated.

The first surge of measles cases observed and treated by MSF were in June 2024 in Rokero, in Central Darfur, where MSF teams have been running the local Ministry of Health hospital since 2020. At the start of 2025, cases were also reported in East Jebel Marra, South Darfur, and in Forbrenga, West Darfur. More recently, new surges are also being observed in Zalengei, Sortony, and in Tine, East Chad – all places where we run activities.

From June 2024 until the end of May 2025, more than 9,950 patients were treated for measles in health facilities run or supported by MSF in the region. Around 2,700 were complicated cases requiring hospitalisation, and 35 deaths were recorded. To manage the influx of patients, we had to expand our paediatric bed capacity in three hospitals.

One of the root causes of this situation is the region’s already low immunisation coverage. 

“In Forbrenga, 30 per cent of the measles patients we are receiving are above five years but only 5 per cent of them are vaccinated,” says Sue Bucknell, deputy head of mission in West Darfur. “This suggests that the lack of vaccination dates back further than the recent conflict.” 

“The ongoing conflict is also contributing to this outbreak, constraining the capacities of medical staff to both prevent and respond to outbreaks of contagious diseases,” says Dr Cecilia Greco, medical coordinator for Central Darfur. “Mass population displacement has made the illness spread even faster across the region, further complicating the situation.”  

Since the war broke out, constant administrative impediments and regular blockades of key supply roads have caused vaccine shortages throughout Darfur. This led to disruption in routine immunisation programmes in several locations, sometimes for months. In Sortony, for example, an internally displaced people’s camp in North Darfur hosting more than 55,000 people, vaccination activities totally stopped from May 2024 to February 2025.

These constraints and shortages have also limited medical organisations’ capacity to roll out proper response campaigns. Last year, MSF carried out several vaccination campaigns, such as in November 2024 in North Jebel Marra where 9,600 children were vaccinated. 

However, due to limited vaccine supplies, our teams were forced to reduce the target number and to exclude children over age five, despite clear needs. This inevitably reduced the long-term impact of these campaigns. In North Jebel Marra, while the vaccination campaign initially slowed the outbreak, cases began to rise sharply again from February.

Although mass vaccination campaigns are now happening in different parts of Darfur, negotiations and procedures have been lengthy. After MSF first raised the alarm about the multiple surges our teams were witnessing, it took months before the Federal Ministry of Health in Port Sudan and UNICEF released the needed vaccines from their stocks, finally enabling mass vaccination campaigns to be launched in different areas of Darfur. 

Last week, 55,800 children from age nine months to 15 years were vaccinated in Forbrenga as part of a campaign led by the Ministry of Health and supported by MSF. Around 93,000 more children are set to receive the vaccine in North Jebel Marra and Sortony by the end of this week, in a similar campaign.

“Even if they represent a certain achievement, these campaigns should have happened much sooner. Many measles cases and their consequences could have been prevented,” says Dr Greco. “And as much as they are needed, such reactive campaigns are only a band-aid to an open wound unless massive efforts are put in place on immunisation and prevention across Darfur, including its most remote areas.”

There is the threat of further outbreaks of disease unless such efforts are initiated.

“Measles is not the only contagious illness currently present in Darfur with the potential to turn into outbreaks,” says Bucknell. “Over the last 10 days, about 200 suspected cholera cases were brought to MSF-supported health facilities in two different Darfur states. This follows a significant cholera outbreak in Khartoum state and other parts of Sudan.”

“It is essential that federal and local health authorities, UN agencies and all medical organisations on the ground collaborate, not only to catch up on the vaccination of all the children left behind by immunisation programmes over the years, but also to enhance their ability to respond quickly and efficiently should any other outbreaks, like cholera, start spreading over Darfur,” says Dr Greco. “This includes the capacity to supply vaccines in and across Sudan, without facing the same impediments.”   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The very real risk of famine continues to stalk Sudan’s communities impacted by war, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday, in an appeal for more funding to support immediate needs and boost longer-term recovery across the country.

“Over the past six months, WFP scaled up assistance and we are now reaching nearly one million Sudanese in Khartoum with food and nutrition support,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan. “This momentum must continue; several areas in the south are at risk of famine.”

In an update from Port Sudan, Mr. Bukera reported that a mission to Khartoum had found many neighbourhoods abandoned, heavily damaged and akin to a “ghost city”.

Pressure on overstretched resources will only intensify, he insisted.

Fragile frontline communities

And as conflict still rages between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, sparked by a breakdown in transition to civilian rule in 2023, the veteran aid worker also explained that communities on the frontlines were at “breaking point” and unable to support displaced families any longer.

Despite many generous contributions to the UN agency’s work in Sudan, it faces a $500 million shortfall to support emergency food and cash assistance for the coming six months.

“The international community must act now by stepping up funding to stop famine in the hardest hit area, and to invest in Sudan’s recovery,” Mr. Bukera insisted.” We must also demand respect for the safety and the protection of the Sudanese people and aid workers.”

No food, water

More than two years of fighting have smashed infrastructure and left communities without basic services, such as clean water.

This – and weeks of heavy rains – have contributed to a deadly cholera outbreak and reports of corpses rotting in the Nile in Omdurman, one of the capital’s three cities.

In an update last week, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said that war-related displacement and the spread of cholera have continued to add to needs across Sudan.

“We are deeply concerned and meeting the basic needs, especially food, will be critical and is urgent,” said WFP’s Mr. Bukera. “Urgent action is needed to restore basic services and accelerate recovery through coordinated efforts with local authorities, national NGOs, UN agencies and humanitarian partners.”

This vital work has been prevented by a lack of international support, forcing WFP to reduce the amount and range of relief it can distribute.

“Funding shortfalls are already disrupting some of the assistance we are providing in Khartoum, Blue Nile, Al Jazeera and Sennar states,” the WFP senior official continued. “Our rations and the oil and the pulses in the food basket had to be removed due to lack of resources.”

Rations cuts

In Khartoum, lifesaving nutritional supplements for young children and pregnant and nursing mothers are already “out of reach” because of a lack of resources, he said.

Despite the many challenges, the UN agency now reaches four million people a month across Sudan. This is nearly four times more than at the start of 2024 as access has expanded, including in previously unreachable areas like Khartoum.

Communities are also supported in the longer-term via cash assistance to support local markets and support for bakeries and small businesses planning to reopen.

“We have rapidly scaled up our operation to meet increasing needs,” Mr. Bukera said. “We are aiming to reach seven people on a monthly basis, prioritizing those facing famine or other areas at extreme risk”, such as Darfur, Kordofan and Al Jazeera.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

“Every day is about survival.” 

This stark message captures the urgency of the dire situation as the heavy rains begin to fall in Bentiu where vast parts of the landscape are already submerged by catastrophic floods that devastated the area five years ago. 

Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Haroon is one of a team of engineering peacekeepers from Pakistan, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, who are responsible for maintaining a vast network of dykes protecting 300,000 people from the 4,500 square kilometers of stagnant waters that threaten their lives and livelihoods on a daily basis. 

“We are constantly on alert to ensure that the dykes hold as well as working to strengthen them ahead of the rainy season when we know the waters will rise yet again,” he says.

His colleague, Major Hilmi Munsif, Chief of Operations for the Pakistani Engineering Contingent, stresses the fragility of the situation.

“Bentiu and its surroundings are a very low-lying area. If we take the example of a bowl, you could consider Bentiu the bottom of the bowl. So, every rainfall that is coming from the Nile River or the south, ends up accumulating in this location.” 

Every week, the peacekeepers conduct extensive boat patrols to measure the water levels, which helps them with contingency planning. 

The data collected shows the ‘bottom of the bowl’ is under increasing threat. 

The 738mm of accumulated rainfall last year caused water levels to rise more than half a meter.

This year, they expect accumulated rainfall will reach 1100mm, an increase of more than 50 percent. This prediction prompted the engineers to further raise the dyke levels by 1.5 meters to prevent a disastrous overflow. 

While measuring water levels might seem like a mundane activity for peacekeepers, it is the reason that residents in Bentiu, including the thousands of families living in a displacement camp, are safe. 

“Life before the floods was better. When displaced families came here, they had the ability to go and collect firewood in the bush and forests. Now, things have changed,” shares camp leader, Solomon Yain. 

However, turning the threat of the floodwaters into an opportunity, these resilient residents have found new ways to survive, building canoes that allow them to go fishing and reach far into the flooded areas to find firewood to dry and sell at the local market.

This can-do attitude is much needed in the dire conditions, as is the support of many partners. 

“A collective effort by the State, communities, humanitarian agencies, UNMISS and other partners is vital to dealing with this unexpected and unfortunate situation. Our hope is that we will all continue to work together to mitigate and respond,” says UNMISS’ Acting Head of the Bentiu Field Office, Denis Fuh Chenwi.

Failure to do so may lead to another tragic escalation of the already urgent situation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, is in China, attending the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-Up Actions of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The high-level engagement is convened to evaluate the progress achieved since the 2024 FOCAC Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Beijing, and to define priority areas ahead of the next summit. The meeting is attended by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and representatives from all 54 African member states of FOCAC.

As part of his official itinerary, H.E. Mudavadi visited the Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center at the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (HUNAAS) in Mapoling, Changsha. Founded in 1984 by globally renowned Academician Yuan Longping—celebrated as the “Father of Hybrid Rice”—the center has made significant advancements in rice production through innovative research and technology. The hybrid varieties developed at HUNAAS can yield over 18 tonnes per hectare, marking a transformational leap in food production.

The visit presents an opportunity for Kenya to explore enhanced collaboration in agricultural innovation, aimed at strengthening national food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Dr. Mudavadi also toured the Malanshan Video Cultural and Creative Industrial Park, a thriving hub of creative innovation where over 60,000 young talents are engaged in transforming cultural ideas into commercially viable digital content. The park showcases how China is revolutionizing its film and content production industry through the seamless integration of culture and technology.

The CS noted that Kenya, blessed with a dynamic and creative youth population, possesses similar potential. He emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and investing in the creative economy to generate employment and build sustainable livelihoods, particularly for the country’s young digital creators, artists, and storytellers.

H.E. Mudavadi’s engagements reflect Kenya’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with China in priority areas such as agriculture, innovation, trade, and creative industries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya.

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the video:
https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+29+Apr+25/3365790_MSG+SG+DECOLONIZATION+TIMOR+LESTE+29+APR+25.mp4

I am pleased to send my warm greetings to the 2025 Pacific Regional Seminar of the Special Committee on Decolonization.

My thanks to the Government and people of Timor-Leste for hosting this meeting.

Your country’s journey to independence is a beacon of hope for all.

Through the years, the United Nations has been proud to accompany many Territories on their journey to decolonization – and we pledge to continue that vital work.

Your focus this year is on “Pathways to a Sustainable Future” – recognizing that circumstances and needs vary from Territory to Territory – and that you also face common challenges. 

Non-Self-Governing Territories are on the frontlines of the climate crisis – facing rising seas and extreme weather.  The world must step up to ensure you have the climate finance and adaptation support you need.

Economic vulnerability also remains a significant challenge – including reliance on a single sector such as tourism or a heavy dependence on imports. We must keep supporting efforts for economic diversification. 

Digital connectivity, education, and access to innovation must also be expanded to empower communities and unlock opportunities – with a special focus on women, young people and Indigenous peoples.

On all these fronts and more, it is crucial to continue to leave no person or Territory behind. 

Let’s commit to accelerate decolonization and end colonialism in all its forms.

***
 

Source: United Nations – English

xcellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for taking part in this important forum in an important year.

We’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.   

But this milestone is tempered by a stark, undeniable reality that resonates on every page of the report I am presenting today.

With less than five years to go to the 2030 deadline, we are facing nothing short of a development emergency.

The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

And some of the hard-won gains made in recent years are getting derailed.

Progress is too slow in the fight against poverty, hunger, inequality, the climate crisis, decaying infrastructure, and under-resourced education, health and social protection systems.

We must never forget that a development emergency is, at its root, a human emergency.

The lives and futures of millions of people hang in the balance.

This development emergency is also a funding emergency.

Resources are shrinking across the board — and have been for some time.

For example, as detailed in my report, total financial contributions to the UN development system dropped by $9 billion — or 16 per cent — in 2023 from the year before.

We can imagine the number of 2024 taking into account what we have witnessed in the recent decisions.   

Our organization is increasingly asked to do more with less — a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future.

This year, donors are pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

But the report we’re discussing today also carries an important message of hope.

Hope found in the progress we’ve achieved together to reform and reposition the UN development system, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Hope in the UN80 initiative to build on these reforms, and drive more of the change we need across the system for a more impactful, cohesive and efficient organization.

Hope in your continued strong support of, and engagement with, our Resident Coordinators and Country Teams.

And hope that lies in the potential of the Pact for the Future to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — a Pact that secured consensus at the Summit of the Future.  

Let me be clear.

While the context has shifted since the Pact’s adoption, its commitments are more important than ever.

This includes its bold calls for action on all the elements required to boost progress on sustainable development — including financing for development, the provision of debt relief, and strengthening the international financial architecture.

We cannot allow headwinds to blow these commitments off course.

We will continue working closely with all Member States and partners to keep our agenda on track, deepen our ongoing transformation, and to do so in the context of the UN80 initiative to drive progress across the system.

And we will ensure we can fully deliver and maximize the benefits of every single mandate of the landmark General Assembly resolution 72/279 that ushered in the reforms of the UN development system.

Excellencies,

In this spirit, and guided by the report under discussion today, I’d like to highlight four areas where we are making progress, where more is needed, and how Member States can support this work.  

First — we must hold fast to our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is a critical year for development.

But across the board, we face a crisis in the means of implementation — from financing to trade, governance and institutional capacity to accelerate progress. 

Acceleration means Member States keeping alive the bold commitments they made in adopting the Goals in 2015, as well as through the Pact for the Future.

These include easing the debt burden on developing countries, scaling innovative sources of finance, and pushing forward on reforms to the international financial architecture.

The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla will be a key moment in driving the change we need.

Acceleration requires bold transformations.

We must continue traveling the clear pathways to progress outlined in the report — key areas where we can spur progress across all the Goals, such as food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, and supporting economic growth through trade. 

Now is the time to build more political will and institutional capacity to support these essential shifts and drive progress.

Second — we will continue tailoring our operations to the needs and priorities of host countries.

We know we’re on the right track.

In the last year alone, Resident Coordinators supported over 160 countries.

Our work across the system and with governments is becoming more integrated and coordinated every year.

87 per cent of host governments — and 83 per cent of donor country governments — agreed that UN entities are working more collaboratively than before the reform.

And 98 per cent of host governments agreed that the UN activities, as articulated in our Cooperation Frameworks, are closely or very closely aligned to national priorities.

The evidence is clear.

The reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system we have built together is fast-becoming a launchpad for providing deeper development impact for people and planet alike:

By gathering partners together to shape policy and financing solutions to accelerate development…

By supporting countries’ efforts on financing, data-collection, trade and sustainable economic growth…

And by constantly striving to find efficiencies and innovations, and drive accountability and results across our work together.

We are rightly proud of our work, and we will protect and build on this as we move forward.

We know we can do better. And we will.

Despite high levels of support, the report shows worrying gaps between the priorities of our Cooperation Frameworks and the operational, governance and financial tools to bring them to life.

Moreover, the Management Accountability Framework established to ensure greater accountability in collective UN efforts is not being applied evenly across the system.

Our newly established evaluation office for the development system is now preparing its first independent report to this body this year to continue driving accountability and results, and ensure greater alignment of UN configuration and programming with country needs.

I ask all Member States to support this important work.

Third — funding.

I am deeply concerned about the system’s funding situation.  

Core contributions to development agencies are insufficient, plunging to 16.5 per cent of total funding, with these contributions declining to 12 per cent for some agencies. 

This is a far cry from the 30 per cent target countries committed to in the Funding Compact.

In December, the General Assembly agreed to my proposal to secure $53 million from the regular budget for the Resident Coordinator system — a much-needed boost at a critical time.

To be entirely frank, I have to say that the proposal was much higher but at least this compromise was found. 

But this minimum level of support is insufficient to reach the maximum ambition we need.

Our ability to drive development and deliver support in a sustained way is at risk — at a moment when countries need us most.

For our part, we will continue working closely with you to close funding gaps, and ensure joint programming is well-funded and directed to the most vulnerable people and communities.

But more than ever, we need flexible, sustainable, predictable and innovative sources of funding. 

I urge Member States to implement the new Funding Compact, without delay.

In the current context of shrinking resources, the Funding Compact becomes even more fundamental — in particular, its emphasis on pooled funds that allow for more strategic resource allocation depending on actual needs and priorities on the ground.  

Enfin quatrièmement, nous continuerons de chercher à optimiser l’utilisation des ressources consacrées au développement.

Le rapport démontre que nos réformes portent leurs fruits : nous avons réalisé plus de 592 millions de dollars d’économies en 2024, soit bien plus que notre objectif initial de 310 millions de dollars.

Ces économies ont été rendues possibles grâce aux efforts déployés par chaque entité pour rationaliser les services et les chaînes d’approvisionnement, ainsi qu’à un recours accru aux services partagés, notamment s’agissant des voyages, des services de conférence et des fonctions administratives, et à d’autres gains d’efficacité importants.

Mais nous pouvons et devons en faire plus.

Dès le début de mon mandat, nous avons lancé un programme de réforme ambitieux destiné non seulement à améliorer nos méthodes de travail et nos résultats, mais aussi à explorer toutes les pistes possibles pour réaliser des économies et des gains d’efficacité.

L’Initiative ONU80 offre une excellente occasion de poursuivre sur cette lancée.

En dégageant rapidement des moyens de gagner en efficacité et d’améliorer nos méthodes de travail.

En consacrant une plus grande partie de nos ressources aux programmes de développement plutôt qu’aux coûts administratifs.

En procédant à un examen rigoureux de l’exécution des mandats qui nous sont confiés par les États Membres – et dont le nombre a considérablement augmenté ces dernières années.

Et en menant un examen stratégique des changements plus profonds et plus structurels ainsi qu’un réalignement des programmes au sein du système des Nations Unies.

L’Initiative ONU80 n’est pas une réponse aux coupes budgétaires mondiales…

Mais une réponse aux besoins mondiaux.

Aux besoins des populations du monde entier.

À la nécessité de faire en sorte que ces personnes soient soutenues comme il se doit, à travers des programmes adaptés au contexte national.

Et à l’impératif de travailler de façon aussi efficace, rationnelle et utile que possible.

Là encore, nous aurons besoin de l’appui de tous les États Membres pour rendre nos activités plus efficientes.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Alors que nous poursuivons ce chemin de réforme et de renouveau, nous devons garder à l’esprit le plus important : 

Celles et ceux qui, dans le monde entier, comptent sur nous.

Le rapport que nous examinons aujourd’hui ne se limite pas aux chiffres.

Le rapport concerne les services et l’aide que nous apportons à certaines des personnes et des communautés les plus vulnérables et défavorisées de la planète.

Il concerne les contribuables du monde entier, dont le dur labeur finance notre important travail.

Il concerne notre capacité à mieux répondre aux attentes des États Membres et agir conformément aux priorités de chaque pays.

Et il concerne notre quête constante d’efficacité, d’efficience et de responsabilité – tout en restant fidèles aux valeurs fondamentales qui nous animent depuis le tout début.

Continuons d’œuvrer dans l’unité et la solidarité pour construire une ONU encore plus forte et encore plus efficace – prête à relever les défis d’aujourd’hui et de demain.

Une ONU adaptée à sa mission et prête à agir.

Nous comptons sur le plein soutien des États Membres pour continuer à aller de l’avant.

Je vous remercie.

*****
[all-English]

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for taking part in this important forum in an important year.

We’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.   

But this milestone is tempered by a stark, undeniable reality that resonates on every page of the report I am presenting today.

With less than five years to go to the 2030 deadline, we are facing nothing short of a development emergency.

The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

And some of the hard-won gains made in recent years are getting derailed.

Progress is too slow in the fight against poverty, hunger, inequality, the climate crisis, decaying infrastructure, and under-resourced education, health and social protection systems.

We must never forget that a development emergency is, at its root, a human emergency.

The lives and futures of millions of people hang in the balance.

This development emergency is also a funding emergency.

Resources are shrinking across the board — and have been for some time.

For example, as detailed in my report, total financial contributions to the UN development system dropped by $9 billion — or 16 per cent — in 2023 from the year before.

We can imagine the number of 2024 taking into account what we have witnessed in the recent decisions. 

Our organization is increasingly asked to do more with less — a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future.

This year, donors are pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

But the report we’re discussing today also carries an important message of hope.
Hope found in the progress we’ve achieved together to reform and reposition the UN development system, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Hope in the UN80 initiative to build on these reforms, and drive more of the change we need across the system for a more impactful, cohesive and efficient organization.

Hope in your continued strong support of, and engagement with, our Resident Coordinators and Country Teams.

And hope that lies in the potential of the Pact for the Future to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — a Pact that secured consensus at the Summit of the Future.  

Let me be clear.

While the context has shifted since the Pact’s adoption, its commitments are more important than ever.

This includes its bold calls for action on all the elements required to boost progress on sustainable development — including financing for development, the provision of debt relief, and strengthening the international financial architecture.

We cannot allow headwinds to blow these commitments off course.

We will continue working closely with all Member States and partners to keep our agenda on track, deepen our ongoing transformation, and to do so in the context of the UN80 initiative to drive progress across the system.

And we will ensure we can fully deliver and maximize the benefits of every single mandate of the landmark General Assembly resolution 72/279 that ushered in the reforms of the UN development system.

Excellencies,

In this spirit, and guided by the report under discussion today, I’d like to highlight four areas where we are making progress, where more is needed, and how Member States can support this work.  

First — we must hold fast to our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is a critical year for development.

But across the board, we face a crisis in the means of implementation — from financing to trade, governance and institutional capacity to accelerate progress. 

Acceleration means Member States keeping alive the bold commitments they made in adopting the Goals in 2015, as well as through the Pact for the Future.

These include easing the debt burden on developing countries, scaling innovative sources of finance, and pushing forward on reforms to the international financial architecture.

The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla will be a key moment in driving the change we need.

Acceleration requires bold transformations.

We must continue traveling the clear pathways to progress outlined in the report — key areas where we can spur progress across all the Goals, such as food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, and supporting economic growth through trade. 

Now is the time to build more political will and institutional capacity to support these essential shifts and drive progress.

Second — we will continue tailoring our operations to the needs and priorities of host countries.

We know we’re on the right track.

In the last year alone, Resident Coordinators supported over 160 countries.

Our work across the system and with governments is becoming more integrated and coordinated every year.

87 per cent of host governments — and 83 per cent of donor country governments — agreed that UN entities are working more collaboratively than before the reform.

And 98 per cent of host governments agreed that UN activities, as articulated in our Cooperation Frameworks, are closely or very closely aligned to national priorities.

The evidence is clear.

The reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system we have built together is fast-becoming a launchpad for providing deeper development impact for people and planet alike:

By gathering partners together to shape policy and financing solutions to accelerate development…

By supporting countries’ efforts on financing, data-collection, trade and sustainable economic growth…

And by constantly striving to find efficiencies and innovations, and drive accountability and results across our work together.

We are rightly proud of our work, and we will protect and build on this as we move forward.

We know we can do better. And we will.

Despite high levels of support, the report shows worrying gaps between the priorities of our Cooperation Frameworks and the operational, governance and financial tools to bring them to life.

Moreover, the Management Accountability Framework established to ensure greater accountability in collective UN efforts is not being applied evenly across the system.

Our newly established evaluation office for the development system is now preparing its first independent report to this body this year to continue driving accountability and results, and ensure greater alignment of UN configuration and programming with country needs.

I ask all Member States to support this important work.

Third — funding.

I am deeply concerned about the system’s funding situation.  

Core contributions to development agencies are insufficient, plunging to 16.5 per cent of total funding, with these contributions declining to 12 per cent for some agencies. 

This is a far cry from the 30 per cent target countries committed to in the Funding Compact.

In December, the General Assembly agreed to my proposal to secure $53 million from the regular budget for the Resident Coordinator system — a much-needed boost at a critical time.

To be entirely frank, I have to say that the proposal was much higher but at least this compromise was found. 

But this minimum level of support is insufficient to reach the maximum ambition we need.

Our ability to drive development and deliver support in a sustained way is at risk — at a moment when countries need us most.

For our part, we will continue working closely with you to close funding gaps, and ensure joint programming is well-funded and directed to the most vulnerable people and communities.

But more than ever, we need flexible, sustainable, predictable and innovative sources of funding. 

I urge Member States to implement the new Funding Compact, without delay.
In the current context of shrinking resources, the Funding Compact becomes even more fundamental — in particular, its emphasis on pooled funds that allow for more strategic resource allocation depending on actual needs and priorities on the ground.  

And fourth — we will continue pushing for efficiencies that maximize the use of development resources.

The report demonstrates that our reforms are achieving results — with over $592 million in efficiencies in 2024, well above our initial target of $310 million.

These savings were achieved through individual agency efforts to streamline services and supply chains, as well as through the increased use of shared services across entities — including travel, conference and administrative functions, and other key efficiencies.

But we can and must do more.

From the very beginning of my mandate, we embarked on an ambitious reform agenda to strengthen not only how we work and deliver — but how we leave no stone unturned in finding cost-savings and efficiencies.

The UN80 initiative is an important opportunity to carry this work forward.

By rapidly identifying efficiencies and improvements in the way we work.

By ensuring that a greater share of our resources are allocated for development programmes rather than administrative costs. 

By thoroughly reviewing the implementation of all mandates given to us by Member States, which have significantly increased in recent years.   

And through a strategic review of deeper, more structural changes and programme realignment in the UN System.

UN80 is not about responding to global cuts.

It’s about responding to global needs.

The needs of people around the world.
The need to ensure that we support them in the right way, with the right programmes and country configurations.

And the need to be as efficient, streamlined and impactful as we can be.

Again, the support of all Member States will be critical as we strive to become more cost-effective in our operations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we continue travelling this road to reform and renewal, we must keep our focus where it belongs:  

On the people around the world who are counting on us to get this right.

The report we are discussing today is not just about numbers.

It’s about the services and support we provide to some of the most vulnerable and underserved people and communities on earth.

It’s about hardworking taxpayers around the world who underwrite our important work.

It’s about responding more effectively to the expectations of Member States and aligning with national priorities.

And it’s about our constant pursuit of efficiency, effectiveness and accountability, while staying true to values that have driven our mission from the very start.

Let’s continue working as one, in solidarity, to build an even stronger and more effective United Nations — one that is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

One that is fit for purpose and ready to serve.

We count on the full support of Member States as we move forward.

Thank you.

******

[all-French]

Excellences, Mesdames, Messieurs,

Je vous remercie de prendre part à cette manifestation de premier plan en cette année importante.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies fête cette année ses 80 ans.

Mais cet anniversaire est tempéré par une réalité dure et indéniable, qui transparaît à chaque page du rapport que je présente aujourd’hui.

À moins de cinq ans de l’échéance de 2030, nous sommes face à une véritable crise du développement.

La réalisation des objectifs de développement durable accuse un retard alarmant.

Et certains des gains durement acquis ces dernières années risquent d’être réduits à néant.

Face à la pauvreté, à la faim, aux inégalités, à la crise climatique, aux infrastructures en déclin et au manque de ressources dans l’éducation et la protection sociale, les progrès demeurent trop lents.

Il ne faut pas perdre de vue qu’une crise du développement est, avant tout, une crise humaine.

La vie et l’avenir de millions de personnes sont en jeu.

Cette crise du développement est aussi une crise du financement.
Dans tous les secteurs, les ressources se réduisent comme peau de chagrin, et ce depuis un certain temps.

Ainsi, comme indiqué dans mon rapport, les contributions financières versées en 2023 au système des Nations Unies pour le développement ont chuté de 9 milliards de dollars US – soit 16 % – par rapport à l’année précédente.

On peut imaginer les chiffres de 2024 en tenant compte de ce que nous avons constaté dans les décisions récentes.

Notre Organisation est de plus en plus appelée à faire plus avec moins, et cela ne devrait pas changer de sitôt.

Cette année, plusieurs bailleurs de fonds mettent un coup de frein sans précédent à leurs engagements en matière d’aide sur le terrain.

Cela étant, le rapport que nous examinons aujourd’hui est également porteur d’un vrai message d’espoir.

Cet espoir repose sur plusieurs éléments : sur les progrès que nous avons accomplis ensemble dans la réforme et le repositionnement du système des Nations Unies pour le développement, le rendant plus efficace et plus économique ;

Sur l’Initiative ONU80, qui, dans le prolongement de ces réformes, induira les changements dont nous avons besoin à travers l’ensemble du système pour une organisation plus efficace, plus cohésive et plus efficiente ;

Sur l’appui résolu que vous continuez de manifester à nos coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents et à nos équipes de pays, et sur votre détermination à travailler à leurs côtés dans un esprit de collaboration ;

Et sur le potentiel qui réside dans le potentiel du Pacte pour l’avenir d’accélérer les progrès vers les Objectifs de développement durable – un Pacte qui a fait l’objet d’un consensus lors du Sommet de l’avenir.

Soyons clairs.

Le Pacte a beau avoir été adopté dans un contexte différent, les engagements qui y sont énoncés demeurent plus importants que jamais.

Ils exigent notamment de l’audace dans tous les aspects propices au développement durable – y compris le financement du développement, l’allègement de la dette et le renforcement de l’architecture financière internationale.

Nous ne pouvons laisser les difficultés du moment nous faire dévier de ces engagements.

Nous continuerons de collaborer étroitement avec tous les États Membres et tous les partenaires pour poursuivre la bonne mise en œuvre de nos priorités, parfaire la transformation de l’Organisation et, dans le cadre de l’Initiative ONU80, encourager des progrès concrets dans l’ensemble du système.

Nous veillerons également à exécuter pleinement et de manière optimale tous les mandats prévus dans la résolution 72/279 de l’Assemblée générale, texte majeur qui a ouvert la voie à la réforme du système des Nations Unies pour le développement.

Excellences,

Dans ce contexte, et dans le droit fil du rapport qui est à l’examen aujourd’hui, je voudrais souligner quatre points pour récapituler les progrès que nous accomplissons, les domaines où nous devons redoubler d’efforts et l’aide que les États Membres peuvent apporter en ce sens.

Premièrement, nous devons garder le cap sur les objectifs de développement durable.

Cette année est cruciale pour le développement.

Pourtant, nous assistons à une crise généralisée des moyens de mise en œuvre, qui touche aussi bien le financement que le commerce, la gouvernance ou la capacité institutionnelle à accélérer les progrès.

Si l’on veut accélérer la cadence, il faut que les États Membres honorent les engagements ambitieux qu’ils ont pris en 2015 en adoptant les ODD et dans le cadre du Pacte pour l’avenir.

Cela inclut notamment l’allègement du fardeau de la dette des pays en développement, la mobilisation de sources de financement innovantes et de faire avancer la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.

La quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, constituera un moment clé moment clé dans la conduite des changements nécessaires.  

Pour passer à la vitesse supérieure, il faut engager une transformation audacieuse.

Nous devons poursuivre la stratégie que nous avons clairement définie en vue de la réalisation de tous les Objectifs, notamment dans les domaines des systèmes alimentaires, de l’accès à l’énergie, de la desserte numérique ainsi que du commerce au service de la croissance économique.

Le moment est venu de mobiliser une plus grande volonté politique et de renforcer les capacités institutionnelles pour accompagner ces transformations essentielles et insuffler une dynamique de progrès.

Deuxièmement, nous continuerons d’adapter nos opérations aux besoins et aux priorités des pays hôtes.

Nous savons que nous sommes sur la bonne voie.

L’année dernière, les coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents ont apporté un appui concret dans plus de 160 pays.

Le travail mené dans les entités du système et avec les gouvernements gagne chaque année en intégration et en coordination.

87 % des pays hôtes – et 83 % des pays donateurs – considèrent que les entités des Nations Unies collaborent plus qu’avant la réforme.
Et 98 % des pays hôtes estiment que les activités de l’ONU prévues dans nos plans-cadres de coopération concordent bien ou très bien avec les priorités nationales.

Les faits sont là.

Le système redynamisé des coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents que nous avons mis en place ensemble est en passe de devenir un outil encore plus efficace au service du développement, tant pour les populations que pour la planète.

À cet égard, il réunit les partenaires pour définir l’action à mener et trouver des solutions financières visant à accélérer le développement…

Il accompagne les pays dans les domaines du financement, de la collecte de données, de la réglementation, du commerce et de la croissance économique durable…

Et il cherche continuellement à faire des économies, à innover, à faire respecter le principe de responsabilité et à encourager les progrès dans tous les aspects de notre action commune.

Nous sommes profondément fiers de ce que nous faisons, et nous continuerons sur notre lancée tout en préservant les acquis.

Nous pouvons faire mieux, nous le savons. Et nous le ferons.

Malgré l’adhésion que suscite notre action, le rapport fait apparaître un contraste inquiétant entre les priorités fixées dans nos plans-cadres de coopération et les moyens opérationnels et financiers et les outils de gouvernance qui permettent de les concrétiser.

En outre, le cadre de gestion et de responsabilité, établi pour renforcer la responsabilité dans l’action collective des Nations Unies, n’est pas appliqué de manière uniforme dans toutes les entités du système.

Notre bureau chargé des évaluations dans le système pour le développement, récemment établi, rédige actuellement son premier rapport indépendant, qu’il présentera au Conseil économique et social cette année, et poursuivra son action pour favoriser la définition des responsabilités, concourir à l’amélioration des résultats et faire en sorte que la présence et les programmes des Nations Unies soient mieux adaptés aux besoins de chaque pays.

Je demande à tous les États Membres d’appuyer ce travail essentiel.

Troisièmement, le financement.

Je suis très préoccupé par la situation financière du système.

Les contributions aux ressources de base des organismes de développement sont insuffisantes : elles ne représentent plus que 16,5 % du financement total, voire 12 % pour certaines entités.

On est bien loin de l’objectif de 30 % que les pays se sont engagés à atteindre dans le cadre du pacte de financement.

En décembre, l’Assemblée générale a accepté la proposition que j’ai faite de prélever sur le budget ordinaire un montant de 53 millions de dollars pour le système des coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents. C’est un coup de pouce indispensable à un moment critique.

Pour être tout à fait franc, je dois dire que la proposition était beaucoup plus élevée, mais au moins ce compromis a été trouvé.

Mais ce modeste niveau de soutien n’est pas à la hauteur de l’ambition nécessaire.

Notre capacité à stimuler le développement et à apporter une aide durable est compromise, or c’est maintenant que les pays ont le plus besoin de nous.

Nous continuerons à collaborer étroitement à vos côtés pour que les déficits de financement se résorbent et pour que la programmation conjointe soit dotée de moyens financiers suffisants et profite aux personnes et aux populations les plus vulnérables.

Néanmoins, nous avons plus que jamais besoin de sources de financement souples, durables, prévisibles et novatrices.

J’invite instamment les États Membres à mettre en œuvre sans délai le nouveau pacte de financement.

À l’heure où les ressources s’amenuisent, le pacte de financement s’impose comme un dispositif incontournable, notamment par l’importance accordée aux fonds de financement commun, qui permettent d’allouer les ressources plus stratégiquement, en fonction des priorités et des besoins réels sur le terrain.

Enfin quatrièmement, nous continuerons de chercher à optimiser l’utilisation des ressources consacrées au développement.

Le rapport démontre que nos réformes portent leurs fruits : nous avons réalisé plus de 592 millions de dollars d’économies en 2024, soit bien plus que notre objectif initial de 310 millions de dollars.

Ces économies ont été rendues possibles grâce aux efforts déployés par chaque entité pour rationaliser les services et les chaînes d’approvisionnement, ainsi qu’à un recours accru aux services partagés, notamment s’agissant des voyages, des services de conférence et des fonctions administratives, et à d’autres gains d’efficacité importants.

Mais nous pouvons et devons en faire plus.

Dès le début de mon mandat, nous avons lancé un programme de réforme ambitieux destiné non seulement à améliorer nos méthodes de travail et nos résultats, mais aussi à explorer toutes les pistes possibles pour réaliser des économies et des gains d’efficacité.

L’Initiative ONU80 offre une excellente occasion de poursuivre sur cette lancée.

En dégageant rapidement des moyens de gagner en efficacité et d’améliorer nos méthodes de travail.

En consacrant une plus grande partie de nos ressources aux programmes de développement plutôt qu’aux coûts administratifs.

En procédant à un examen rigoureux de l’exécution des mandats qui nous sont confiés par les États Membres – et dont le nombre a considérablement augmenté ces dernières années.

Et en menant un examen stratégique des changements plus profonds et plus structurels ainsi qu’un réalignement des programmes au sein du système des Nations Unies.

L’Initiative ONU80 n’est pas une réponse aux coupes budgétaires mondiales…

Mais une réponse aux besoins mondiaux.

Aux besoins des populations du monde entier.

À la nécessité de faire en sorte que ces personnes soient soutenues comme il se doit, à travers des programmes adaptés au contexte national.

Et à l’impératif de travailler de façon aussi efficace, rationnelle et utile que possible.

Là encore, nous aurons besoin de l’appui de tous les États Membres pour rendre nos activités plus efficientes.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Alors que nous poursuivons ce chemin de réforme et de renouveau, nous devons garder à l’esprit le plus important : 

Celles et ceux qui, dans le monde entier, comptent sur nous.

Le rapport que nous examinons aujourd’hui ne se limite pas aux chiffres.

Le rapport concerne les services et l’aide que nous apportons à certaines des personnes et des communautés les plus vulnérables et défavorisées de la planète.

Il concerne les contribuables du monde entier, dont le dur labeur finance notre important travail.

Il concerne notre capacité à mieux répondre aux attentes des États Membres et agir conformément aux priorités de chaque pays.

Et il concerne notre quête constante d’efficacité, d’efficience et de responsabilité – tout en restant fidèles aux valeurs fondamentales qui nous animent depuis le tout début.

Continuons d’œuvrer dans l’unité et la solidarité pour construire une ONU encore plus forte et encore plus efficace – prête à relever les défis d’aujourd’hui et de demain.

Une ONU adaptée à sa mission et prête à agir.

Nous comptons sur le plein soutien des États Membres pour continuer à aller de l’avant.

Je vous remercie.
 

Source: United Nations – English

thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Mr. President,
 
From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
 
All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

From challenges around contested boundaries…

To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

No region is spared.  

And the problem is getting worse.

After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

Mr. President,

Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

First — respect for international law.   
 
Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
 
All States must live up to their obligations.

And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
 
Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

Monsieur le Président,

Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
 
Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

Je vous remercie.

******

[All-English]

I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Mr. President,
 
From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
 
All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

From challenges around contested boundaries…

To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

No region is spared.  

And the problem is getting worse.

After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

Mr. President,

Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

First — respect for international law.   
 
Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
 
All States must live up to their obligations.

And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
 
Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

And third — throughout, we need partnerships.

We must involve everyone with a stake in maritime spaces. 

From coastal communities to governments and regional groups.

To shipping companies, flag registries, the fishing and extraction industries, insurers and port operators.

To this very Council, which has drawn attention to maritime security and the need for collective action, de-escalation, and cooperation. 

And to civil society groups focused on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by challenges like piracy and human trafficking.

As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.

Mr. President, 
 
The UN system stands ready to continue to support this Council and all Member States in ensuring peaceful, secure and prosperous maritime spaces for generations to come. 
 
Let’s take action to support and secure maritime spaces, and the communities and people counting on them.

Thank you.

*****
[All-French]

Je remercie la présidence grecque d’avoir organisé le débat public d’aujourd’hui sur l’importance du renforcement de la sûreté maritime par la coopération internationale aux fins de la stabilité mondiale.

Ce débat souligne tout d’abord que la condition fondamentale pour préserver la sécurité maritime est le respect par tous les pays de la Charte des Nations unies et du droit international tel qu’il est reflété dans la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer. 

Monsieur le Président,

Depuis des temps immémoriaux, les routes maritimes unissent le monde.

Elles sont depuis toujours le principal vecteur d’échanges commerciaux et de transport des personnes, des biens et des marchandises, mais aussi de diffusion des cultures et des idées.

L’humanité tout entière dépend des océans et des mers de la planète, non seulement pour l’oxygène que nous respirons et la biodiversité qui permet à la vie d’exister, mais aussi parce qu’ils sont vitaux pour les économies, le commerce et les emplois liés aux industries maritimes.

Le débat d’aujourd’hui met en lumière un fait fondamental :

Sans sûreté maritime, il ne saurait y avoir de sécurité mondiale.

Mais les espaces maritimes sont de plus en plus menacés par des périls anciens et nouveaux.

Des difficultés liées à des frontières contestées…

À l’épuisement des ressources naturelles de l’océan…

En passant par l’escalade des tensions géopolitiques qui attisent les flammes de la concurrence, des conflits et de la criminalité.

Au fil des ans, ce Conseil s’est efforcé de répondre à une série de menaces qui compromettent la sûreté maritime et la paix mondiale.

La piraterie, le vol à main armée, le trafic et le crime organisé…

Les actes de destruction visant le transport maritime, les installations situées au large des côtes et les infrastructures critiques…

Mais aussi le terrorisme maritime, qui fait peser une terrible menace sur la sécurité internationale, le commerce mondial et la stabilité économique.

Aucune région n’est épargnée.

Et le problème ne cesse de s’aggraver.

Après une modeste diminution des actes de piraterie et des vols à main armée signalés à l’échelle mondiale en 2024, un fort regain a été enregistré au premier trimestre de 2025.

Selon l’Organisation maritime internationale, le nombre d’attaques a augmenté de près de moitié (47,5 %) par rapport à la même période en 2024.

En Asie, il a presque doublé, en particulier dans les détroits de Malacca et de Singapour.

En mer Rouge et dans le golfe d’Aden, les attaques menées par les houthistes contre des navires commerciaux ont perturbé les échanges mondiaux et accru les tensions dans une région déjà instable.

Le golfe d’Aden et la mer Méditerranée restent des itinéraires périlleux utilisés pour le trafic de migrants et d’armes et pour la traite des personnes.

Le golfe de Guinée demeure aux prises avec la piraterie, les enlèvements, les vols à main armée en mer, le vol de pétrole, la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée, et le trafic de drogues, d’armes et d’êtres humains.

L’héroïne en provenance d’Afghanistan continue d’arriver en Afrique de l’Est par l’océan Indien.

La cocaïne passe par les côtes des Amériques et traverse l’océan Atlantique pour atteindre l’Afrique de l’Ouest et les ports européens.

Les cyberattaques, qui sont en pleine expansion, constituent une menace pour la sécurité des ports et des compagnies maritimes.

Alors que se multiplient les périls, des routes maritimes du monde et des populations qui en dépendent nous parvient un message de détresse.

Monsieur le Président,

Les organismes des Nations Unies soutiennent de nombreuses initiatives régionales qui rassemblent des partenaires du monde entier autour de la sûreté maritime.

Il s’agit notamment de projets de lutte contre l’insécurité maritime, du golfe d’Aden à la mer Rouge, et du golfe de Guinée au golfe Persique…

Des efforts visant à garantir la sécurité de la navigation en mer Noire…

De l’action que nous menons pour aider les pays à bâtir leurs forces maritimes et à se doter de systèmes juridiques solides…

Des efforts déployés pour lutter contre les vols à main armée dont sont victimes des navires en Asie et contre la piraterie qui sévit au large des côtes somaliennes…

Et du soutien que nous apportons à l’Architecture de Yaoundé pour la sécurité maritime, mécanisme de coordination interrégional à plusieurs niveaux destiné à combattre la piraterie en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique centrale, qui a permis de porter le nombre d’actes de piraterie de 81 en 2020 à seulement 18 l’année dernière.

L’Organisation maritime internationale continue en outre de jouer un rôle fondamental pour ce qui est de désamorcer les tensions en mer et d’aider les États Membres et le secteur du transport maritime à trouver des solutions concertées.

Pour l’avenir, des mesures devront être prises dans trois domaines clés.

Premièrement, le respect du droit international.

Le respect du droit international est la condition première de la sûreté maritime.

Le régime juridique international en la matière, fondé sur la Charte des Nations Unies et la Convention sur le droit de la mer, établit un équilibre délicat entre les droits souverains, la juridiction et les libertés des États, d’une part, et leurs devoirs et obligations, d’autre part.

Il constitue également un cadre de coopération solide permettant de lutter contre les crimes commis en mer et de veiller à ce que les responsabilités soient établies.

Toutefois, son efficacité dépend de la volonté des États d’en assurer la mise en œuvre pleine et effective.

Tous les États doivent respecter leurs obligations.

Et ils doivent résoudre tout différend relatif à la sûreté maritime conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies.

Deuxièmement, nous devons redoubler d’efforts pour nous attaquer aux causes profondes de l’insécurité maritime.

On ne saurait conjurer les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime sans affronter également des problèmes tels que la pauvreté, l’absence de moyens de subsistance, l’insécurité et la faiblesse des structures de gouvernance.

L’ensemble du système des Nations Unies s’emploie, aux côtés des communautés côtières pauvres, à créer de nouvelles possibilités de travail décent et durable.

Collectivement, nous devons faire davantage pour réduire la probabilité que des personnes désespérées se tournent vers la criminalité et d’autres activités qui menacent la sûreté maritime et dégradent notre environnement océanique.

Nous devons aider les pays en développement à renforcer leur capacité de faire face à ces menaces par la technologie, la formation, le renforcement des institutions et la mise en œuvre de réformes judiciaires, ainsi que par la modernisation des forces navales, des unités de police maritime, de la surveillance maritime et de la sécurité portuaire.

Et nous devons veiller à ce que nos océans et nos mers puissent continuer de prospérer et de soutenir le développement économique, social, culturel et environnemental de l’humanité pour les générations à venir.

La prochaine Conférence sur l’océan, qui se tiendra à Nice, sera pour les pays du monde entier une occasion décisive de passer à l’action.

Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

Monsieur le Président,

Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
 
Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

Je vous remercie.

Source: United Nations – English

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Excellencies,

I am pleased to send my warm greetings to this 78th World Health Assembly.

In a divided world, you are uniting behind a shared goal to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

That is the longstanding mission of the World Health Organization. 

And it is especially crucial at a time of deep reductions in funding for health and development – even while military spending reaches record highs.

Now more than ever, our world needs a coherent global health architecture that responds rapidly to crises and strengthens protection and wellbeing for all.  

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted deep gaps in collective preparedness – and served as a powerful reminder that no one is safe until everyone is safe.

The WHO Pandemic Agreement builds upon these lessons – and reflects the power of multilateralism in action.

After years of negotiation and compromise, you have come together to consider this landmark agreement, recognizing that global health emergencies demand global responses.

If adopted, this will be only the second international health convention under the WHO Constitution after the Global Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force 20 years ago.

So I urge you to make history:

To strengthen global preparedness against pandemics;

To ensure equity and solidarity in responding to health threats;

And to uphold the promise of health as a fundamental human right – for this generation and the next.  

But health is about more than emergencies.

The upcoming high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health offers a crucial opportunity to improve countless lives.

Progress towards Universal Health Coverage is essential to building resilient systems grounded in primary care – and delivering on the 2030 Agenda.

I also urge you to match ambition with resources – by strengthening investment in the World Health Organization and ensuring the sustainability and predictability it needs to build a healthier, safer, and fairer world for all.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

ear survivor colleagues, dear colleagues,

Almost 22 years ago, the United Nations family suffered the worst terrorist attack in the history of our organization.

22 years is a long time.

But we will never forget the colleagues who were killed that day in the bombing at the Canal Hotel.

They were sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends who are, to this day, mourned by those they knew and loved.  

We will always remember their leader, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was also killed in the attack.

We will stand with the survivors whose lives were changed forever.

And we will remember the courageous colleagues and others who rushed to help on that terrible day, and in the days and weeks after — showing us the very best of the humanitarian spirit.

This memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the people of Iraq.

It also stands as a reminder of how far Iraq has come since 2003.

Working with the brave and resilient people of this country, the women and men of the United Nations have worked tirelessly to support their quest for stability, development and peace.

Above all, this memorial is as a clear reminder of the vital work that our organization does around the world — and the dangers our people face in carrying out that work.  

With World Humanitarian Day, the date of 19 August has been forever transformed from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy here in Iraq into a global day of solemn remembrance for all humanitarians — inside and outside the organization.

Their bravery, dedication, and belief that a better future is possible will always inspire us.

And like those whose lives were lost on 19 August, 2003, their sacrifices and contributions to our world — and to our vital cause of peace — will never be forgotten.

Thank you.

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