A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
SRSG Jenča briefs Security Council on refocused UN verification mandate and peace process in Colombia
The Security Council heard on 23 January a briefing from Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). He outlined the Mission’s refocused mandate under resolution 2798 (2025), now centered on verifying comprehensive rural reform, the reintegration and security of former combatants, and communities in conflict-affected regions, following organizational streamlining and a reduced footprint. SRSG Jenča highlighted progress and persistent challenges in reintegration, rural reform and security guarantees, noting continued violence by illegal armed groups and the killing of former combatants. He called for intensified efforts to fully implement the 2016 Peace Agreement, strengthen State presence in affected regions and ensure security ahead of upcoming elections, stressing the importance of sustained national commitment and continued Council support.
ASG Khiari appealed for swift implementation of Government-SDF understanding to ensure a peaceful integration of northeast Syria
On 22 January, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari briefed the Security Council on Syria. He reported on rapidly evolving developments in northern and northeastern Syria following clashes between Government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He reiterated the Secretary-General’s concern over the situation, called for respect for international law and the protection of civilians, and reaffirmed UN’s support for an inclusive Syrian political transition. ASG Khiari welcomed the announcement of a “shared understanding” between the Government and the SDF on 20 January and appealed for both sides to adhere to the ceasefire agreed on 18 January. He stressed the urgent need to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, prevent further escalation, and support the peaceful integration of northeast Syria as part of the country’s broader transition.
SRSG Ruiz Massieu: BINUH will continue to help create conditions to end the transition in Haiti and restore democratic institutions
The Security Council heard on 21 January a briefing on developments in Haiti from the SRSG and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu. He called on national actors to contain political fragmentation, stressing that the country can no longer afford prolonged internal divisions. The SRSG highlighted the transition of the Multinational Security Support mission to the Gang Suppression Force, alongside the establishment of the UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), as a critical step to strengthen international assistance. He underscored that BINUH will continue to facilitate inter-Haitian consultations to help create conditions to end the transition and restore democratic institutions. He reiterated the urgent need for Member States to sustain support for the Gang Suppression Force, including through voluntary contributions to the UN-managed Trust Fund.
Peacebuilding Commission discusses Mauritania’s national strategy for peacebuilding and social cohesion
On 22 January, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an ambassadorial-level meeting on Mauritania. The meeting provided an opportunity to outline Mauritania's plans for implementing the newly adopted National Strategy for Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion. Abdallahi Suleiman Cheikh Sidia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, highlighted the strategy’s key pillars and underscored the need to enhance alignment between international assistance and Mauritania’s evolving peacebuilding priorities. Briefers included ASG for Africa Martha Pobee; Vice President of the World Bank Ousmane Diagana; Vice President of the Association of Women Heads of Households Aminata Couro Ly, speaking on behalf of civil society; and UN Resident Coordinator Lila Pieters Yahia.
Personal Envoy concludes Brussels visit, continues engagement on Cyprus talks
On 23 January, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, concluded a visit to Brussels, where she met with the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas. PESG Holguín will travel to Cyprus from 26 to 29 January 2026 as part of her ongoing efforts to support dialogue on the Cyprus issue. On 26 January, she will meet with the Negotiators of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, followed by separate meetings with the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, on 27 January. On 28 January, she will convene a joint meeting between the leaders, following up on their meeting held on 11 December 2025.
PBF partner delegation visits Guatemala to assess impact of peacebuilding support and inclusive initiatives
From 19 to 23 January, Awa Dabo, Deputy Head and Director of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO), led a Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) partner visit to Guatemala with delegates from Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as a member of the PBF Advisory Group. The delegation engaged with national and local partners to learn more about the impact of PBF-funded programmes in Guatemala. In discussions with the President, Bernardo Arévalo de Leon, and senior government officials the delegation learned how United Nations initiatives supported by the PBF are aligned with the government's peacebuilding priorities. They met with civil society actors, including women’s and youth organizations, to better understand local perspectives, key achievements, and challenges.
In Cobán, Alta Verapaz, the delegation saw first-hand how local government and communities advancing peacebuilding through increased inclusion and dialogue. Indigenous community leaders and young people from the Valle del Polochic explained their efforts to increase political participation, resolve long-standing land conflicts, and pursue justice. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Government, communities, and PBF partners to sustain inclusive, locally led peacebuilding efforts that deliver lasting results for people across Guatemala.
Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal
This week, DPPA thanks the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina for its contribution of $10,000 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities.
Next Week
The Security Council will hold an open debate on Wednesday, 28 January, under the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.” The Council will also hold closed consultations on the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) on 29 January.
