News

In the heart of Colombia, where the scars of conflict run deep, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Farmers, once displaced and dispossessed, are reclaiming their land, rebuilding their communities, and forging a path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future with the support of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The risk to security and stability, not only in Lebanon but also in the wider Middle East region, “could not be clearer or graver”, the top UN political affairs official warned on Friday.

Young people took centre stage at UN Headquarters on Friday in the lead-up to the Summit of the Future – an unprecedented opportunity for world leaders to address current and emerging global challenges, and reform outdated international institutions.  

The Security Council is due to hold an emergency meeting in New York on Friday from 3pm, following Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut and in the south, which have left at least a dozen dead. It comes amid an uptick in cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces and two days of deadly wireless device explosions targeting members of the militant group. We’ll have full live coverage as the fear of a widening Middle East war grows. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned the region now stands “on the brink of a catastrophe.” UN News app users can follow here. 

The escalating regional tensions are drawing Syria deeper into conflict, the UN Special Envoy for the country warned on Tuesday, citing recent Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah rocket fire and the widespread explosions of wireless devices in Lebanon, which included some in Syria.

As world leaders gather at the UN for the Summit of the Future and General Assembly High-Level Week, the UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasised the critical role they can play driving innovation and change.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for accountability following a “despicable” terrorist attack in Mali this week, his Spokesperson said on Thursday.