UNEP / UNEA7 OPENING

A World Health Organization’s supported malnutrition ward in Khartoum, Sudan reveals the heavy toll of almost three years of conflict on children’s health. WHO

South Korean peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) supported scientists and local farmers on rice farming project in Bor. UNMISS

The United Nations’ newly appointed Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide issues a stark warning that the world is witnessing an alarming erosion of respect for international law, with conflicts increasingly targeting civilians and heightening the risk of atrocity crimes. UN VIDEO

“There is pain on every page,” UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said as he unveiled the 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview, warning that “a quarter of a billion people are in urgent need of humanitarian help” while funding has fallen to its lowest level in a decade. UNIFEED

The Secretary-General expressed his deep concern at the attempt to unconstitutionally seize power in the country of Benin. UNIFEED

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the largest and longest war in Europe since the Second World War,” Elina Valtonen, Finland’s foreign minister and current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office told the UN Security Council. She said Moscow is violating the UN Charter and “each of the ten Helsinki principles,” adding that assistance to Ukraine and work on accountability have been central to her tenure. UNIFEED

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the unauthorized entry into the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by UNRWA,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, after Israeli authorities forcibly entered the agency’s East Jerusalem premises. UNIFEED

UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said that while the interim authorities in Syria “have taken encouraging steps towards addressing past violations, these steps are only the beginning of what needs to be done.” OHCHR

“As we accelerate efforts to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, the capacities and strengths of volunteers are indispensable,” said UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, opening the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. UNIFEED

UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said that while the interim authorities in Syria “have taken encouraging steps towards addressing past violations, these steps are only the beginning of what needs to be done.” OHCHR / UNTV CH