A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Security Council hears Secretary-General’s concerns on Venezuela
On 5 January, the Security Council convened to discuss the situation in Venezuela. Council members heard remarks by the Secretary-General, delivered by Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo on his behalf. The Secretary-General expressed deep concern that the military operation conducted on 3 January could intensify instability in Venezuela, with potential repercussions for the wider region, and set a troubling precedent for relations among States. He underscored that the rules of international law, including the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations — particularly the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State — must be respected.
Special Envoy for Yemen concludes Riyadh visit
On 8 January, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he met with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, the Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaya Zindani, and other senior Yemeni officials, as well as representatives of the five permanent Member States of the Security Council. The meetings addressed recent developments in Yemen and their broader implications. The Special Envoy said the PLC President’s call for a Saudi-hosted southern dialogue offers a timely opportunity to ease tensions and advance stabilization, stressing the importance of inclusive dialogue for the sake of the country’s future and for the sake of its people.
Special Coordinator for Lebanon visits Israel
Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met on 4 January Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and other senior Israeli officials during her visit to Israel. The discussions aimed at advancing the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and the November 2024 cessation of hostilities arrangement. The visit was part of the Special Coordinator’s regular consultations with stakeholders key to the implementation of resolution 1701.
Community tourism opens pathways to sustainable peace in Cauca
In Timbío, in the department of Cauca, former combatants from the Las Veraneas collective are developing a community-based tourism initiative that brings together coffee production, subsistence farming, and birdwatching. On 5 January, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) accompanied one of the project’s first guided tours, highlighting how local knowledge, environmental stewardship, and collective action are helping to create sustainable livelihoods and support reintegration. Central to the initiative is a women-led glamping project linked to the productive venture Café Sabor La Esperanza. Despite persistent security challenges in the region, the project illustrates how peacebuilding continues to take root in communities, driven by local leadership and inclusive economic opportunities.
“UN Security Council in Review” for December 2025 is out
This week, DPPA’s Security Council Affairs Division published its monthly newsletter on the work of the Council. The latest edition of "UN Security Council in Review" reports that, under the Presidency of Slovenia in December 2025, the Council held 30 formal meetings. The signature event of the month was the open debate on “Leadership for Peace” (S/2025/788), held on 15 December under the agenda item “Maintenance of international peace and security.” The meeting featured a briefing by Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General and Elder Emeritus.
Cyprus contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal
This week, DPPA thanks the Government of Cyprus for its contribution of EUR 20,000 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
On 14 January, the Security Council will discuss the situation in Yemen.
