Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Perform 67 Minutes of Public Service on Nelson Mandela Day, One for Each Year South African Leader Championed Justice, Secretary-General Urges in Observance Message

The richest 1 per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two thirds of humanity

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on 18 July: Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world. And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us:  combating poverty and inequality is…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Gravely Concerned about Outbreak of Fighting in El Fasher, Sudan, Secretary-General Calls for Protecting Civilians, Resuming Ceasefire Negotiations without Delay

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the outbreak of fighting in El Fasher, which puts over 800,000 civilians at risk

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres: The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the outbreak of fighting in El Fasher, which puts over 800,000 civilians at risk.  He is alarmed by reports of the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas, resulting in…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Secretary-General Appoints Barrie Freeman of United States Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel

Ms. Freeman succeeds Giovanie Biha of Burundi, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her accomplishments in West Africa and the Sahel

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Barrie Freeman of the United States as his new Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Ms. Freeman succeeds Giovanie Biha of Burundi, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her accomplishments in West Africa and the Sahel,…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Secretary-General Appoints Aminatou Sar of Senegal United Nations Resident Coordinator in Benin

Ms. Sar, who takes up her post on 1 May, brings more than 16 years of experience in human rights, development and communications in national and regional offices and multi-country programmes

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Aminatou Sar of Senegal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Benin, with the host Government’s approval. Ms. Sar, who takes up her post on 1 May, brings more than 16 years of experience in human rights, development and communications in national and regional offices and…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Secretary-General appoints James T. Bot of Nigeria United Nations Resident Coordinator in Comoros

Mr. Bot has more than 20 years of experience in humanitarian affairs and response, development, project management, business development and peacekeeping

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed James T. Bot of Nigeria as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Comoros, with the host Government’s approval.  His start date is tomorrow. Mr. Bot has more than 20 years of experience in humanitarian affairs and response, development, project management, business development and…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Mali

The Secretary-General particularly appreciates the commitment and service of the troop- and police-contributing countries in difficult circumstances, including during the drawdown and withdrawal phase of the Mission

As the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) completed its withdrawal from the country by 31 December, in line with Security Council Resolution 2690 (2023), the Secretary-General recognizes the key role MINUSMA has played in protecting civilians; the Mission’s support to the peace process, including by ensuring respect for…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Press release on the United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments

The Advisory Group encompasses 15 representatives of local and regional governments, nominated by the Global Taskforce, and leaders from five countries, Colombia, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Spain

The UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, launched his Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments, through its first hybrid meeting among its 20 members. The meeting offered an opportunity to exchange on strategic topics pertaining to local and regional governments’ engagement and action in relation to recovery measures from multiple…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Gabon

The Secretary-General reaffirms his strong opposition to military coups

The Secretary-General is following the evolving situation in Gabon very closely. He notes with deep concern the announcement of the election results amidst reports of serious infringements of fundamental freedoms.   He firmly condemns the ongoing coup attempt as a means to resolve the post-electoral crisis.   The Secretary-General reaffirms his strong…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Secretary-General appoints Mr. George Conway of Canada as Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and Resident Coordinator in Somalia

Mr. Conway succeeds Adam Abdelmoula of Sudan who was appointed as Resident Coordinator in Syria, and to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and service in Somalia

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of George Conway of Canada as his new Deputy Special Representative for Somalia with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and Resident Coordinator in Somalia.  Mr. Conway will also serve as the Humanitarian Coordinator. Mr. Conway succeeds Adam Abdelmoula…

Source: United Nations Secretary-General |

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Niger

The Secretary-General calls for an immediate end to all actions undermining democratic principles in Niger

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Niger, which was announced on 26 July. He is deeply disturbed by the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and is concerned for his safety and well-being. He calls on all actors involved in this deplorable act to release the President…