After years of displacement, families returning to Yathrib, a small town in Salah al Din, Iraq, struggle to rebuild destroyed homes and restore stability with limited support.
Peace and Security
Modern warfare destroys homes, weaponizes fear, and forces women and girls to survive violence, displacement, hunger, and trauma daily.
Rooted in the ĢƵ’s post–World War II mission to prevent conflict and uphold human rights, the General Assembly established the International Day of Living Together in Peace (16 May) to promote respect for differences and advance peace, tolerance, inclusion, and solidarity, and support reconciliation and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Living Together in Peace: Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and Reconciliation,” is timely, as the Secretary-General has highlighted global strain and urged renewed cooperation through the Pact for the Future and the ĢƵ80 initiative.
ĢƵ commemorates 8–9 May as days of remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War. While countries may have their own national days to mark victory or liberation, all are encouraged to observe one or both of these days each year to honor the victims of the war that led to the creation of the United Nations. We urge all countries to work together to address new challenges, with the ĢƵ playing a central role, and to resolve disputes peacefully in line with the ĢƵ Charter, so that international peace and security are not put at risk.
A potential blockage of fertilizers through the could trigger a “very significant and severe” global food crisis, disproportionately affecting the poorest countries, according to Jorge Moreira da Silva of the United Nations Office for Project Services (ĢƵOPS). He warned that access to these critical supplies is essential ahead of planting season.
He added that a ĢƵ-led task force could activate a “one-stop platform” within seven days to help coordinate the flow of fertilizers and raw materials, if passage through the strait is allowed. The goal, he told ĢƵ News journalist Reem Abaza, is to quickly support the world’s most vulnerable communities and prevent worsening .
Photo Credit: ĢƵ
A is driving up fuel and food costs worldwide, pushing millions closer to hunger as disrupted supply chains hit the most vulnerable communities hardest.
In Benin, a new generation is learning about workplace rights and boundaries through sex education, helping to change workplace culture.
War, hunger, and displacement continue devastating millions in Sudan, as aid struggles to keep pace with worsening humanitarian needs and funding gaps.
The ĢƵ Charter commits us to settling disputes peacefully and saving future generations from war—a goal supported by preventive diplomacy and renewed each International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (24 April). Today, as conflicts rage from the Middle East to Sudan and Ukraine, the need for effective multilateralism has never been greater. Peace is a choice we must make together. On this International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, let us recommit to a stronger ĢƵ, respect for international law, and a united humanity striving for a better tomorrow.
Escalating violence in and is exposing children to trauma, fear, displacement, and disrupted safety, education, and daily life.
Global shipping disruptions, including closures of the and rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, are delaying food aid, raising costs, and reducing assistance.
Explosive ordnance contamination remains a deadly, often hidden threat long after conflicts end, endangering lives, livelihoods and especially curious children. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Sudan and Syria, differing conflicts create the same indiscriminate risks. Communities —often the first to spot dangers—play a vital role in sharing warnings and promoting safe behaviour. Through Explosive Ordnance Risk Education, ĢƵMAS supports people facing layered challenges, strengthening safety and resilience. The exhibition highlights the universal risks of explosive ordnance and showcases how children’s voices and insights help champion safer behaviours.
Mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices active in 57 countries and territories continue to kill and injure thousands, with civilians—especially children—most affected. These weapons are indiscriminate, remain deadly for decades after conflict, and hinder communities striving for sustainable peace. Though cheap to make, they are costly and difficult to clear. The 2026 International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April) underscores that clearing contaminated land and ensuring communities can live free from fear are essential foundations for lasting peace.
US First Lady to preside over ĢƵ Security Council session
US First Lady presides over ĢƵ Security Council session
First Lady Melania Trump makes history at the United Nations today as she takes the gavel for the United States during its Security Council presidency, highlighting education’s role in promoting tolerance and global peace. Her appearance marks the first time a sitting US First Lady presides over a Security Council meeting, and the first instance of any first lady or first gentleman doing so. Today’s session addresses education, technology, peace, and security, with Under‑Secretary‑General Rosemary DiCarlo briefing on behalf of the Secretary‑General. Follow the at 3 p.m. New York time.