A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
USG DiCarlo on the situation in Lebanon: “Further escalation benefits no one”
On 11 March, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council regarding the situation in Lebanon. She said the decision by Hizbullah to attack Israel on 2 March had drawn the country into a conflict it neither sought nor could afford. She said Hizbullah must cease its attacks on Israel and cooperate with the Lebanese government's efforts to assert full state authority. She added that Israel must halt its military campaign in Lebanon and withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory.
Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan urges lifting of restrictions on UN national female staff
On 9 March, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Afghanistan Georgette Gagnon told the Security Council that while it is difficult to predict the outcome of the conflict in the Middle East, it is already affecting Afghanistan. With the border closed between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran provided an alternative trade route that is now also increasingly uncertain due to the ongoing conflict, she said. The alienation of Afghanistan from the international community undermines the declared efforts of the de facto authorities to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Further, the ability of the United Nations to deliver assistance and reach Afghan women is impeded by a now six-month ban on UN female national personnel being able to report for duty. She urged the de facto authorities to lift these restrictions and allow UN national female staff to return to their offices.
Deputy Special Representative in Libya calls drug trafficking a threat to global peace, security and development
On 10 March, DSRSG and Resident Coordinator (RC) in Libya Ulrika Richardson joined regional partners at the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs high-level event with UNODC to discuss the rapidly evolving synthetic drug market. She warned that drug trafficking is a threat to global peace, security and development, noting its links to criminal networks, fragile environments, corruption and regional instability.
UN Colombia Verification Mission promotes peace education with indigenous youth in Jambaló, Cauca
On 7 March, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia facilitated an educational exchange with indigenous children and adolescents in Jambaló, introducing them to the history and key provisions of the Final Peace Agreement.
The activity included the virtual reality experience #PathwaysColombia, an interactive tool that promotes dialogue on peace, memory and reconciliation.
Verification Mission engages youth in Guaviare on women’s rights and WPS
On 10 March in San José del Guaviare, the Mission marked International Women’s Day by engaging more than 500 students from Colombia’s National Training Service (SENA) on women’s rights and Security Council resolution 1325.
Verification Mission partners with El Tiempo journalism school
On 12–13 March, the Mission launched a partnership with the journalism school of El Tiempo. Students travelled to Icononzo, Tolima to report on Peace Agreement implementation and meet with local communities and signatories.
The partnership includes workshops, field visits and reporting projects aimed at strengthening public understanding of the peace process.
SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga concludes visit to Tanzania
The SRSG held consultations with government officials, civil society and diplomats, discussing national cohesion, dialogue and inclusive sustainable development. He reaffirmed the UN’s support for Tanzania’s commitments to unity and democratic governance.
Peacebuilding Commission discusses women, peace and security at CSW
On 11 March 2025, the Peacebuilding Commission hosted an expert meeting on Women, Peace and Security during the CSW session, highlighting the need for women’s full and meaningful participation in peacebuilding.
Group of Friends of the Peacebuilding Fund meets to review 2026 priorities
On 13 March, the UK and Sweden hosted the Group of Friends of the Peacebuilding Fund. Participants reviewed PBF impact, conflict analysis, funding pressures, early warning needs, and partnership strategies ahead of the 2026 programme cycle.
Next Week
On 18 March, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will host a panel discussion on discriminatory laws and policies affecting Palestinian women and girls under occupation. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Conference Room 6, UNHQ.
