Agenda Items: Thematic Issues
This page contains case studies on each of the agenda items relating to general and thematic issues which the Council has considered at formal meetings. Each case study includes chronological summaries of the discussions and documents considered at the meetings as well as the full text (1946-1999) or summaries (2000-present) of all resolutions, presidential statements or other decisions taken by the Council on these agenda items.
Below the links to the case studies, there is a short description of each agenda item prepared on the basis of the content of the Repertoire. The agenda items are organized under topical headings and then chronologically in the order of its inclusion on the Security Council’s agenda. Under each agenda item, related subsidiary organs of the Security Council featured in the Repertoire are also listed.
Agenda for peace
An agenda for peace: preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peacekeeping
An agenda for peace
An agenda for peace: peace-keeping
In June 1992, the Security Council examined a report of the Secretary-General entitled “An agenda for peace: preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peacekeeping” which contained recommendations on ways to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations for preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peacekeeping. The Council continued to discuss the issues and proposals raised in this report and its supplements until 1996.
Business and civil society
The role of business in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and post–conflict peacebuilding
The role of civil society in conflict prevention and the pacific settlement of disputes
Role of civil society in post-conflict peacebuilding
Under these agenda items, the Security Council considered the various aspects of the role of civil society, business and the private sector in conflict prevention, post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction.
Children and armed conflict
Children and armed conflict
1996-19992000-20032004-20072008-20092010-2011 2012-2013 2014-20152016-20172018201920202021 2022
Under this agenda item, the Security Council discussed various issues related to the harmful impact of armed conflict on children, including the targeting of children in armed conflicts and the recruitment of child soldiers. The Council also considered reports of the Secretary-General relating to the situation of children in conflict-ridden countries, including in situations not on the Council’s agenda.
Subsidiary organs:
Working Group on children and armed conflicts
Climate change
Letter dated 5 April 2007 from the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council
Under this agenda item, the Security Council discussed the threat that climate change may pose to international peace and security, including through possible humanitarian crisis, energy shortages and migration pressures.
Conflict diamonds
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
In 2003, the Security Council considered the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the implementation of the regime adopted at the Interlaken Conference, which certified the origin of rough diamonds in order to prevent diamond sales from supporting rebel movements.
Food and security
Food aid in the context of conflict settlement: Afghanistan and other crisis areas
Africa's food crisis as a threat to peace and security
In 2002, the Security Council considered the issue of food aid in the context of crises, particularly in Afghanistan where food security strategies were critical for the prevention of conflict. In the same year, it also considered Africa’s food crisis, receiving the briefing by the Executive Director of the World Food Programme.
HIV/AIDS
The responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security: HIV/AIDS and international peacekeeping operations
Starting in 2000, the Security Council discussed the HIV/AIDS global health crisis following the conclusion of the XIII International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa in July 2000, and the potential damaging impact of HIV/AIDS on the health of international peacekeeping personnel.
Humanitarian activities and assistance to refugees
Promoting peace and security: humanitarian activities relevant to the Security Council
Promoting peace and security: humanitarian assistance to refugees in Africa
Within the broad goal of promoting peace and security, the Security Council noted the importance of humanitarian activities and of ensuring the security and safety of humanitarian personnel.
Protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations
In 1997, the Security Council considered the matter of protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations following the increase in attacks or use of force in conflicts against refugees and other civilians.
International Criminal Tribunals
International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991;
International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994
International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
By a note by the President dated 2 February 2018 (S/2018/90), the members of the Security Council agreed that henceforth issues pertaining to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals would be considered under this agenda item which would subsume issues pertaining to the ICTY and the ICTR. The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals was established by the Security Council through the adoption of resolution 1966 (2010) of 22 December 2010, to finish the work begun by ICTY and ICTR.
Subsidiary organs:
Informal Working Group on International Criminal Tribunals
International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
Maintenance of international peace and security
Letter of 23 May 1960 from the representatives of Argentina, Ceylon, Ecuador and Tunisia
After the failure of the Governments of France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to resolve major problems which troubled their relations at the 1960 Paris Summit Conference, Argentina, Ceylon, Ecuador and Tunisia submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council recommending the countries concerned seek a solution by negotiation or other peaceful means.
Review of the international situation
During the first periodic meeting of the Security Council held, in private, on 21 October 1970, the Security Council reviewed the current issues affecting the international situation, in particular how the peaceful political settlement in the Middle East could be supported, the problems of southern Africa, and the capability of the Council to act effectively for the maintenance of international peace and security.
United Nations for a better world and the responsibility of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security
On 26 September 1985, the Security Council held a commemorative meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations.
The question of hostage-taking and abduction
In July 1989, the Council condemned all acts of hostage-taking and abduction, and appealed to all States to become parties to international conventions relating to that topic.
The responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security
On 31 January 1992, the Security Council met for the first time at the level of Heads of State and Government to discuss the responsibility of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and how to deal with the new challenges faced by the international community in the post-Cold War world. The Council has subsequently used this agenda item to discuss a variety of issues, including the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan in 1998.
Maintaining peace and security: humanitarian aspects of issues before the Security Council
In 2000, the Security Council considered the various humanitarian aspects of crises as an important element of its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Ensuring an effective role of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly in Africa
In 2000, the Security Council discussed how to ensure an effective role of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security with particular concern to the challenges facing Africa.
Complex crises and United Nations response
The Council discussed the interrelated issues constituting complex crises, and approaches to response through enhanced, system-wide coordination.
The maintenance of international peace and security: the role of the Security Council in humanitarian crises — challenges, lessons learned and the way ahead
Under this agenda item, the Security Council addressed various aspects of a conflict, humanitarian crisis, and the need for focusing on civilian tasks and multi- dimensional peacekeeping operations.
The maintenance of international peace and security: role of the Security Council in supporting security sector reform
Starting 2007, under this agenda item, the Security Council has discussed the role of the Council in supporting security sector reform (SSR) in order to develop a comprehensive, coherent and coordinated approach.
Maintenance of international peace and security
2004-20072008-20092010-20112012-20132014-20152016-20172018201920202021 2022
Since the introduction of this agenda item in 2007, the Security Council discussed a wide variety of cross-border topics such as the linkage between natural resources and conflict, inclusive development, security sector reform, conflict prevention, mediation and settlement of disputes, nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, HIV/AIDS, climate and security, trafficking of persons in conflict situations, youth, peace and security, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upholding of the Charter of the United Nations.
Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize
The Security Council celebrated the award of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations and to its Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and paid special tribute to United Nations staff members.
Non-proliferation
Question of safeguards to non-nuclear-weapon States parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty
In 1968, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom and the United States submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council in response to the desire of many members that appropriate measures be taken to safeguard their security in conjunction with their adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The proposal by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America on security assurances
In April 1995, for the first time, the five permanent members of the Security Council sponsored a resolution providing security assurances against the use of nuclear weapons to non-nuclear-weapon States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Signature of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (The Treaty of Pelindaba)
The Security Council welcomed the signature of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (The Treaty of Pelindaba) by more than forty African countries on 11 April 1996 in Cairo and noted the adoption of the Cairo Declaration on that occasion.
Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
2004-20072008-20092010-20112012-20132014-20152016-2017201820192021 2022
In 2004, the Security Council addressed the issue of the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by non-State actors as a serious threat to international peace and security by adopting resolution 1540 (2004). The Council required States to refrain from providing support to non-state actors in their attempt to acquire WMD, to adopt and enforce laws in that regard, and to take measures to establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of WMD. To report on the implementation of the resolution, the Council also created a Committee and appointed experts to assist the Committee in its work.
Subsidiary organs:
Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004)
Non-proliferation
2004-20072008-20092010-20112012-20132014-20152016-20172018201920202021 2022
Since 2006, the Security Council discussed, under this agenda item, the various issues related to the concerns of the international community concerning the nature of the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Council imposed sanctions measures and established a Committee to oversee those measures which in 2010 was reinforced with the appointment of a Panel of Experts. In 2015, China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, the High Representative of the European Union (the E3/EU+3) and the Islamic Republic of Iran concluded the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which was endorsed by the Council in resolution 2231 (2015). Pursuant to that resolution, sanctions were terminated on 16 January 2016, on the Implementation Day of the JCPOA. In addition, the resolution established that the Council would cease its consideration of the agenda item after a period of 10 years, in 2025, provided that all necessary conditions were met.
Subsidiary organs:
Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006)
Non-proliferation/Democratic People's Republic of Korea
2004-20072008-20092010-20112012-20132014-20152016-20172018201920202021 2022
The Security Council introduced this agenda item to address the issue of non-proliferation in relation to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) following its conduct of the underground nuclear test on 9 October 2006. The Council continued to address a variety of issues related to the nuclear programme in the DPRK under this agenda item. It imposed sanctions measures and established a Committee to oversee those measures which was reinforced in 2009 with the appointment of a Panel of Experts.
Subsidiary organs:
Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006)
Pacific settlement of disputes
The role of the Security Council in the pacific settlement of disputes
In 2003, the Security Council considered its key role in conflict prevention and in the pacific settlement of disputes as an essential component of its work to promote and maintain international peace and security.
Peacebuilding
Maintenance of peace and security and post-conflict peace building
Under this agenda item, the Security Council recognized the importance of post-conflict peacebuilding elements in the mandate of United Nations peacekeeping operations and discussed related issues such as the role of United Nations peacekeeping in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR).
Peacebuilding: towards a comprehensive approach
In 2001, the Security Council discussed the necessity of a common approach of the United Nations and other actors in order to develop a comprehensive peacebuilding strategy.
Post-conflict peacebuilding
In 2005, the Security Council considered the various issues related to the long-term process of peacebuilding in all its multiple dimensions as a critical instrument to prevent countries from relapsing into conflict, particularly in Africa.
Peacebuilding and sustaining peace
2016-20172018201920202021 2022
In June 2016, the Security Council decided that issues pertaining to peacebuilding and post-conflict peacebuilding would be considered under the item entitled “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace”. Under this item, the Council considered issues that were prior to 22 June 2016 considered under the item entitled "Post-conflict peacebuilding".
Post-conflict national reconciliation: role of the United Nations
In January 2004, the Security Council discussed what the appropriate role and priorities of the United Nations were in post-conflict national reconciliation.
Civilian aspects of conflict management and peacebuilding
In September 2004, the Security Council met at the Ministerial level to discuss the growing importance of civilian aspects of conflict management in addressing complex crisis situations and in preventing the recurrence of conflict.
Peacekeeping
United Nations peacekeeping operations
1989-19922004-20072008-20092010-20112012-20132014-20152016-20172018201920202021 2022
Starting in 1990, and recognizing United Nations peacekeeping operations as a valuable instrument for facilitating the settlement of international disputes and the growing support of the international community for these operations, the Security Council included this item on its agenda. It also urged Member States to respond positively and rapidly to requests from the Secretary-General for contributions of financial, human and material resources for the operations.
Security of United Nations operations
In August 1993, the Secretary-General submitted a report to the Security Council on the security of United Nations operations in which he discussed the effectiveness of existing arrangements for the protection of United Nations forces.
Items relating to peacekeeping
Demining in the context of the United Nations peacekeeping
Civilian police in peacekeeping operations
United Nations peacekeeping: Dag Hammarskjold Medal
No exit without strategy: Security Council decision-making and the closure or transition of United Nations peacekeeping operations
Strengthening cooperation with troop-contributing countries
Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations
United Nations peacekeeping
The importance of mine action for peacekeeping operations
Under these agenda items, the Security Council considered various issues related to the United Nations peacekeeping operations including: the improvement of procedures for terminating peacekeeping operations; the role of civilian police; the strengthening of the cooperation with troop-contributing countries (TCCs) in order to enhance the success of United Nations peacekeeping operations; the immunity granted by the Council for a 12-month period from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to United Nations officials or personnel from States that were not a Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC; and the progress made in mine-risk education and mine-clearing activities.