HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY FARHAN HAQ,​
DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
FRIDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2023
 

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 
The Secretary-General said that today’s Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to Narges Mohammadi, is an important reminder that the rights of women and girls are facing a strong pushback, including through the persecution of women human rights defenders, in Iran and elsewhere.  
This Nobel Peace Prize is a tribute to all those women who are fighting for their rights at the risk of their freedom, their health and even their lives. 
Ms. Narges Mohammadi was also awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize last May.
 
SYRIA 
The Secretary-General expressed his deep concern about the attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs yesterday, which reportedly resulted in over one hundred casualties, including civilians.  
The Secretary-General is also alarmed over reports of retaliatory shelling on multiple locations in northwest Syria and emerging reports of heavy casualties.   
The Secretary-General deplores the loss of lives. He underscored that a nationwide ceasefire is essential for a meaningful political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015).  
The Secretary-General also strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law. He also recalls that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times. 
 
SYRIA/HUMANITARIAN 
UN humanitarian officials have expressed grave concern over the renewed wave of hostilities in the north of the country.  
In a joint statement, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, Muhannad Hadi, said that the deadly attacks reported yesterday on several sites are a stark reminder that the country’s crisis continues to devastate civilians and civilian infrastructure.  
Both officials implored all parties to take constant care to spare civilians and civilians objects, in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. 

UKRAINE 
The Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, visited Hroza today, less than 24 hours after an attack that killed dozens of civilians.  
Ms. Brown said it is a barbaric consequence of the war in Ukraine that 20 per cent of a community can be wiped out in mere seconds. 
The humanitarian community is working to support civilians in the area. We and our partners are mobilizing assistance, including medical supplies and health support, shelter maintenance kits, non-food items, cash, hygiene assistance, as well as mental health and psycho-social support. 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS 
The Secretary-General this morning launched his Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments.  
He spoke to the members of the group and delegated two co-chairs: Pilar Cancela Rodríguez, Secretary of State for International Cooperation in Spain, and Fatimetou Mint Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Region in Mauritania. He added that Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder would be his representative throughout the process.  
The Secretary-General told the local and regional government representatives at today’s meeting that local leaders are vital for global solutions. He added that as we consider ways to make multilateral institutions more effective, and to meet the current and future challenges facing people and planet, we need the perspectives and engagement of local and regional authorities.  
 
DSG TRAVELS 
Over the weekend, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, will travel to Iceland to meet with senior Government officials and provide a keynote address at the ‘Imagine Forum: Nordic Solidarity for Peace’, at the invitation of the Government of Iceland. During her visit, the Deputy Secretary-General will also visit areas affected by the climate crisis, including Langjökull, the country’s second-largest glacier. 
The Deputy Secretary-General will then continue to Marrakesh, Morocco, to attend - on the Secretary-General’s behalf - the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. She will engage with senior government officials and key stakeholders on the SDG Stimulus and the actions needed for the reform of the International Financial Architecture. 
The Deputy Secretary-General will return to New York on Sunday, 15 October.   
 
LIBYA 
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said today that it received yesterday evening an official memorandum from the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agila Saleh, that included the approved electoral laws.  
The UN Mission respects the Libyan sovereign institutions and the national ownership of political solutions. However, the Mission added, to ensure a smooth electoral process and sustainable peace and stability in Libya, it emphasizes that these solutions must be consensual and implementable.  
 
FOOD PRICES 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported today that international food commodity prices were broadly stable in September. 
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally traded food commodities, averaged 121.5 points in September, compared to 121.4 points in August. At this level, the index is 10.7 percent below its value a year ago and 24.0 percent below its all-time high reached in March 2022.  
 
SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENT 
Today, the Secretary-General is appointing Claver Gatete of Rwanda as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). 
He will succeed Vera Songwe of Cameroon, to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for her important contribution and service. The Secretary-General also extends his appreciation and gratitude to the Deputy Executive Secretary, Programme Support, Antonio M.A. Pedro of Mozambique, who will continue to serve as the Acting Executive Secretary until Mr. Gatete assumes his functions. 
Mr. Gatete is currently Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations in New York. A seasoned economist, he brings to the position extensive strategic leadership expertise, coupled with international experience in the political and financial landscape of the African continent.    
 
WORLD COTTON DAY 
Tomorrow is World Cotton Day. This natural fabric is a life-changing product worldwide that sustains 32 million growers (almost half of them women) and benefits over 100 million families across 80 countries in 5 continents.