HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY STÉPHANE DUJARRIC
SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
MONDAY, 12 MAY 2025
UN80
The Secretary-General briefed the Member States this morning on his UN80 initiative, telling them that, as the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, the initiative is anchored in equipping our organization in an era of extraordinary uncertainty.
He told the Member States that the liquidity crisis we now face is not new, but today’s financial and political situation adds even greater urgency to our efforts. We must rise to this moment.
Mr. Guterres said that the UN80 Initiative is structured around three key workstreams: to rapidly identify efficiencies and improvements under current arrangements; to review the implementation of all mandates given to us by Member States; and to consider the need for structural changes and programme realignment across the UN system.
He noted that all Secretariat entities in New York and Geneva have been asked to review their functions to determine if any can be performed from existing, lower-cost locations, or may otherwise be reduced or abolished.
On mandates, he said that we have already completed an identification of all mandates reflected in the programme budget—and will soon do so for the rest of the system. The review has so far identified over 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone. After this analytical work, relevant entities and departments will be invited to identify opportunities for improvements or consolidation of efforts.
On structural reforms, the Secretary-General said that we have already got the ball rolling by soliciting the views of a number of UN senior leaders. Their initial submissions –nearly 50 in all– show a high level of ambition and creativity.
He added that we know that some of these changes will be painful for our UN family. Staff and their representatives are being consulted and heard. Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring.
SECRETARY-GENERAL TRAVELS
This afternoon the Secretary-General will be traveling to Germany to attend the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial that will kick off tomorrow, Tuesday in Berlin.
He will be joined by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare, and Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard.
During the high-level opening ceremony tomorrow morning, the Secretary-General is scheduled to deliver remarks that will focus on the future of peacekeeping. He will underscore the importance of the work of our Blue Helmets and the sacrifices they make.
He will touch upon contributions to peacekeeping during these tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
And just to note that this meeting provides a platform for delegations to announce substantial pledges in support of closing capability gaps and adapting peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities.
While there, the Secretary-General will hold bilateral meetings with German officials, including the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, as well as other leaders and officials attending this global event. He will also have media engagements there.
Following the Ministerial meeting in Germany, the Secretary-General will be heading to Iraq for the League of Arab States Summit, which is taking place in Baghdad on 17 May.
While in Iraq, the Secretary-General will be holding meetings with Iraqi officials and leaders from the region attending the summit. He will discuss a wide range of topics and issues mainly pertaining to the region, as you can imagine.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Secretary-General is alarmed by the findings, released today, that one in every five people in Gaza is facing starvation, while the entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity and the risk of famine. That’s according to the latest snapshot by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC.
He is especially alarmed that the vast majority of children in Gaza are facing extreme food deprivation. This is now confirmed by 17 UN agencies and NGOs in the IPC report.
To give you the exact figures, 470,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger – that's IPC Phase 5, the highest level – and the entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity. The report also projects that an alarming 71,000 children and more than 17,000 mothers will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition.
Over 70 days into the blanket ban imposed by Israeli authorities on the entry of any supplies into Gaza, stocks have run out, bakeries have shut down, community kitchens are closing daily, and people are starving. This is not a natural disaster – but a human-made catastrophe that the world should not have allowed.
The way to address this crisis should be clear: open up Gaza so that aid and other essential supplies can reach everyone who needs them, wherever they are. Our teams on the ground have pre-positioned enough supplies – including more than 116,000 metric tonnes of food assistance – to respond to people’s needs at scale quickly and efficiently, as we did during the 42-day ceasefire earlier this year. These stocks are enough to feed one million people for up to four months. But to accomplish that, we need the crossings to open immediately and for international humanitarian law to be fully respected.
Earlier today, the World Food Programme and UNICEF warned that hunger and malnutrition have intensified sharply since all aid was blocked from entering on 2 March, reversing the clear humanitarian gains seen during the ceasefire earlier this year.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said that families are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border. She urged the international community to act urgently to get aid flowing into Gaza again. If we wait until after a famine is confirmed, it will already be too late for many people.
The UN on the ground reports that the number of hot meals served by those community kitchens that are still operating is declining very quickly. Today, about 260,000 meals have been prepared and delivered across the Gaza Strip. That’s down from 840,000 meals last Wednesday – a 70 per cent reduction of 580,000 daily meals in just five days.
Humanitarian assistance is not limited to food. It's about visiting people in their communities, assessing what they need, identifying those at risk of being left behind, and mobilizing support across sectors – food, but also water, hygiene, health, nutrition, education, protection and beyond.
Meanwhile, healthcare in Gaza is hanging by a thread – with hospitals facing mass casualty incidents amid severe shortages of supplies, equipment, blood and staff. The fuel that powers healthcare and water facilities is also being rationed and running out.
GAZA
The Secretary-General welcomes the release of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli national who had been held hostage in Gaza since 7 October 2023. He is profoundly relieved that Mr. Alexander has been freed and is now returning to his family and loved ones after this harrowing ordeal.
The Secretary-General renews his urgent call for an immediate permanent ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Hostages must be treated humanely and with dignity.
He calls on all parties to immediately ensure the rapid, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief, including the delivery of critical services, for all civilians in need. Aid is not negotiable.
The Secretary-General commends the sustained efforts of the mediators - Egypt, Qatar, and the United States – to bring about an end to the hostilities. The Secretary-General urges all parties to build on today's release to reach a comprehensive agreement that will ensure the release of all hostages, an end to the hostilities, the provision of humanitarian aid and the long-overdue alleviation of the human suffering in Gaza.
LEBANON/ISRAEL
UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon continues to observe armed activities of the Israel Defense Forces north of the Blue Line in violation of resolution 1701. Today, a peacekeeping patrol observed 10 IDF soldiers crossing north of the Blue Line near Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon.
The Blue Helmets also continue to discover unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches. On Friday, they found a suspected rocket launching site near the village of Kfar Hammam and reported it to the Lebanese army. Since the cessation of hostilities understanding in November, the peacekeepers have detected about 240 sites with unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches – and reported it to the Lebanese Army as per the mission’s mandate.
Meanwhile, deminers from UNIFIL have started work in the vicinity of a UN position along the Blue Line at Ras Naqoura to clear the area of unexploded ordnances. The perimeter of the UN position was breached during recent hostilities. UNIFIL currently has 15 teams dealing with explosive ordnance reconnaissance, clearance and disposal.
In order to mitigate threats posed by unexploded ordnances from recent hostilities, UNIFIL’s peacekeepers have carried out an awareness campaign reaching 330 schoolchildren and teachers from three public schools. Each session included a presentation on the risks associated with unexploded ordnances, with particular emphasis on the signs and dangers children should be aware of.
MYANMAR
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports of an airstrike today by the Myanmar military on a school in the earthquake-affected Sagaing region that has killed and injured children. The reported incident occurred despite the military announcing the extension of its ceasefire until 31 May to facilitate relief efforts.
Even in times of armed conflict, schools must be protected and remain areas in which children have a safe place to learn.
Reports of attacks, including in Sagaing and other areas impacted by the 28 March earthquakes, add further to the already immense suffering of people in Myanmar, where over one-third of the country requires humanitarian assistance.
The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence and reaffirms the primacy of protection of civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
SUDAN
Turning to Sudan, the UN remains deeply concerned about the impact of ongoing drone attacks on civilian infrastructure across the country, including power stations and fuel depots.
Earlier today, Port Sudan, the main entry point for humanitarian supplies and personnel entering the country, came under drone attacks for the ninth consecutive day.
Over the weekend, drone attacks were also reported in the areas of Kosti, Kenana, Tendalti and Rabak in White Nile state and Um Ruwaba in North Kordofan state. According to local sources, the strikes hit fuel storage depots that are vital to maintaining critical services and humanitarian operations to support civilians in need.
While we and our partner facilities and premises have not been directly targeted, the repeated drone attacks are severely impacting civilians – as one can imagine - and the essential services these people desperately rely on, including access to power and water.
Damage to civilian infrastructure has sparked panic and displacement. The International Organization for Migration last week reported that 600 people were displaced within Port Sudan alone following the attacks.
Meanwhile, flights of the UN Humanitarian Air Services – or UNHAS – to and from Port Sudan resumed on May 8th, helping facilitate the humanitarian response.
In North Darfur state the picture is equally bleak.
Our Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, warned yesterday that the situation in Abu Shouk and Zamzam camps is catastrophic, as civilians remain trapped. Both sites remain effectively cut off from external assistance.
She urgently calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian pauses to enable the delivery of life-saving assistance.
After hundreds of thousands of people fled attacks on Zamzam camp last month, we and our partners continue to scale up response efforts in areas where displaced people are arriving.
Last week, the World Food Programme and its partners distributed food packages to more than 335,000 people in the town of Tawila. Of those, 67,000 people also received emergency nutrition supplies to help address malnutrition.
SOUTH SUDAN
The UN Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, provided an update on the work of a mobile court in Leer County, Unity State, which concluded its proceedings on 8 May.
The mobile court, an initiative supported by UNMISS, began hearing cases on 15 April. The court addressed a total of 57 criminal and civil cases in southern Unity, including murder, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as well as forced and early marriage. The court adjudicated 32 criminal cases, convicting 28 people; while 11 were acquitted, or cases against them were dismissed. Moreover, it ensured the release of nine people who were wrongfully incarcerated. There’s more in a press release from UNMISS.
And yesterday, a cattle raid in Maper, Lakes State, led to multiple people being injured, including women and children. Peacekeepers from our mission, UNMISS, stationed at a temporary base near the location responded swiftly to prevent further violence and establish a protective presence. They also provided emergency medical care to the wounded. Overall, the security situation in the country remains tense, with continuing air strikes in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
Moving to South Sudan where yesterday, a cattle raid in Maper, Lakes state, led to multiple people being injured, including women and children. Peacekeepers from our mission, UNMISS, stationed at a temporary base near the location responded swiftly to prevent further violence and establish a protective presence. They also provided emergency medical care to the wounded. Overall, the security situation in the country remains tense, with continuing air strikes in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
INDIA/PAKISTAN
In a statement issued this weekend, the Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions. He hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries.
The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
KURDISTAN WORKERS’ PARTY
The Secretary-General welcomes the news of the decision of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to dissolve and disarm. This decision, if implemented, represents another important step towards the peaceful resolution of a long-standing conflict.
UKRAINE
Moving to the situation in Ukraine, where our humanitarian colleagues say that airstrikes continued across the country over the weekend, killing eight and injuring 44 civilians, according to local authorities.
Nearly 900 people were evacuated from the Sumy and Donetsk regions.
Civilian infrastructure – including homes, gas pipelines, and power lines – was also damaged in the regions of Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia, according to authorities and aid workers.
Meanwhile, OCHA reports that in March and April, humanitarian operations in Ukraine continued to be constrained by active hostilities. During this period, 37 incidents impacting the work of humanitarian personnel were reported. Air strikes on densely populated urban areas with a humanitarian presence resulted in 13 incidents involving casualties among aid workers.
Two aid workers were killed in the line of duty, while 16 more were injured. Finally, Kherson City had the highest number of incidents with casualties among humanitarian staff.
Despite these challenges, our humanitarian partners continue to deliver critical assistance in front-line regions. By March this year, about 2.3 million people had received essential aid. This aid includes supporting millions of people with clean water and sanitation services, as well as with food and agricultural aid, and supporting people with improved healthcare access.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that severe flooding in South Kivu province further strains an already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Local authorities in South Kivu report that overnight flooding in Fizi territory between 8 and 9 May killed more than 60 people. Many are still missing, and search efforts continue. More than 150 houses were also destroyed, leaving 1,000 people homeless.
Local authorities warn that continued heavy rainfall threatens further damage and they have issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance. OCHA today convened an emergency meeting in Uvira to coordinate response efforts.
The floods are worsening existing vulnerabilities in Fizi territory, where ongoing clashes and a recent surge in cholera cases heighten the risk of a major public health crisis.
In Ituri province, assessments by our humanitarian partners indicate that more than 40,000 people have arrived in the Fataki and Rety areas of Djugu territory between February and April. Those arriving there were mostly fleeing violence in other areas or returning home from previous displacement during a period of calm.
The crisis is overwhelming already strained services in the areas, affecting 155,000 people. Our humanitarian partners report acute needs across all sectors – this includes shelter, food and healthcare.
We continue to mobilize assistance, but we face major challenges to deliver life-saving aid due to continued access constraints and funding gaps.
STATE OF CLIMATE IN AFRICA
The World Meteorological Organization has published its latest State of the Climate in Africa today. The report covers the year 2024 and tells us that last year ranked as one of the warmest years on record for the continent, with unprecedented sea-surface temperatures and widespread marine heatwaves.
The report outlines severe challenges for agriculture, food and water security, health, and education.
It calls for urgent investment in infrastructure, data sharing, and inclusive services to strengthen early warning systems and climate resilience.
More information online.
HAITI
From Haiti, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that days of heavy rainfall in the Nord-Est Department have triggered widespread flooding, damaging homes, crops and vital infrastructure.
Since 5 May, more than 4,300 families have been affected across the towns of Ouanaminthe and Ferrier, where more than 3,900 homes were inundated. In some areas, floodwaters reached entire neighborhoods, destroying household belongings and leaving many without shelter.
Initial assessments indicate severe impacts on livelihoods, including the loss of livestock and the destruction of small-scale farms. Key roads were also damaged, hindering access to affected communities. While no fatalities have been reported, local authorities warn that river levels remain high and weather conditions continue to be unstable.
Families urgently need hygiene kits, clean drinking water, food, mattresses and disinfectants to mitigate health risks in flooded neighborhoods. Pre-positioned stocks are limited.
OCHA is supporting local authorities and partners to coordinate the response, but we need additional support to scale up life-saving assistance and strengthen preparedness, particularly with the rainy and hurricane seasons approaching.
LETHAL AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS SYSTEMS
Our Disarmament colleagues have begun informal consultations on lethal autonomous weapons systems this morning. This is a closed meeting, but I can tell you the Secretary-General addressed the session via a pre-recorded video message.
He reiterated his call for a legally binding instrument on lethal autonomous weapons systems by next year – saying that machines that have the power and discretion to take human lives without human control are politically unacceptable, morally repugnant and should be banned by international law.
He told participants that their work, including within the context of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons — is moving us in the right direction.
He also reminded them that there is widespread agreement on some fundamental principles:
First — human control over the use of force is essential.
And second — time is running out to take preventative action.
On an issue of such concern to all of humanity, every voice must be heard, the Secretary-General said has he thanked participants for helping us draw closer to a world in which lethal autonomous weapons systems have no place.
BEYOND GDP
The Secretary-General has appointed an independent High-Level Expert Group to develop recommendations for measures that complement or go beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The appointment of the Expert Group follows a request by Member States in the Pact for the Future.
The effort to develop measures beyond GDP by 2030 is also an explicit objective in the Sustainable Development Goals – This is a way to recognize that GDP - which is relied upon as a gauge of prosperity - provides an incomplete picture of the different dimensions of sustainable development.
The Expert Group will closely consult with Member States and key stakeholders throughout the process.
Their work begins tomorrow with a closed briefing for Member States, led by the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, and Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Guy Ryder.
DESA EVENT
Tomorrow at 11:30am in the Delegates Dining Room, the Association of Latin American Sugar Producers will be launching reports with case studies showing how their members in 12 countries are promoting the SDGS by boosting renewable energy, gender equality, climate resilience, sustainable water use and other areas.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS
There are 2 international days today and one international week.
First, we celebrate Vesak and, in his message to mark the day, the Secretary-General sends his warmest wishes to Buddhists worldwide as they commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
It is also International Day of Plant Health, and the beginning of the 8th Global Road Safety Week. In a world where only 0.2% of the roads are equipped with bike lanes, and many communities do not have basics like sidewalks or safe pedestrian crossings, the theme this year is one we can all relate to - “Make walking and cycling safe”.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
Indonesia paid its dues in full to the Regular Budget brings the number of fully paid-up Member States to 104.
