Noon briefing of 18 May 2026

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY FARHAN HAQ,

DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

MONDAY, 18 MAY 2026

SG TRAVELS/JAPAN 

The Secretary-General is in Tokyo, where today, he attended an event at UN University with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu, entitled “Celebrating 70: Japan–UN Cooperation, Expo 2025 & the Future of Multilateralism,” held as Japan marks the 70th anniversary of its admission to the United Nations.  

In his remarks, the Secretary-General said that he has visited Japan more than 20 times in his capacity as UN High Commissioner for Refugees and as Secretary-General. He has always found strategic cooperation and support that benefited millions of people around the world. The Secretary-General added that the spirit of working together for human progress was on full display at Expo 2025 and the UN Pavilion in Osaka in Japan. 

Also on Monday, the Secretary-General held a meeting with the Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae. They exchanged views on global and regional peace and security, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, as well as on UN reforms. 

Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will chair the sessions of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, also known as the CEB, which brings together the heads of the UN system’s organizations. CEB Members will reflect on current world affairs. And they will engage in deliberations on Megatrends: Transforming the World and the UN80 initiative. 

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, in her capacity as Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Group, convened a meeting of the Group in Tokyo today, bringing together heads of UN agencies. 
 
Discussions focused on leveraging the full strength of the United Nations development system to respond to the scale of today’s challenges and get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track.  

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 

The Secretary-General said earlier today that he was deeply alarmed by reports that drone strikes set fire yesterday to an electrical generator within the perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.    

The Secretary-General has consistently warned against any further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, and this incident provides yet another reason for all sides to halt the fighting completely. 

There must be no further attacks near civilian infrastructure, including nuclear power plants. Attacks on nuclear installations are totally unacceptable, a violation of international law and must be condemned.  

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance, if needed.  

WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY  

Also today, the Secretary-General addressed the opening of the World Health Assembly via a pre-recorded video message.  

He said that the annual gathering is a vital opportunity for Member States to align and accelerate efforts to address global health challenges, in a context where challenges have rarely felt more daunting. 

Over the past year, cuts to bilateral and multilateral aid have disrupted health systems and widened inequalities, he said.  

The World Health Organization has reprioritized and recalibrated, while preserving core functions while providing technical leadership, operational support, and a trusted convening space. 

The Secretary-General said WHO stands at the centre of our global health architecture, adding that it must be strong and independent, with ample and sustainable financing. 

His full message is online.   

IRAQ  

Over the weekend, the Secretary-General welcomed the formation of the new Government of Iraq, led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. 

As he encourages the swift completion of the cabinet, the Secretary-General looks forward to working with the new Government to advance the aspirations of the Iraqi people for economic and social development.  He reaffirms the United Nations' steadfast commitment to supporting Iraq in that endeavor. 

LEBANON 

Also over the weekend, the Secretary-General welcomed the announcement of a 45-day extension of the cessation of hostilities, which followed talks between Israel and Lebanon facilitated by the United States. He reaffirmed the support of the United Nations to all efforts to end hostilities and alleviate the suffering of communities on both sides of the Blue Line. 

The Secretary-General urges all actors to fully respect the cessation of hostilities, cease any further attacks and comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times. 

Unfortunately, strikes by Israel and Hizbullah continued to be reported over the weekend, with the Lebanese authorities reporting civilian casualties in Lebanon. 

UNIFIL peacekeepers observed sustained kinetic air activity across the area of operations. throughout the weekend and today. This included airstrikes by the Israel Defence Forces in Sector East and Sector West, as well as near UN positions 6-41 and 5-66. Additionally, air strikes were observed north of the Litani River in the vicinity of Arnoun and Dayr Kifa. 

On Saturday, UNIFIL peacekeepers reported a total of 430 firing incidents originating from IDF positions, and 7 trajectories were attributed to Lebanese non-state armed groups, presumed to be Hizbullah. 

On Sunday, UNIFIL peacekeepers reported a total of 377 firing incidents originating from IDF positions, and 15 trajectories were attributed to Lebanese non-state armed groups, presumed to be Hizbullah. 

And today, until 16:00 Lebanon time, UNIFIL peacekeepers reported a total of 251 firing incidents originating from IDF positions, and 19 trajectories attributed to Lebanese non-state actors, presumed to be Hizbullah.  

On Friday, one of our UNIFIL positions, position 1-26 in the vicinity of Al Bayyadah (Sector West) incurred significant damage as a result of an impact inside the position and another one in its immediate vicinity, including extensive structural and equipment damage. The origin of the impact is yet to be determined. We reiterate our call on all actors to uphold the inviolability of United Nations premises and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times. 

Also Friday, the movement of UNIFIL peacekeepers was obstructed in an incident near the Al Naqoura seaport, when seven IDF soldiers halted a UNIFIL convoy, aimed their weapons at the vehicles, and conducted an inspection of an ambulance before allowing it to proceed.   

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY 

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that funding shortfalls are constraining humanitarian operations, and that leaves more people hungry or without access to critical services.  

The 2026 Flash Appeal, which seeks just over $4 billion to support nearly three million people across Gaza and the West Bank, is currently only 12 per cent funded, with $490 million received so far.  

One clear impact is on food assistance. In Gaza, the UN and our humanitarian partners are supporting kitchens in serving one million meals a day. That is down from 1.8 million daily meals in February.  

Our food security partners are gradually shifting from in-kind food assistance to livelihoods and cash support, so people can produce food, generate income and make their own choices. However, partners report that the private sector does not currently provide enough food that is nutritious, varied and affordable. One in five families is eating only once a day, and mothers are skipping meals so their children can eat.  

Apart from limited funding, humanitarian operations are undermined by constraints on the entry of critical spare parts, back-up generators and other equipment, as well as shortages of fuel and engine oil. In addition, they are limited by restrictions on the operations of key partners, movement restrictions within Gaza and damaged roads and infrastructure.  

Meanwhile, military operations in Gaza continue to affect civilians. Over the weekend, partners on the ground recorded the displacement of more than 150 families from eastern Khan Younis and from eastern Gaza City. Affected families said they fled because of tank movements or bombing.   

While most remain displaced, about 20 families have returned.  

Forty of the newly displaced families have been identified by partners as requiring emergency assistance – they fled with only what they could carry, and a response by multiple partners has been initialized.  

You will recall that most of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents remain displaced, often in dire conditions.  

Civilians must always be protected, and this includes allowing them to move to safer places where their basic needs can be met. They must also be allowed to voluntarily return when conditions permit.   

EBOLA/DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO  

You will have seen that yesterday, the World Health Organization said that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, highlighting the high risk of further spread and the likelihood that the outbreak may be larger than currently detected. 

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics. 

The outbreak is centred in the province of Ituri, where more than 482 suspected cases have been reported since April, including eight confirmed cases and around 116 deaths among suspected cases across several health zones. Testing of suspected cases is ongoing. A case was also confirmed yesterday in Goma, in the province of North Kivu, raising concerns about potential spread in a densely populated urban area. 

We, alongside humanitarian partners, are supporting the Government-led Ebola response. WHO is supporting national efforts through, among other things, the deployment of technical expertise and rapid response teams. Yesterday, more than five tons of WHO medical supplies, along with experts, were airlifted to Ituri by the World Food Programme to reinforce response efforts. 

Needless to say, additional resources and sustained humanitarian access will be critical to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. 

We and our humanitarian partners warn that insecurity, population movements and displacement are significantly complicating surveillance, contact tracing and response efforts, in a context already marked by violence, food insecurity and severe needs. 

Nearly 9 million people across the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu are facing crisis or worse levels of hunger, further straining fragile health systems, while only 30 per cent of required health funding has been mobilized. 

We call on the international community to urgently scale up support for both the Ebola response and the broader humanitarian response in the DRC. Without immediate action, life-saving assistance will not reach those most in need and critical humanitarian gains risk being reversed. 

The $1,4 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the DRC is currently 34 per cent funded with $478 million received. 

For their part, our peacekeeping colleagues on the ground reaffirmed their support to the authorities of the DRC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and all partners involved in the response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak. 

The UN Mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, is closely following the guidance of the Ministry of Health and WHO and continues to adapt its prevention measures accordingly. MONUSCO Medical Services have already reinforced screening procedures at the entrance to Mission clinics and the systematic use of personal protective equipment for medical personnel in contact with patients. 

The mission also underscored the importance of reliable and verified information and encourages everyone to refer to official communications from competent health authorities. 

The Mission remains mobilized, within its mandate and in coordination with the Congolese authorities and relevant partners, to support an effective response aimed at protecting populations and contributing to health security in affected areas. 

SOMALIA 

The Secretary-General continues to closely follow political developments in Somalia, notably the recent high-level talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council. He welcomes the willingness of both parties to engage and encourages them to continue to dialogue with a view to reaching an agreement on the way forward on elections and related issues. 

SUDAN 

Turning to Sudan, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that we and our partners continue to provide life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict across the country. 

In Central Darfur State, our humanitarian partners have distributed food rations for May to about 313,000 people across six localities. 

In North and South Darfur States, an ongoing cholera vaccination campaign, organized by the World Health Organization and our partners, aims to protect more than 250,000 people at risk of the disease. The risks of cholera and other water-borne diseases will increase during the rainy season, which begins next month. 

As a reminder, in March, the authorities had declared the end of a country-wide cholera outbreak, which recorded more than 124,000 cases and over 3,500 deaths. 

Meanwhile, OCHA remains alarmed that fighting continues to force people from their homes.  

Local sources report that in recent weeks more than 6,700 people were forced to flee their homes in Blue Nile State and have sought refuge in neighboring Sennar State. The International Organization for Migration also reports nearly 4,000 people were displaced within Blue Nile State last week due to increased insecurity. Since January, more than 50,000 people have been displaced in the state, sharply increasing humanitarian needs there. 

OCHA appeals for additional funding to scale up life-saving assistance. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which requires $2.9 billion to reach more than 20 million people – more than one third of the people in Sudan prior to the crisis – is only 21 per cent funded, with just $597 million received so far.    

UKRAINE 

From Ukraine, OCHA says that civilians, including humanitarians, continue to face great danger amid continuing hostilities and attacks across the country. 

Over the past three days, frontline attacks across the country continued and killed at least 11 civilians and injured nearly 200 others, including five children, according to Ukrainian authorities. The cities of Dnipro and Odesa were among the most heavily affected.  

In the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro attacks damaged residential buildings, civilian vehicles, health and educational facilities, as well as railway and public transport infrastructure. 

Following these latest attacks in the regions of Dnipro, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, humanitarian organizations rapidly mobilized first aid, psychosocial, hot meals, shelter materials and other emergency support.  

We also wanted to flag a few incidents impacting humanitarian workers in the past few days. On May 15th, while delivering hot meals to a hard-to-reach front-line area in the region of Kherson, a marked vehicle of a national non-governmental organization came under drone attack, severely injuring one aid worker, who remains in critical condition. The driver was also injured in the attack. 

In a separate incident on May 14th, a drone struck an armoured vehicle operated by a local partner of World Central Kitchen in Kherson, damaging the vehicle but causing no injuries. 

According to the Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, in April, Kherson City recorded the highest number of civilian casualties for a single month since last July, with 26 people killed and more than 200 injured. Short-range drones were the second leading cause of civilian harm near the front line.   

PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS WEEK  

The ninth edition of the Protection of Civilians week starts today, with this year’s theme being “How to Ensure Protection of Civilians amid Reforms and Constraints?” 

Co-coordinated by OCHA, Switzerland, the Center for Civilians in Conflict and the International Rescue Committee, the week aims to ensure that protecting civilians remains at the heart of how the UN and the international community adapt to a rapidly-changing world.   

On Wednesday, the Security Council will hold an open debate on the protection of civilians.  

This year, there will also be 18 side events that amplify the voices of civilians affected by armed conflict. 

 GUESTS TOMORROW 

Tomorrow, the guests at the Noon Briefing will be from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). 

Shantanu Mukherjee, DESA’s Director of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division; and Ingo Pitterle, DESA’s Senior Economist and Officer-in-charge of the Global Economic Monitoring Branch of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division will be here to brief on the World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2026.