Author: Kathleen Downie

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The Secretary-General addressed the Papua New Guinea parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

He told members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands and many tongues. The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from a profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary general said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany Papua New Guinea on every step.

On Climate, the Secretary-General commended Papua New Guinea’s bold climate action, highlighting that the island nation is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.

Guterres reiterated, “We must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, and you have made the case that national protection deserves global support. You have emphasized that climate change is a driver of poverty, and been a strong moral voice for climate finance.”

The Secretary-General stressed that while climate finance is vital –– it is not sufficient on its own. Many developing countries are drowning in unsustainable debt, victims of inequalities built into the system.

He said, “Today’s international financial architecture is unequal and unjust. We will keep pushing for meaningful reform to ensure the fair representation of developing countries; to take real action on debt relief; to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks; and to mobilize private capital at scale.”

Guterres also emphasized Papua New Guinea’s vital step of speaking openly, of making commitments, and of forming the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

“Across politics, culture, and every sector, we must keep working to widen the doors of opportunity for women and girls in Papua New Guinea and in the world at large,” the UN chief stressed.

He added, “Ensuring greater voice and representation of women is not only a matter of justice — it is a matter of national strength. Families thrive. Communities grow stronger. And institutions become more responsive when we uphold the rights of all.”

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Papua New Guinea
Senior Personnel Appointment
Yemen
Afghanistan
Occupied Palestinian Territory
U.N.I.F.I.L.
Sudan
Trip Announcement
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Education
**Guest Note

SECRETARY-GENERAL/PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Secretary-General is still in Papua New Guinea and this morning, he delivered an address at the Parliament during a special session to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
He told the members of Parliament that for the past half century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands, many tongues.
The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary-General said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany the country on every step.
Turning to climate, the Secretary-General said that time and again we have seen climate leadership flow not from countries with the most wealth and power –– but from those who know the stakes firsthand.
Papua New Guinea is home to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet.
Mr. Guterres said we must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, adding that the country has made the case that national protection deserves global support.
During the day, the Secretary-General met with the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. He also met with Papua New Guinea’s women leaders.
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General is scheduled to travel outside the capital. He will be back in New York on Saturday morning.

SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENT
The Secretary-General is appointing Khassim Diagne of Senegal as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. 
He will succeed Colin Stewart of Canada, to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for his strong leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure.   
Mr. Diagne brings more than 25 years of experience in international affairs and senior leadership within the United Nations system. He is currently serving as Ad Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, a role he has held since October 2024.

YEMEN
This morning the Houthi de facto authorities broke into the UNDP complex in Sanaa.
So far, the UNICEF and WFP offices remain under the Houthi control. Since our last update on the detentions during the past two days, 18 national staff are now detained by the Houthi de facto authorities.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the forced entry into UN premises in Sana’a.
We reiterate that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed, and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.
We, once again, reiterate the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been detained yesterday and before that, including all other personnel from the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions.

AFGHANISTAN
Turning to Afghanistan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Office says that following the earthquake over the weekend, assessments and response efforts continue amid challenging conditions. Aftershocks last night in Chakway and Nurgal districts, two of the most affected districts of Kunar province, are causing further hardship, with many families staying outdoors.
They also impact rescue efforts and assessments in the region. Despite the difficult conditions, food and shelter distributions have started, as well as the provision of health assistance, including through mobile health and nutrition teams.
Our humanitarian colleagues say that urgent priorities remain shelter, medical supplies, drinking water, food and sanitation. The UN Mine Action Service has warned that 25 square kilometers of land is contaminated by explosive ordnance in areas impacted by the earthquake.
Needs remain immense, and the UN calls on all who are able to provide support to the earthquake response.