Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Press Freedom Day 2026.
“People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.
But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.
Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death.
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.
Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity.
Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.
When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.
When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.
And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.
All freedom depends on press freedom.
Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace.
On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe”.
More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed by the time of a planned visit to China by US President Donald Trump, “this issue will be high on the agenda of the bilateral talks” adding that the China-US relations go “far beyond” the Strait.
As China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for May, Ambassador Cong today (01 May) outlined priorities for the month, including a ministerial-level open debate on 26 May titled “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” The meeting is expected to be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Cong called for its reopening “as quickly as possible,” saying the responsibility lies with both sides. He said Iran should lift restrictions in the Strait, while the United States should end its naval blockade.
The Chinese diplomat also expressed concern over recent statements suggesting the US-Iran ceasefire could be temporary and that further military action might be considered. He said the international community should speak out against a resumption of hostilities.
Addressing China–US relations, Ambassador Cong said it is in the interest of both countries and the wider international community for the ties to remain “steady, sound and sustainable.” He added that “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” are key to the relationship’s development.
The Chinese diplomat continued, “the world is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States, it doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game between the two countries. He said preparations are underway for what he described as a “historic visit” by the US president, adding that China hopes the visit will take place.
At the United Nations, Ambassador Cong said China and the United States have “space to cooperation.” He said, “it is incumbent upon both China and the United States to help maintain the international order and to support the role of the UN and the biggest financial contributors of the organization. And there are a lot of commonalities in the positions in how the UN is run.”
He emphasized, “the UN is for all Member States, so no big power should adopt this approach that the interests of that big country should be put above the interests of the entire membership.”
Asked about China’s military involvement with Iran, Ambassador Cong said, “there is no military cooperation between China and Iran,” and described allegations to the contrary by some US officials as “false.” He said China sympathizes with the suffering of the Iranian people and supports efforts to bring an end to the fighting.
On the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, the Chinese diplomat said China supports the principle of geographical rotation and would welcome the appointment of a woman to the post.
Ambassador Cong concluded by reaffirming China’s continued support for the United Nations and for countries of the Global South, saying China’s ability to provide assistance would grow as the country develops.
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Cuba
– Venezuela
– Trip Announcement
– Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict
– Middle East
– Abyei
– Mauritania
– International Days
– World Press Freedom Day
– Financial Contribution
MYANMAR
The Secretary-General has taken note of the transfer of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence. The Secretary-General appeals for the swift and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained as a fundamental step towards conditions conducive to a credible political process.
The Secretary-General reiterates that a viable political solution must be founded on an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue. He stresses the importance of continued dialogue between all relevant Myanmar stakeholders and his Special Envoy on how the United Nations and its partners, in particular ASEAN, can help support efforts towards a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar as called for by the Security Council and the General Assembly.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that we continue to receive reports of gunfire and strikes hitting residential areas across Gaza, causing civilian casualties. Yesterday, in Jabalya Camp, a UN school sheltering displaced families was hit by gunfire, and two people were injured.
OCHA reiterates that, under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.
Meanwhile, humanitarians working on sanitation tell us that four in every five sewage pumping stations are not functioning. As a result, every day, about 40,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage are flowing into the sea and areas where families are staying. Restrictions on the entry of essential items like generators and spare parts must be lifted so that water can be properly pumped and prevent the further collapse of these systems.
On food security, the Food and Agriculture Organization said yesterday that it has now provided cash assistance to every herding household with at least one sheep or goat that survived the hostilities. That’s more than 2,000 herding households reached, one quarter of them headed by women.
This has supported the production of milk and protein locally, which are a powerful way to combat malnutrition, especially among children.
In the West Bank, last week, the Israeli authorities delivered final eviction notices, by mid-May, to seven more families in the Batn al Hawa area of East Jerusalem. That’s to make way for settlers to take over the building, placing more than 40 people, half of them children, at risk of imminent displacement.
So far in 2026, 17 families – including 30 children – have been forcibly evicted from their homes in that neighbourhood.
OCHA calls once again for the protection of civilians. Evictions, demolitions and violence have grave physical, social, economic and emotional impacts, and they deepen humanitarian needs.
UKRAINE
From Ukraine, OCHA tells us that between Monday and the early hours of today, we and our humanitarian partners reached front-line communities in eastern and southern Ukraine through six aid convoys, delivering urgently needed assistance in the regions of Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson.
The convoys reached 4,000 people with food, hygiene items, dignity kits, generators, clothing and first-aid kits.
Meanwhile, over the past day, attacks and hostilities across Ukraine reportedly killed at least two civilians and injured 58 others, with the regions of Dnipro, Sumy, Kherson, Kharkiv and Odesa among the hardest hit. Homes, a school, railway infrastructure and shops were damaged.
Our humanitarian partners responded quickly in Odesa and Dnipro, providing shelter, psychosocial support, legal aid, hot meals, hygiene kits and materials for emergency repairs. In Dnipro, drone strikes also damaged or destroyed humanitarian vehicles, though thankfully no injuries were reported.
Yesterday and today, local authorities, with support from our humanitarian partners, evacuated nearly 370 people, including 25 children, from frontline areas of Donetsk.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-01
Back from a mission to the moon, astronauts from Artemis II arrived at United Nations Headquarters with a message for humanity about our shared purpose on Earth.
Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Vesak.
“On the Day of Vesak, Buddhists around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
This year, Vesak comes at a moment when the human family is embroiled in geopolitical tensions, division and conflict.
In 2023 I had the honour of visiting the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal. It reinforced my conviction that the antidote to this turmoil can be found in his timeless teachings of non-violence, compassion and service to others.
Guided by the Buddha’s example, let us summon our shared humanity and build the more peaceful and sustainable world all people need and deserve.
Happy Vesak Day to all”.
More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/vesak-day
Press Conference by Julius Van Der Walt, UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) on the situation in the West Bank and Gaza as it concerns unexploded ordnance and access.
Briefing by Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on Non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights
Press Freedom/Women Journalists
Secretary-General/Iran
Security Council
Lebanon
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Somalia
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cameroon
The Gambia
Solomon Islands/Micronesia
Senior Personnel Appointment – Colombia
Jazz Day
PRESS FREEDOM/WOMEN JOURNALISTS
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, which falls on Sunday, a new analysis from UN Women and their partners, sheds light on a growing and deeply troubling reality. The toll of online violence on women in public life, especially women journalists and media workers.
The findings are stark. Nearly half of women journalists say they self-censor on social media, and more than one in five in their professional work, just to avoid abuse. Many report harassment ranging from non-consensual sharing of personal images to so-called “deepfakes” which are as you may know are AI-generated or AI-altered images, videos, or audio to that make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did. This abuse is often coordinated and designed to silence women’s voices and undermine their credibility, according to the analysis.
Beyond limiting expression, the impact is deeply personal. Significant numbers report anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress linked to the violence they face online.
The report also underscores the serious gaps in legal protection, leaving billions of women and girls without adequate safeguards against cyber harassment. The full report is available online.
Also related to the World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO today announced the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate as the laureate of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. This in recognition of the role the Syndicate has played in condemning the deliberate targeting of journalists in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/IRAN
The Secretary-General this morning spoke to you about the continuing crisis in the Middle East, where, he said, the consequences grow dramatically worse with each passing hour.
Even in the best-case scenario, he said, this year’s global economic growth will still drop, from 3.4 to 3.1 percent, while inflation will climb from 3.8 to 4.4 percent. By contrast, in the worst scenario, inflation skyrockets past 6 percent, growth plummets to 2 percent, and immense suffering takes hold, especially among the world’s most vulnerable countries and people.
Mr. Guterres appealed to the parties: Open the Strait. Let all ships pass. Let the global economy breathe again.
He said that the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, is, as you know, developing a framework to securely evacuate ships and seafarers from the conflict zone, obviously, if it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, Jorge Moreira da Silva, the head of the UN Office of Project Services (UNOPS), who is leading the Task Force for the Strait of Hormuz for the UN, will be heading to the region to continue his active consultations for a possible humanitarian corridor to be ready if the worst-case scenario materializes.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-04-30
The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda remains one of the darkest chapters in human history. In just one hundred days, more than one million women, men, and children were murdered—overwhelmingly Tutsi. Long before the killing began, a wave of propaganda flooded the airwaves, spreading fear, normalizing hate, and stripping people of their humanity. Words came first—and words helped make the violence possible.
Diogène Ntarindwa, known by his stage name Atome, is a Rwandan playwright and comedian whose life has been shaped by this history. Born in Burundi to Rwandan parents who fled earlier massacres of the Tutsi, he later joined the Rwandan Patriotic Front and entered Kigali in 1994 while the genocide was still underway. He describes himself not as a survivor, but as a witness.
In Hate Radio, directed by Milo Rau and presented in its U.S. premiere at St. Ann’s Warehouse in February 2026, Diogène performs the role of Kantano, a real-life broadcaster for Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM). The play places audiences inside the RTLM studio—often called “Radio Machete”—where hate speech was delivered through jokes, music, and chilling everyday banter.
RTLM played a critical role in inciting violence; its co-founder was later convicted by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. For Diogène, performing Hate Radio is an act of testimony. After more than 250 performances, carrying these words ensures their danger is never forgotten—and never repeated.
At UN Headquarters, Diogène sits with the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide to discuss how language escalates from insult to incitement — and visits the “Kwibuka Flame of Hope,” a permanent memorial installed at UN Headquarters in New York in 2024 as a gift from Rwanda. It stands as a tribute to the victims and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and as a reminder of our shared responsibility to confront hate before it takes root.
In recognition of 7 April 1994, the start of the genocide, this date is observed each year as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In 2004, the United Nations established the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, on the basis of the lessons learned from the failures of prevention in Rwanda in 1994 and Srebrenica in 1995, to provide early warning, analysis, and advice to the Secretary‑General on prevention of genocide and other atrocity crimes.
LEARN MORE:
🔗 Outreach Programme on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide…
🔗 Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide: https://www.un.org/en/genocide-preven…
🔗 International Day of Reflection: https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide…
🔗 Kwibuka Flame of Hope: https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide…
🔗 United Nations Audiovisual Library: https://media.un.org/avlibrary/en
0:00 — The Radio Broadcasts That Incited Genocide in Rwanda
0:29 — The 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi: What Happened
0:56 — St Ann’s Warehouse: The Post-It That Waited 10 Years
1:35 — Diogène Ntarindwa: The Actor Who Was a Witness
2:25 — How Repetition and Propaganda Normalize Hate Speech
3:47 — From Incitement to Prevention: A Conversation at the United Nations
5:01 — The Kwibuka Flame: Rwanda’s Memorial at the United Nations
“I am deeply concerned about the curtailment of navigational rights and freedoms in the area of the Strait of Hormuz,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said.
Briefing reporters in New York City, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The longer this vital artery is choked, the harder it will be to reverse the damage. And the higher the cost to humanity. Developing countries will be hit the hardest, as crushing debt impedes their ability to cope. With lost jobs, deeper poverty, and more hunger.”
He added, “The crisis has already locked in losses for months to come. Every day that ships cannot move escalates these costs and amplifies their reverberations across the global economy.”
The Secretary-General outlined three possible scenarios. In the best case, even if restrictions are lifted immediately, recovery would be slow, with weaker growth, higher inflation and lingering trade disruptions. A prolonged mid-range disruption would significantly slow global growth, push tens of millions into poverty and deepen hunger due to fertilizer shortages. In the worst-case scenario, disruptions lasting through the end of the year could trigger a global recession, soaring inflation and widespread humanitarian suffering, particularly in developing countries.
Turning to the path forward, Guterres sent a message to all parties involved: “Navigational rights and freedoms must be restored immediately, as affirmed by the Security Council in Resolution 2817. Open the Strait. Let all ships pass. Let the global economy breathe again. That requires more than physical reopening. It requires shipping to be safe, predictable and insurable.”
The Secretary-General also urged all parties “to refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire.”
He said, “I have remained in close contact with a number of parties, as has my Personal Envoy Jean Arnault. All our interlocutors – independent of their different perspectives – recognize the need to work towards a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable resolution to the conflict.”
On UN efforts to address the crisis, Guterres stated, “The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, is developing a framework to securely evacuate ships and seafarers from the conflict zone provided it is safe to do so. And the head of the UN Office of Project Services, Jorge Moreira da Silva, who is leading the UN Task Force for the Strait of Hormuz, will be heading to the region to continue his active consultations for a possible humanitarian corridor to be ready if the worst-case scenarios materialize.”
Gaza’s farmers struggle amid price hikes and devastated lands.
Across damaged agricultural lands in Gaza, farmers attempt to resume work while income sources shrink and production costs rise to unprecedented levels.
As the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has shown, a global economy that is built on fossil fuels is inherently volatile and unstable. Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Climate Action Team, Selwin Hart, explains how the just transition away from fossil fuels is no longer just a climate imperative – it’s an economic and development imperative.
The Village Vanguard is the oldest jazz club in New York City, founded by Max Gordon in 1935. The club worked as a platform to present all kinds of cultural and political events and became primarily a jazz music venue in 1957. Since then, the club has hosted many renowned jazz musicians from around the world, including Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Thelonious Monk.
UN News and UN Video interviews the current owner of the club, Deborah Gordon and three-time Grammy Award-winning American jazz pianist Sullivan Joseph Fortner for the International Jazz Day on 30 April.
The Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 to celebrate the power of jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.
Renowned musicians from around the world will gather on 30 April in the US city of Chicago for an All-Star Global Concert to mark International Jazz Day. The concert, now in its 15th edition, brings together celebrated artists and audiences to reaffirm the power of jazz in fostering intercultural dialogue, unity and artistic exchange.
The event’s lineup, announced by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, includes musicians Gregory Porter (United States of America), James Morrison (Australia), Tiger Okoshi (Japan), Mandisi Dyantyis (South Africa), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Mino Cinélu (Martinique, France) and many more.
Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The annual International Jazz Day celebration highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity.
International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media.
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