¹ú²úAV

SECRETARY-GENERAL
This morning, in Cascais, Portugal, the Secretary-General addressed the official opening ceremony of the 10th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.ÌýThe Secretary-General said that we see cynical strategies to sow divisions and widen fault lines in societies. We see a groundswell of xenophobia, racism, and intolerance, and he added that social media is being exploited as a powerful weapon.Ìý
The Secretary-General stressed that in these times, we need peace - peace in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan. Mr. Guterres stressed that rebuilding trust is our essential task, and this makes the work of the Alliance of Civilizations more important than ever.Ìý
Following the opening ceremony, the Secretary-General attended a session on special reflections on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity, and then, a session in memory of Jorge Sampaio, the former President of the Portuguese Republic from 1996 to 2006, who was the first High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations.
In the afternoon, the Secretary-General also attended a UN Alliance of Civilizations Ministerial Group of Friends High-Level meeting.ÌýÌý
He emphasized that a strong Alliance is more crucial than ever and thanked all for the support to help strengthen foundations for more inclusive, just, and equal societies.
As the tide of hatred and intolerance becomes a tsunami, the Secretary-General said, we need even more bold voices and bolder action, adding that this is why he is asking countries to dig deeper to help replenish the Alliance’s Voluntary Trust Fund.Ìý
Also today, the Secretary-General held bilateral meetings with heads of delegations who are attending the Forum. Later this afternoon, he will also meet the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.ÌýÌý
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will have a bilateral meeting with the Prime-Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro. The meeting will be followed by a joint press encounter, which you will be able to follow live on UN Web TV.Ìý
ÌýÌý
LEBANON
We take note of reports about progress towards a possible ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. We reiterate that all efforts towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict are to be encouraged and we urge the parties to seize this opportunity to take steps towards a more stable and secure future.
Should an agreement be reached, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, stand ready to support its implementation, within their respective mandates.Ìý
Meanwhile, we note with serious concern accounts of heavy bombing by the Israel Defense Forces in southern Lebanon and southern Beirut, with several fatalities reported, as well as continued missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah into Israel and ground clashes between Hezbollah and the IDF in southern Lebanon. The violence must stop.ÌýÌý
The Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert, has wrapped up her travel to Israel. During the past two days, she had meetings with key interlocutors and senior officials in Israel, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar; Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, and Minister of Defense, Israel Katz. They discussed the need for sustainable solutions, anchored in the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Ìý
LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
On the humanitarian front in Lebanon, the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs says that Beirut’s southern suburbs experienced massive strikes just minutes after more than 20 displacement orders were issued. Also today, a densely populated area in central Beirut was targeted by airstrikes, with no prior warning. These attacks have caused damage, casualties and further displacement, as many people had previously sought refuge in central Beirut.ÌýÌý
We once again stress that all parties to the conflict must take all necessary precautions to protect civilians, including those seeking refuge in their homes or in temporary shelters.Ìý
As of 24 November, the International Organization for Migration recorded nearly 900,000 displaced people within Lebanon since October 2023.Ìý
The World Food Programme reports that many affected people face significant challenges in securing shelter and urgently require adequate housing and essential items to stay warm and safe as the winter months approach. In response, the World Food Programme, together with the Lebanese Government and other partners, has reached more than 640,000 people with food or cash assistance in 2024, including around 500,000 people since 23 September.Ìý
UNICEF, in collaboration with health authorities, has deployed mobile health units to provide urgent medical care and immunizations to displaced families and children. Since 23 September, more than 240,000 people have been reached.Ìý
Ìý
PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
This morning, on behalf of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered his message at today’s meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.Ìý
The Secretary-General’s message asserts that nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.Ìý Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. This is appalling and inexcusable, he says.ÌýÌýÌý
The Secretary-General says that it is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.Ìý
Ìý
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the situation in Gaza, our colleagues in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that none of the UN’s 41 attempts to reach Palestinians in besieged areas of North Gaza with life-saving assistance this month has been facilitated by Israeli authorities. Of those, 37 humanitarian missions were denied, while the other four missions were approved but then impeded on the ground and accomplished only partially.Ìý
Parts of North Gaza have been under siege for more than 50 days now. Jabalya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun have been largely cut off from humanitarian aid for weeks, as fierce hostilities continue.Ìý
Civilians there are under intense bombardment and are in desperate need. OCHA stresses that under international humanitarian law, they must be protected, and the essential requirements for their survival must be met, whether they stay or flee.Ìý
Families from North Gaza who have sought safety and shelter in Gaza City are also facing critical shortages of supplies and services, as well as severe overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions.Ìý
As winter sets in, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters are even more vulnerable. More sewage is building up in areas packed with people, putting people’s health in jeopardy as diseases spread. Ìý
These factors also increase the risk that damaged buildings – where many families have sought shelter -- could collapse.Ìý
Just yesterday, heavy rains affected 7,000 families living in makeshift shelters along the coast in Gaza – that’s according to initial assessments by OCHA and our humanitarian partners. Thousands of tents were flooded, and people’s belongings and shelters were damaged.Ìý
Further on the issue of shelter – you asked us yesterday about the entry of shelter supplies into Gaza. Our UNICEF colleagues tell us they have 2,500 plastic sheets and tarpaulins at the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, the main challenge with bringing these sheets into Gaza is the security concerns along the way. UNICEF is working on pulling these tarps out of Kerem Shalom this week so they can be distributed.Ìý
All humanitarians in Gaza are facing an extremely difficult situation due to the lack of security and armed looting, which is the reason why we have been consistently asking for more entry points in Gaza, and more routes to distribute within the Strip.Ìý
Ìý
UNRWA
The UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, has clarified that reports circulating in some media that UNRWA is evacuating its premises in occupied East Jerusalem are grossly inaccurate.  Ìý
UNRWA said that it maintains its operations in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip, for the benefit of Palestine Refugees. The agency will continue to undertake its operations and programmes despite increased attempts to actively prevent it from implementing its mandate. Ìý
Several months ago, UNRWA initiated a review on its presence and outreach from East Jerusalem and around the world.  This review determined that it was in the Agency’s best interest to put steps in place to optimize the effectiveness of several positions. This review does not include the operations in the UNRWA West Bank Field Office, nor does it impact the staff or the services that UNRWA provides to Palestine Refugees there including primary health care and education. They continue without interruption. Ìý
Ìý
SUDAN
Turning to Sudan, our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs say that the UN and partners are doing everything possible to reach the most vulnerable people wherever they are.Ìý
The World Food Programme says that, as we speak, another convoy is on its way to Zamzam camp in North Darfur where – as you know – famine was confirmed nearly four months ago. Late last week, WFP trucks delivered a first round of supplies to Zamzam, after entering Sudan via the Adre border crossing.Ìý
This second convoy bound for Zamzam has been on the road from Port Sudan for two weeks, having already travelled 1,400 kilometres across rough terrain, dozens of armed checkpoints, and conflict lines. It’s now 300 kilometres away from Zamzam. The last part of this dangerous and long journey is the most risky and unsafe.Ìý
Families at Zamzam have been resorting to extreme measures to survive because food is so scarce. They are eating crushed peanut shells that are typically used to feed animals – and across the camp, parents are mourning the deaths of malnourished children.Ìý
Meanwhile, another WFP convoy has been on its way to Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan from Port Sudan for two weeks. ÌýÌý
It will be departing Kosti in White Nile in the coming days for the final leg of its journey to locations in South Kordofan that have received little or no assistance since the start of the war 19 months ago.ÌýÌý
And the UN Population Fund has sent additional reproductive health and protection supplies to Kassala and Gedaref – where people fleeing the fighting in Aj Jazirah State have been arriving. These supplies will support safe births and the clinical management of rape and are sufficient to meet the needs of 240,000 women and girls for three months.Ìý
Ìý
SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council heard a briefing on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.ÌýÌý
Lisa Doughten, the Director of the Financing and partnership division at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, spoke this morning.ÌýÌý
She highlighted three critical areas for action: Clear condemnation of attacks against aid workers, ensuring accountability, and more support for victims and survivors of harm.ÌýÌý
Together, she added, we can transform our collective commitments into meaningful actions that safeguard the people at the heart of humanitarian efforts and, through them, the millions of lives they strive to save.Ìý
Gilles Michaud, the head of our Department of Safety and Security told Council members that we need collective action to protect those who dedicate their lives to people in need. Their security is not just a moral obligation. It is essential to the success of the mandates entrusted to us, including by the Security Council.Ìý
Mr. Michaud said that in recent years, the UN and humanitarians have been called upon to work in ever more dangerous places. He paid tribute to our national colleagues, saying they embody resilience and commitment in the face of immense challenges.ÌýÌý
Mr. Michaud called on Council Members to show solidarity and courage to ensure accountability for those who harm UN personnel and humanitarian workers.Ìý
ÌýÌý
AFGHANISTAN
ÌýThe UN Human Rights Office and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan today released a report that details a range of human rights violations, as well as worrying trends for media freedom in Afghanistan.ÌýÌý
The report, which covers the period from 15 August 2021 – when the de facto authorities took power - to 30 September this year, says that journalists, media workers and media outlets are operating under a worsening environment of censorship and restrictions in accessing information. Women journalists and media workers face particular discriminatory measures that limit their ability to do their work.Ìý
The report says that the Taliban de facto authorities must uphold Afghanistan’s State obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to ensure the right to freedom of expression without distinction of any kind, including gender.

HAITI
In light of the significantly deteriorating security situation in Port-au-Prince, including in neighborhoods where our offices are located, the United Nations is adapting its operations to ensure the continued delivery of critical humanitarian programmes.
We want to emphasize that the UN is not leaving Haiti. We continue supporting the Haitian people and authorities, with critical humanitarian assistance and political support to assist Haitian-led efforts to successfully carry out the political transition.
Essential UN personnel, from agencies and the UN Mission, BINUH, our political mission, remain in Port-au-Prince to carry out critical activities. The UN continues to deliver programmes outside the capital.
Ìý
CUBA
Turning to the Caribbean, we have an update on Cuba.ÌýÌý
One month after Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael – as well as two earthquakes – struck the eastern and western parts of the country, our team on the ground continues delivering assistance and supporting the Government’s response. Last week, the UN Resident Coordinator, Francisco Pichon, led a delegation to hurricane-affected areas in the west of the country to hear first-hand accounts from those affected and assess the situation. The UN Country Team also published an updated Plan of Action which seeks $78.3 million to meet the most urgent needs of some 930,000 people and support early recovery efforts.Ìý
And last week, an additional $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was allocated to support the hurricane response. OCHA is also releasing a second emergency cash grant of $100,000 for immediate supplies.Ìý
Ìý
PEACEBUILDING FUND
The Secretary-General has appointed the Members of the 8th advisory Group of the ¹ú²úAVbuilding Fund.Ìý
Candidates were nominated by Member States, and the 12 members of the group were appointed for a term of two years, taking into consideration gender and regional balance.ÌýÌý
The Secretary-General also asked Ambassador Macharia Kamau of Kenya to serve as the Chair of the Advisory Group.ÌýÌý
The Group provides guidance to the Fund’s strategy and direction. This is all the more important given the Advisory Group’s role in providing recommendations and guidance for the use of the assessed contribution of $50 million annually to the ¹ú²úAVbuilding Fund, agreed in Resolution 78/257 and starting next year.Ìý

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Today is World Sustainable Transport Day.ÌýÌý
Sustainable transport — with its objectives of universal access, enhanced safety, reduced environmental and climate impact, improved resilience, and greater efficiency — is central to sustainable development. It can fast-track progress towards other crucial goals, such as eradicating poverty in all its dimensions, reducing inequality, empowering women, and combatting climate change.Ìý
Ìý
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
And we end our notes with the good news that we received a cheque from the world's fourth largest island, which covers 226,917 square miles.ÌýÌý
Any guesses? You are absolutely right. The answer is Madagascar. You get the first question. So we thank our friends in Antananarivo for taking us to 148 fully paid-up nations.