In Nairobi, headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted the city’s unique role as the only United Nations headquarters in the Global South and underlined UNEP’s long-standing work on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Youth participation was also recognized as a driving force for environmental action and future leadership.

In Naqoura, Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping mission there (UNIFIL) marked the milestone in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara, said that peace “is not built by a few, it is built by all,” and highlighted inclusion as the heart of peacebuilding.

Afghan pedigree

In Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission (UNAMA) reflected on its decades-long presence supporting peace, human rights and development. Deputy Special Representative Georgette Gagnon reaffirmed UN solidarity with Afghans, particularly women and girls, amid current humanitarian challenges.

Across the Americas, UN offices highlighted progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action and youth engagement, reaffirming the UN’s role in promoting equality, resilience and cooperation across the region.

Eighty years later, the UN continues to bring together people and nations to “save successful generations from the scourge of war” and work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.

Nearly a million affected by floods in South Sudan

Nearly one million people have been affected by devastating floods in South Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Friday.

Since last month, flooding has affected more than 140 health facilities, disrupting access to essential services for thousands of people at a time when South Sudan is grappling with disease outbreaks, including cholera and malaria.

In fact, last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 104,000 cases of malaria, including 16 deaths across the country, a 15 percent increase in cases from the previous week, mainly due to ongoing flooding.

To make matters worse, ongoing flooding is compounded by ongoing conflict and acute food insecurity.

Agencies step up help

Despite significant access challenges in parts of the country, the UN and its partners continue to reach flood-affected people with life-saving aid and assess needs to ensure the response remains targeted.

The World Food Program (WFP) is on the ground delivering food and nutrition assistance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have delivered more than 50 metric tons of medical supplies to support response efforts in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. Additional assistance is on the way, including tents, cholera kits and emergency health kits.

More weapons discovered in Lebanon, but hope for recovery remains

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to discover unauthorized weapons and ammunition in the south of the country, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said during Friday’s press briefing.

On Wednesday, UNIFIL peacekeepers found mortar shells, fuses and a cannon in one of their areas of operation, and on Thursday small homemade explosive devices.

Since 15 October, UNIFIL has been coordinating with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces to restore the ‘Blue Line’ markers that were damaged during the conflict; Last November, a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces came into effect.

peaceful activity

Haq added that following a request from the LAF, the mission facilitated the harvesting of olives by farmers near the Blue Line of Separation more than 40 times this month.

In addition to protecting agricultural activities amid ceasefire violations, peacekeepers conduct patrols alongside Lebanese forces in those areas to ensure the safety of farmers.

Earlier this month, a public school was reopened in Naqoura, where UNIFIL headquarters is located, in what is a “clear sign of recovery and hope,” according to the mission.