{"disclaimer":"Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record.","video":{"id":"k1t/k1t3mo9imj","kaltura_id":"1_t3mo9imj","title":"Press Conference: Leonor Zalabata, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of June.","clean_title":"Press Conference: Leonor Zalabata, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of June.","url":"https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1t3mo9imj","date":"2026-06-01T00:00:00.000Z","scheduled_time":"2026-06-01T16:30:00.000Z","status":"finished","duration":"00:39:24","category":"Press Conferences","body":null,"event_code":null,"event_type":null,"session_number":null,"pv_symbol":null,"pv_part":null,"slug":"asset/k1t/k1t3mo9imj"},"metadata":{"summary":"Ambassador Leonor Zalabata, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations, and President of the Security Council for the month of June will brief on the programme of work of the Security Council in June 2026.","description":null,"categories":["Media","Press Conferences"],"geographic_subject":[],"subject_topical":["SECURITY COUNCIL","SECURITY COUNCIL PROGRAMME OF WORK","Media Homepage","About Us","UN News","UN Web TV Homepage","Categories","Live Schedule","Contact","UN Audiovisual Library Homepage","Categories","Series","Recently Digitised","Browse by Decades","Guidelines","Contact","UN Photo Homepage","Categories","Latest Photos","Photo Essays","Collections","Guidelines","Contact","UNifeed","UNTV","UN Audiovisual Library for Professionals","UN Photo - Digital Asset Management System","Media Accreditation and Liaison","Meetings Coverage","Media","A-Z Site Index","Copyright","FAQ","Fraud Alert","Privacy Notice","Terms of Use","Interpretation Disclaimer","Request for Footage"],"corporate_name":[],"speaker_affiliation":[],"related_documents":[]},"transcript":{"transcript_id":"scheduled-k1t/k1t3mo9imj-1780330071433","language":"en","data":[{"statement_number":1,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"will take up their consideration 24 to 30 July. And so the exact modalities of that are yet to be shared. But that's why the PGA has continued to reiterate every month with each incoming president that it is incredibly important to share those details, to be transparent. Abdelhamid.","start":0.1,"end":21.02,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":2,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you. Thank you, Lanise. The Palestinians first submitted their candidacy to be the president of the GA Pressure was applied against them and bullying, so they had to withdraw their candidacy, as you— as we received the letter from you. And then the Asian group selected Palestine as one of the four members of the vice president. Then again, another set of bullying and pressure was applied against the Palestinians, so they have to withdraw again. Is that acceptable norm of international relations with the G8, don't they have the right to be nominated for that post?","start":21.02,"end":65.129,"topics":[{"key":"gaza-west-bank","label":"Gaza and the West Bank","description":"Speakers raised the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including strikes on UN shelters and restricted crossing access, as well as killings and violence in the West Bank. The Palestinian question also appeared earlier in discussion of UN candidacies and regional tensions."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Abdelhamid","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":3,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"So, Abdul Hamid, I cannot speak to the reasons why states would either submit or withdraw their candidacy. What I can tell you is that we did receive information that that candidacy for Vice President had been withdrawn, and we then received a nomination for Lebanon. So, of course, member states should be free to nominate candidates. Groups of countries should be free to nominate candidates and for candidates to run for these positions. But I cannot speak as to the reasons why candidates either nominate or withdraw their candidacies. Yes, sir. Sorry, I'm so sorry. I had him first and then you.","start":65.76,"end":108.46,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":4,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you, Denise. With regard to the— upcoming debate which is going to be taking place in Geneva. Why Geneva when the election— I mean, the confirmation of the candidature that's been selected by the 5P and the Security Council— will everything is taking place here in New York. Why Geneva this time and not in New York?","start":109.36,"end":135.42,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Fethi","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":5,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"There are a number of additional what I think our British colleagues would call hustings. There are a number of other, you know, meetings that are happening that are actually not sponsored through us. So that what you've mentioned there is sponsored, I think, by the International Center in Geneva or another institute in Geneva. It is not sponsored by OPGA. It is not under the auspices of OPGA. There was also another event that was voluntary that was sponsored, I believe, by the UN Foundation of the UK, which, if I'm not mistaken, was held on the 28th or 29th May, and candidates were invited to attend, and I believe some of them did, maybe not all of them. So candidates are certainly welcome to participate in things that are hosted by civil society organizations, by NGOs, and they're more than welcome to participate in those additional discussions.","start":135.42,"end":191.47,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":6,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I understand there was the debate or the presentation of each candidate in Chatham House in the UK. But why is taking place at the UN in Geneva and not in an outside venue since they are not—","start":191.47,"end":207.079,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Fethi","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":7,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"You will have to ask the organizers for that. I did not schedule the rooms in Geneva, so the arrangements that they made to have it take place there. But I think my question for you is why should it not— why should we not have additional discussions in other places?","start":207.079,"end":221.08,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":8,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Sure, it's a valid reason, but since the process, the procedures are taking place entirely in New York and 5 capitals. I'm not seeing that to be held at the UN, it might give the impression that it's a UN-sanctioned debate and not an NGO debate.","start":221.78,"end":245.75,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Fethi","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":9,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I think the information was quite clear that it was being held under the auspices, and I'm not aware of which room it was held in or what the arrangements were. But we are very clear that the events that take place here, that they are webcast because the entire world has the right to hear what these candidates have to say. So I don't think that, you know, having more opportunities for them to engage with civil society or NGOs is necessarily a bad thing. But we do not, obviously, control their modalities or candidates that show up or don't show up.","start":246,"end":281.7,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":10,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yes, thank you. It's a very small question. Could you please elaborate more about the Vice President's nomination for Lebanese, for Lebanon?","start":283.16,"end":294.409,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":11,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I cannot. There are 4 seats for Asia-Pacific group, and the countries that have submitted nominations for those 4 seats are Afghanistan, Iraq, Mongolia, and Lebanon.","start":294.409,"end":306.93,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":12,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"So there are, there is a chance that Lebanon will be Vice President?","start":306.93,"end":311.19,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":13,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Those seats are uncontested. The Asia-Pacific group has 4 seats for vice president and they have 4 nominations.","start":311.5,"end":317.95,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":14,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you very much.","start":319.2,"end":320.09,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":15,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yes, Gabriel. Thanks, Lenise. Just a quick follow-up on some housekeeping. The interactive debate is scheduled for the 15th of June or that week. That week. That week and then the—","start":321.019,"end":333.74,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Gabriel","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":16,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"The dialogue, the interactive dialogue, yes.","start":333.74,"end":335.86,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":17,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Dialogue, dialogue, sorry. And then July— the week of July 24th is when the Security Council is going to take up their— so there's a gap there. So if there's a candidate that comes forward with a formal nomination by a member state after the 15th but before the 24th of July, you would then presumably have another interactive dialogue, correct?","start":335.86,"end":357.33,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Gabriel","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":18,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"That would be right, yes. So we encourage nominations quickly, without delay. Things are moving, things are happening. So I don't think I have any questions online. I don't see anyone. So with that, Steph is waiting with bated breath to speak to you all. It's a busy week. It's an exciting week.","start":357.33,"end":388.84,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Lenise","affiliation":"OPGA","affiliation_full":"OPGA","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":19,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you, Lenise. Thanks. All right, good afternoon. We'll try to— Chris, just warning, no quiz today, so you can go back to sleep. Exactly. We'll try to go as quickly as possible, but I do have a lot of stuff here for you. I'm sure you've got some questions, and then we have the the President of the Security Council, and that is Ambassador Leonor Zalabata, the Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations and the President of the Security Council for the month of June. She'll be here to brief you on the Council's program of work. It'll be an in-person briefing only, so if you want to ask questions, you have to stay seated and in the room. Today in Rome, at the World Food Programme, it is transition day as Cindy McCain takes leave of her post as Executive Director. And Carl Skau will take over as the Acting Executive Director. And on this day, I just want to, on behalf of the Secretary-General, express his deep appreciation to Ms. Cindy McCain for her dedicated service as she steps down from her role as Executive Director of the World Food Programme. Under her leadership, WFP became leaner, it became faster and more agile in responding to global crises. She strengthened accountability. Fostered innovation, and advanced humanitarian diplomacy while sustaining life-saving operations reaching nearly 100 million people each year. Her tenure also helped secure new sources of funding, expand critical partnerships, and prioritize safety and well-being of staff and beneficiaries worldwide. The Secretary-General is grateful for her steadfast commitment to the fight against global hunger and malnutrition. He wishes her all the very best in the future. The Secretary-General welcomes Carl Skau as Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme. Mr. Skau served as WFP's Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer since May 2023. He assumes his responsibilities at a critical moment when more than 360 million people worldwide face acute food insecurity. The process of identifying a new WFP Executive Director, a process that is run jointly by the Secretary-General and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, will now get underway. Uh, this morning the Secretary-General presented his report on the implementation of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review to ECOSOC's operational activities for the development segment. The Secretary-General noted that the report reflects a shared journey of nearly a decade. Together with the strong support and guidance of Member States, colleagues across the system, he said, we have reshaped how we operate. The Secretary-General pointed out that the UN Development System today is more coherent, it is more accountable, and it is more closely aligned with national priorities as it never has been before. But with less than 1,700 days until the 2030 deadlines of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Secretary-General warned that many countries face growing pressures and that this is a defining moment. His full remarks were shared with you, and the full report on the QCPR is available on ECOSOC's website. And this afternoon, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, in her role as Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, will present her report on development coordination for ECOSOC's operational activities development segment, complementing the Secretary-General's landmark report delivered this morning. Together, these two documents tell a story of transformation. Since 2019, the reinvigorated Resident Coordinator System has made the UN more coherent, more efficient, and more aligned with national priorities. Recognition of the Resident Coordinators as effective entry points of the UN system has surged from 62% to 90%. Since the reform was launched. The UN Development System delivered in 2025, 121 million people were reached with food assistance, 191 million children were vaccinated against measles, often in warlike conditions. Social protection was extended to 84 million people and over half a billion more people were covered by essential health services since 2018. The Deputy Secretary-General's full report, including the interactive session, is also available on the Development Coordination Office's website. Uh, also this morning, the Secretary-General had a video message to the Biennial Meeting of States on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. He told participants that for 25 years, this programme has been a cornerstone of global disarmament and peace efforts. But he added, our world has fundamentally changed over the last quarter century, and new threats are rapidly emerging. Including, uh, 3D-printed arms, untraceable ghost guns circulating on the black market. Diversions of the focus of this year's meeting remains a primary method of acquiring weapons that fuel terrorism, crime, and gender-based violence while killing peacekeepers and blocking humanitarian access. Using the Programme of Action as a base, the Secretary-General called on countries to act together to end this scourge and to ensure the program of action is fit for today's challenges. Moving to the news in Lebanon, I can tell you that we are deeply alarmed by the escalation in military activities across southern Lebanon and beyond. Israeli warnings of imminent strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs are deeply concerning and have heightened fear and uncertainty among the population in Lebanon. We reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted We urge all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities and avoid further escalation. We condemn all the loss of civilian lives. There is no alternative to a diplomatic solution to break the cycle of violence and to achieve sustain—","start":389.09,"end":765.68,"topics":[{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."},{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."},{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."},{"key":"civilian-protection","label":"Protection of Civilians","description":"Multiple speakers stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, health facilities, and schools must be protected under international humanitarian law. This theme came up in relation to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, and broader Security Council priorities."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":20,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"sustainable—","start":765.68,"end":765.98,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":21,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"excuse me, sustainable stability on both sides of the Blue Line. The U.S.-sponsored Lebanon-Israel negotiations, resuming tomorrow, must be given a real chance to succeed. The Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Janine Hanis-Plaschard, continues to engage all parties to de-escalate tensions, reinforce commitments to the cessation of hostilities that had been agreed to, and advance practical confidence-building measures. Later today, the Security Council will convene emergency session at the request of France to address the situation in Lebanon. They will be briefed on behalf of the Secretary by Martha Pobee, our Assistant Secretary-General for Africa. She will brief on behalf of both the Department of Political and Peacebuilding— she will brief, excuse me, on behalf of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and underscore the above messages. She's also expected to reiterate that the Lebanese Armed Forces are the only legitimate armed force in Lebanon and to continue calling for increased international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and other state security institutions. To enable them to assume their responsibilities to ensure security across all of Lebanon's territory. Meanwhile, on the ground, um, in the south, our UNIFIL peacekeepers are increasingly concerned by the continued escalation. Yesterday, they recorded 744 trajectories, including 683 attributed to the IDF, with the remainders attributed to non-state armed groups. Um, from midnight to 4 PM local time today, 400 trajectories were detected, 380 for the IDF and 22 non-state actors, as well as 12 airstrikes and 59 airspace violations of Lebanese airspace. UNIFIL peacekeepers are observing also intensive IDF air and ground operations across the area of operations. Over the weekends, they reported airstrikes in Sector West and East. Local roads were also targeted in some areas. We recall once again that civilian infrastructure, including road networks, must be protected at all times in line with international humanitarian law. Yesterday saw also a significant surge in IDF indirect fire, including artillery, mortars, and rockets across the area of operations. Fire by non-state actors was also recorded in sector east. The mission also observed notable IDF movements along the routes leading towards the Bofor Castle which is beyond UNIFIL's area of operations. And just to flag that earlier today, the Secretary— the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations and the UNIFIL Commander Major General Abagnara briefed UNIFIL troop-contributing countries, including on force protection measures and on the options for the future implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, the Secretary-General's letter to the Security Council is expected to be delivered a bit later on today. Meanwhile, on the humanitarian side, our colleagues are witnessing heavily congested roads in various areas of Lebanon as families flee with their belongings following renewed Israeli evacuation orders and threats of strikes on southern Lebanon and on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Collective shelters in Tyre and Saida are reportedly full. With scores of people reportedly trying to shelter in open areas. And in Beirut's southern suburb, UNHCR tells us that people are leaving by car, motorcycle, and on foot, carrying only essentials as they seek safety, many returning to already overcrowded shelters, mainly within Beirut. UNHCR remains on the ground supporting government-led emergency response. Since the beginning of the conflict in early March, UNHCR and its partners have reached hundreds of thousands of people across Lebanon with protection services, emergency cash assistance, shelter support, and other types of relief, especially for families enduring repeated displacement and trauma. But as displacement continues and needs grow, sustained support remains critical. More people are likely to be forced to leave the areas where they are currently sheltering in the coming hours and days if the scale of insecurity persists. And we are concerned that large numbers of people are once again being forced to flee under intolerable conditions. The scale and lack of clarity of the evacuation orders issued by Israel are causing panic and distress, forcing families to make very difficult choices. Over the weekend, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said at least 88 people were reportedly killed. Attacks affecting healthcare continue to be reported. An airstrike near Hiram Hospital close to Tahrir reportedly injured at least 13 staff members and damaged the facility. According to the World Health Organization, 5 attacks on healthcare were recorded in the last 3 days, resulting in 1 health worker reportedly killed and 19 injured. International humanitarian law is clear: civilians, including health workers and including first responders, must be protected. Authorities and our humanitarian partners are coordinating response efforts to growing needs. For its part, the World Food Programme is rapidly scaling up its response nationwide, but the situation remains fragile. On average, WFP has supported close to 150,000 people per day since March 2nd, but ongoing daily bombardments and large-scale displacement are constraining the delivery of critical assistance, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. And just to note, there will be a launch on Friday in Geneva of the revised flash appeal for Lebanon, launched jointly with the government, and that is an effort to scale up humanitarian assistance over the next 3 months. As you'll recall, the Secretary-General launched the $308.3 million flash appeal while he was visiting Beirut in March. Now the needs are significantly greater, as you can easily imagine. And turning to the occupied Palestinian territory, our colleagues at the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that yesterday an airstrike hit the rooftop of a UN school building in Nusseirat in Gaza, which is used to shelter displaced families, resulting in damage— in damage. Luckily, no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, Zikim crossing will remain closed this week for a second week. Leaving only the Kerem Shalom, Kerem Abu Salem crossing as the only entry point for cargo that we can use. In the West Bank, OCHA reports that yesterday, a Palestinian trying to cross the Israeli barrier in East, into East Jerusalem, reportedly in search of job opportunities, was shot and killed. Since October 2023, when the authorities revoked and suspended most permits issued to Palestinians to access East Jerusalem in Israel for work and other purposes. OCHA has documented the killings of 17 Palestinians and the injury of 290 others who were reportedly attempting to cross the barrier. And that is as of May 11th. Excuse me. We saw reports yesterday of what is described as a ramming attack that injured 2 Israeli girls in which Israeli forces killed the Palestinian drivers. We remind all parties that civilians must always be protected, and in law enforcement contexts, lethal force must be a last resort. Perpetrators of these attacks must be held to account. And turning to Sudan, I can tell you that we're deeply concerned by reports that dozens of civilians were killed over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, as violence further continues to escalate across parts of the Kordofan and Darfur regions. And we condemn all of these civilian killings unequivocally. Our humanitarian colleagues say that in North Kordofan State, clashes in Bara reportedly killed at least a dozen civilians, forced families to flee their homes, and increased already acute humanitarian needs for this population. In South Kordofan, the International Organization for Migration says more than 2,200 people were reportedly forced to move in search of safety in recent days. And in West Kordofan, local sources report that a drone strike in Kadam area killed at least 8 civilians and injured many others. While in Central Darfur State, at least 10 people, including 3 children, reportedly killed in a drone strike on the town of Omdukun on Saturday. Intercommunal violence in Central and South Darfur States has reportedly— caused additional casualties and additional displacement, forcing families to flee across the border into Chad. The escalating insecurity also disrupting humanitarian operations. In Central Darfur, for example, humanitarian activities serving approximately 21,000 people had to be suspended following clashes. At the same time, a suspected cholera outbreak in West Kordofan continues to spread. With more than 300 suspected cases and 77 reported deaths recorded as of yesterday. Our partners are responding but are constrained by shortages of critical supplies and resources. And as a reminder, in March, authorities declared an end to the countrywide cholera outbreak involving more than 124,000 cases and more than 3,500 deaths. The risk of cholera and other war— waterborne diseases will likely increase during the rainy season. Which begins this month, and as attacks on essential infrastructure make it even more difficult to access clean water for people who so desperately need it. We continue to call on all the parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to facilitate humanitarian access. We also urgently need more funding. Nearly halfway through the year, we've only received 22% of the $2.9 billion that is needed our humanitarian appeal. Back on this hemisphere, regarding Haiti, our OCHA colleagues point out that armed attacks in the department of Artibonite have triggered new displacements and put additional pressures on already very vulnerable communities in the area. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 1,100 people were displaced following violence on May 23rd. 6 in the commune of Petite Rivière de Bayonet. Those who fled have sought refuge with host families within the city of Gonaïves, further straining, uh, bare, threadbare resources available in these communities. Many of those who fled the violence last week have been displaced repeatedly. As we can imagine, or just try to imagine, they need shelter, food, water, but they also need healthcare. They need psychosocial support and protection services including for survivors of gender-based violence. And we've told you repeatedly the horrific situation regarding that in Haiti. While we and our humanitarian partners continue to respond under challenging conditions, the pace and the scale of needs are rising rapidly. Also, turning to Nicaragua, I can tell you that the Secretary-General is saddened by reports of the deaths in custody in Nicaragua of Mr. Brooklyn Rivera and extends his condolences to Mr. Rivera's family and the Miskito community. The Secretary-General reiterates the need to respect human rights in Nicaragua, including due process and humane treatment in detention, and calls for a prompt and impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Rivera's death. Uh, also just a programming note, 3 PM this afternoon, there'll be a Security Council meeting, um, on threats to international peace and security that was requested by the Permanent Mission of Romania. For our part, Kayoko Goto, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will brief Council members. I also want to flag three— four new Resident Coordinators. The Secretary-General has appointed Nikolai— Nicholas Mient of Germany as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Malaysia, Igor Garafulic of Chile as Resident Coordinator in Brazil, Jutta Hinkkanen of Finland as Resident Coordinator in in Mauritania, and Rosemary Kalapurakal of India as Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe. Mr. Mintz's appointment is effective 31 May, while others took up their posts today. All with decades of experience across development, humanitarian, and leadership roles, they will serve as the Secretary-General's representative on development at the country level, leading the country teams and coordinating system-wide support for nationally-led efforts to advance the SDGs. Full biographies are available online, and I hope my— I admire your enthusiasm, but I have a message for my 3 children because today is Global Day of Parents. This year's theme, Together for Parents, highlights the vital role parents and caregivers play in raising children and building stronger communities, creating supportive family environments where children can fully develop their personalities and well-being. You were clearly an eager child, so please.","start":765.98,"end":1565.08,"topics":[{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."},{"key":"civilian-protection","label":"Protection of Civilians","description":"Multiple speakers stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, health facilities, and schools must be protected under international humanitarian law. This theme came up in relation to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, and broader Security Council priorities."},{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."},{"key":"gaza-west-bank","label":"Gaza and the West Bank","description":"Speakers raised the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including strikes on UN shelters and restricted crossing access, as well as killings and violence in the West Bank. The Palestinian question also appeared earlier in discussion of UN candidacies and regional tensions."},{"key":"sudan-crisis","label":"Sudan Crisis","description":"The discussion covered worsening violence in Sudan, civilian deaths, displacement, disease outbreaks, and the disruption of humanitarian operations. There were also concerns about external actors fueling the conflict and the need for a coordinated peace process."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":22,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you. I have 3 children too. Thank you for reminding me. On WFP, what is the selection process, how it looks like to select?","start":1565.08,"end":1578.08,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":23,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"The selection process—","start":1578.08,"end":1579.5,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":24,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yeah, yeah, let me finish the question so much better for you.","start":1579.5,"end":1582.04,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":25,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Okay, that's the question.","start":1582.04,"end":1582.53,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":26,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"No, no, this is the beginning of the question. And how many candidates so far? And if you can also tell us about the conversation last month between Mr. Marco Rubio and Mr. Gurdjieff about the same subject.","start":1582.58,"end":1598.12,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":27,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you. As we said publicly, and I think the State Department said publicly, the Secretary-General and the Secretary of State spoke about a number of issues, notably about the leadership in WFP, and the Secretary-General explained to the Secretary of State. The process for naming the new Executive Director, which involves— it's a joint process run by the Secretary-General and the Director-General of the Food and Agricultural Organization. It is now getting underway. As we never share shortlists of candidates for these senior appointments, and we will not in this case. Edith.","start":1598.12,"end":1636.47,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":28,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you, Steph. With the latest escalation in military action between Iran and the United States threatening the ceasefire and talks, does the Secretary-General have any message?","start":1636.47,"end":1666.37,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Edith Lederer","affiliation":"Associated Press","affiliation_full":"Associated Press","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":29,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"The message is one of restraint. The message is to calling on both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States to redouble their efforts at diplomacy, again, under the very helpful work done by, by Pakistan, as well as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. Gabriel.","start":1666.37,"end":1693.125,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":30,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thanks, Steph. A question on the afternoon Security Council meeting on Lebanon. Why isn't Janine Hatchett-Splasher briefing the Council?","start":1694.67,"end":1702.28,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Gabriel","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":31,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I don't know. I mean, often this was done at the very last minute, maybe given the time difference. But I mean, Ms. Pobe will speak on behalf of the UN system.","start":1702.65,"end":1712.43,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":32,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Fair enough. And separately, on Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, three separate conflicts, somewhat interrelated. Does the Secretary-General think any of those three conflicts are headed in the right trajectory at this moment?","start":1713.21,"end":1729.12,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."},{"key":"gaza-west-bank","label":"Gaza and the West Bank","description":"Speakers raised the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including strikes on UN shelters and restricted crossing access, as well as killings and violence in the West Bank. The Palestinian question also appeared earlier in discussion of UN candidacies and regional tensions."},{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Gabriel","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":33,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Well, I mean, clearly, I think from facts on the ground, they're not heading in the right direction. And it is yet another reason to redouble diplomatic efforts.","start":1729.12,"end":1738.16,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":34,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Does he think all three are interrelated?","start":1738.16,"end":1739.66,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Gabriel","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":35,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Look, they're all, you know, I mean, it is Parents' Day, right? So what's that song about the thigh bone being connected to the leg bone? Everything is interconnected.","start":1740.06,"end":1751.85,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":36,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Madame. Thank you, Stéphane. Since the Secretary-General launched the $308—","start":1751.85,"end":1759.11,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":37,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Your microphone closer to your mouth, I'm sorry.","start":1759.11,"end":1761.33,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":38,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Since the Secretary-General launched the $308.3 million flash appeal in March, what has been the response from donors and international community? Is it sufficient to meet the growing humanitarian needs now?","start":1761.33,"end":1780.521,"topics":[{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":39,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"No, it is not sufficient because the needs have gotten bigger. We did not reach the full number of what we wanted in the appeal. The exact numbers are up on the OCHA website, but given since March and today the situation has gotten worse, we need to extend the appeal.","start":1780.826,"end":1802.2,"topics":[{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":40,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Following, the Secretary-General is still in contact—","start":1802.2,"end":1805.619,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":41,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"your microphone closer, sorry—","start":1805.619,"end":1808.2,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":42,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Secretary-General, is he still in contact with the President or the Prime Minister of Lebanon?","start":1808.2,"end":1814.44,"topics":[{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":43,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I mean, the UN remains in close contact with the whole leadership in Lebanon. Abderrahmane, thank you. Yes, Noah, and his team, and he does— I don't have any— you know, contact within the last 48 hours, but through Ms. Janine Placid-Hashert, and he also remains in contact.","start":1814.44,"end":1836.18,"topics":[{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":44,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yeah, on Lebanon, you see the Israeli escalation has went beyond what it could be called self-defense or trying to just attack Hezbollah. They crossed the Litani River to the north, they attacked Beirut, they attacked Saida, they attacked Sayir, they destroyed some historical —sides in Lebanon. Now, my question: Do the Lebanese people have the right to resist those invaders and occupiers?","start":1836.72,"end":1863.697,"topics":[{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Abderrahmane","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":45,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Look, the most important thing is for the state of Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces and state security services, to have the monopoly of arms, like in any other country, in order to protect their own borders. Yes, Fethi.","start":1863.922,"end":1881.91,"topics":[{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":46,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Can I have a follow-up? Yes. If this rule is evident, then all of Africa would be still under colonialism. People fight when they are invaded.","start":1881.91,"end":1892.7,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":47,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Why not? I will leave the historical analysis to you, sir.","start":1893.11,"end":1897.03,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":48,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yes, Fethi. Thank you, Steph. With regard to Sudan, the forgotten war— Oh, it's not forgotten here. Well, to a certain extent, it's less in focus than other armed conflicts around the world. What's the latest from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and to what extent are we going to go through this vicious circle and very tight language describing the situation without naming names who are fueling the dispute?","start":1897.03,"end":1929.93,"topics":[{"key":"sudan-crisis","label":"Sudan Crisis","description":"The discussion covered worsening violence in Sudan, civilian deaths, displacement, disease outbreaks, and the disruption of humanitarian operations. There were also concerns about external actors fueling the conflict and the need for a coordinated peace process."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":49,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I think, well, you know, there have been various reports to the Security Council on that. I think the Secretary-General has been very clear about calling for all outside actors to stop getting involved in a negative way in Sudan, supporting either the government or the Rapid Support Forces. What outside actors can do best would be to support the peace process, the coordinated peace process involving various regional organizations, involving the UN through Pekka Havisto, and people should work in concert for peace and not to flood the country with more weapons.","start":1930.9,"end":1966.82,"topics":[{"key":"sudan-crisis","label":"Sudan Crisis","description":"The discussion covered worsening violence in Sudan, civilian deaths, displacement, disease outbreaks, and the disruption of humanitarian operations. There were also concerns about external actors fueling the conflict and the need for a coordinated peace process."},{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":50,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Any chance to have the Special Representative for video briefing?","start":1967.559,"end":1971.74,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Fethi","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":51,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I mean, we'll be— he's based in Addis, but as soon as we have something for him to say or he wishes to express himself, we will bring him in either in person or virtually. Thank you. Okay, I will go to our— oh, sorry, sorry. I will go to Alex, who's— oh, oh, Also, probably precocious— I have a quick question on money. Could you please remind us when the United Nations is expected to run out of cash without the payments from the United States and China?","start":1971.74,"end":2001.7,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."},{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":52,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I guess it was mid-August or something.","start":2001.7,"end":2003.539,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Alex","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":53,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"There's no hard date for the doomsday scenario. We did receive a substantial payment, partial payment from the People's Republic of China. Last week of about $800 million, which helps, which helps, but we call on all member states to meet their obligations, whether it's a budget for this year or their arrears. Did you say $800—? $800 million, if I'm not mistaken. Yes, sir.","start":2006.03,"end":2040.43,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."},{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":54,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"How much does the US owe at this juncture?","start":2040.43,"end":2043.18,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Alex","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":55,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"It's— in terms of the regular budget, I think just under $2 billion, if I'm not mistaken. Okay, we'll go to Abu Sufyan online, and then I think our Colombian colleagues are here.","start":2043.72,"end":2055.73,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."},{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":56,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you, Stefan. UK government seized £250 million in Britain belonging to Bangladeshi nationals since June 2025 following the report of corruption by—","start":2057.48,"end":2070.42,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Abu Sufyan","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":57,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Sorry, sorry, Abu Sufyan, I didn't understand. If you could speak a little slower because I didn't understand the premise of your question.","start":2070.42,"end":2076.04,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":58,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Okay, UK government seized £250 million in Britain belonging to Bangladeshi nationals since June 2025 following the report of corruption by former regime Bangladesh Awami League. Financial Times, Al Jazeera, and other outlets made many stories on corruption. Last Wednesday, a court of Cyprus also freezes €8 billion of a businessman. His name is Saiful Alam, affiliated with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On the other hand, Bangladesh new government, new elected government facing a big challenge due to this kind of corruption.","start":2077.502,"end":2109.4,"topics":[{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Abu Sufyan","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":59,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Question: What is— you've stated some facts, but what is your question?","start":2109.77,"end":2113.55,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":60,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yes, to support Bangladesh economic stability, will the UN Secretary-General urge the countries to cooperate with Bangladesh government to bring this money back to Bangladesh?","start":2114.63,"end":2124.17,"topics":[{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."},{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Abu Sufyan","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":61,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Look, the issue of illicit gains having flown out of various member states is a very important one. It's one that impedes development, and we encourage international cooperation to ensure that monies that belong to peoples are returned to those countries. On that note, I believe— yes, please, go ahead.","start":2124.17,"end":2146.95,"topics":[{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":62,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"According to UN fact-finding mission, 1,400 people were killed in July uprising in 2024. Bangladesh's fallen regime claiming that the report is false., and Indian media saying that convicted Sheik Hasina sent a letter to UN describing the misinformation, uh, in that report. What's your position on that?","start":2147.86,"end":2168.459,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Abu Sufyan","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":63,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Well, the, the report was issued by our colleagues in the Human Rights Office, and we have no reason to question it. Thank you. Good afternoon, colleagues.","start":2168.459,"end":2437.264,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stéphane","affiliation":"UN Secretariat","affiliation_full":"UN Secretariat","group":null,"function":"Spokesperson"}},{"statement_number":64,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you all for joining us today. For the press briefing of the Republic of Colombia's presidency of the Security Council for the month of June 2026. Her Excellency Ambassador Leonor Zalabata, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations, will share Colombia's priorities and the program of work for the presidency. After that, we will open the floor for questions from those in the room. Ambassador Zalabata is joined by Rodrigo Amaya, political coordinator at the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the UN. We would like to note that simultaneous interpretation to and from Spanish is available, as the permanent representative will brief in Spanish, and if you wish to present your question in Spanish as well. Without further ado, Ambassador, you have the floor.","start":2438.268,"end":2498.175,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":65,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you very much. In the Security Council, Colombia wants our experience to be used to build peace. So good afternoon to one and all. We find ourselves in an international context marked by growing geopolitical tensions, multiple conflicts, and humanitarian crises exacerbated by the increasingly significant impacts of climate change and a growing fragmentation of the international system. In these circumstances, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, to international law, human rights, and international humanitarian law. Our activities during our presidency will be guided by the fundamental principles of the international system, including the sovereign equality of states, respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The defense of and effective application of these principles is not an end in and of itself, but rather it is an essential condition for us to be able to preserve a shared framework of rules that allow states to live together to cooperate and to collectively resolve their disagreements and to do so peacefully and to avoid force being replaced by— force replacing law and to ensure that we can build a more just international order, one that is in harmony with human beings and in peace with nature. On the basis of this vision, Colombia will exercise the presidency of the Security Council on the basis of a premise that has deeply characterized our own history, and that is that peace is not a linear process. Rather, it is one that is built collectively gradually, and this is a process where the support of the international community can play a decisive role. In this regard, the program of work for June takes as its starting point the experience of a country that has been through complex dialogue processes. The implementation of agreements, transitional justice and reconciliation. A country that has learned that the sustainability of peace depends as much on political decisions as it does on the real impact that it has on people's lives. And based on the aforementioned, Colombia's presidency will be focused on three tracks. First, building and perpetuating peace with the conviction that dialogue is the only sustainable way to solve conflicts. Second, an approach that is people-centered, one that recognizes that the prevailing economic system has deepened inequalities, the gaps within and between countries, and historic forms of exclusion which drive scenarios of conflict, mistrust, and insecurity. And third, strengthening multilateralism in order to more effectively respond to interconnected challenges which require collective, coherent, and sustained responses. On the first track, For Colombia, diplomacy, mediation, and prevention need to return to the heart of international multilateral action. In this context, we shall hold a high-level open debate entitled Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for a lasting peace, and that will be led by the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro. At a time of profound polarization and enormous human suffering in that region, this debate will attempt to promote a collective reflection, a collective consideration of the need to prioritize diplomacy, and political solutions in the face of the spread of conflicts. Colombia is here to talk about peace and not about war. On the second track, Colombia believes that there can be no lasting peace as long as vulnerable populations continue to be left behind and continue to be left out of the benefits of development. And as long as the civilian population continues to bear the most grave consequences of violence, building and sustaining peace requires the centering of the protection of life, dignity, and human rights. It also requires the promotion of more inclusive processes which recognize diversity and which strengthen the legitimacy and sustainability of peace. In line with the aforementioned, we shall hold two open debates. One high-level open debate led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Biresencio, entitled \"Peace is Decided with Women: Emerging from Conflict by Enhancing the Participation of Women for Peace.\" This open debate will highlight the importance of the full, equitable, equal, safe, and meaningful participation of all women in prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. And another open debate at the level of permanent representatives will concern prevention and the protection of education for children affected by armed conflicts. If we don't defend children, we are not then guaranteeing a future for humanity. Lastly, regarding the strengthening of multilateralism, Colombia will conduct its work with openness, transparency, and inclusion, prioritizing prevention, diplomacy, and the pursuit of political solutions, with the conviction that the Council's decisions have direct consequences for present and future generations. This month, we will hold regular meetings on the Middle East and meetings to follow up on the situations in Libya, Yemen, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. In addition, in close coordination with China, the outgoing presidency, Colombia has convened two emergency meetings for this afternoon. The first, under the agenda item Threats to International Peace and Security, was requested by Romania and supported by five members of the Security Council, namely Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, and the United Kingdom. The second, under the agenda item, the situation in the Middle East, was requested by France and supported by China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Colombia. We will also move forward with the adoption of decisions relating to the sanctions regime for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the mandates of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, and the International Residual Mechanism for the Criminal Tribunals. Moreover, in line with the responsibility that the Security Council has in the process of selecting the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, Columbia will coordinate with the other members of the Council for the beginning of the informal dialogues with the candidates. This month, when the world's attention is also going to be focused on a competition that will play out in stadia, on screens, and in conversations around the world, The Security Council is going to be entering a phase of intense activity, just like on the football field, where the results depend on playing by the rules, on teamwork, and having a clear sense of direction. Moving towards peace requires collective commitment, dialogue, and a shared vision. Lastly, I would like to thank you all for your presence. We hope that we can maintain an open exchange with the press, aware as we are of the important role that you play. Thank you very much.","start":2499.278,"end":3199.677,"topics":[{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."},{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."},{"key":"civilian-protection","label":"Protection of Civilians","description":"Multiple speakers stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, health facilities, and schools must be protected under international humanitarian law. This theme came up in relation to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, and broader Security Council priorities."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Leonor Zalabata","affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Permanent Representative"}},{"statement_number":66,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Muchas gracias, embajadora.","start":3207.879,"end":3209.178,"topics":[]},{"text":"Thank you very much, Ambassador, for your presentation.","start":3209.338,"end":3211.792,"topics":[]},{"text":"Colleagues, we will now open the floor for questions. I will take them in order and interest— and in the interest of allowing as many colleagues as possible to participate, We will proceed in round of 3 questions at a time. Before asking your question, please kindly state your name and the media outlet you represent. As we follow tradition, I'm pleased to give the first question to the United Nations Correspondents Association. Valeria, go ahead, please.","start":3221.108,"end":3253.94,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":67,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you so much for, uh, for that. Thank you, Madam Ambassador, for this press conference.— and we wish you the best of luck on behalf of the UN Correspondents Association. My name is Valeria Rubeco for ANSA Newswire. Ambassador, Israel has now struck Beirut's southern suburbs. So, as President of the Security Council, what concrete steps beyond statements is the Council prepared to take to enforce the ceasefire?","start":3253.94,"end":3283.3,"topics":[{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Valeria Rubeco","affiliation":"ANSA","affiliation_full":"ANSA","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":68,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you so much.","start":3283.3,"end":3284.51,"topics":[]},{"text":"Thank you so much. Thank you, Madam Ambassador. My name is Susan Tehrani from WeOn. The United States is increasing its influence in South America. Does Colombia welcome that? Thank you so much. Muchas gracias, señora.","start":3289.579,"end":3306.85,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Susan Tehrani","affiliation":"WeOn","affiliation_full":"WeOn","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":69,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you very much, Your Excellency. My name is Hamida Belsayan. Your Excellency, do you believe that there is foreign intervention or foreign interference in the elections in your country? I thank you. We— I believe the issue of current conflicts— these conflicts have to do with elements that are contemplated in the decisions that the Security Council has already taken, and in the principles of the Charter— respect for sovereignty, for territorial integrity— these continue to be pillars in order to resolve conflict situations that we currently see today around the world and in the United Nations. In this multilateral forum. This leads us to think that there are rules, rules which must be followed, rules which must be applied, which must be implemented. These agreements have to be implemented. They are binding in nature. They are mandatory. Dialogue continues to be the way to apply that international law, which can play an important role in order to peacefully resolve disputes and differences. For us, it continues to be critical these principles that are enshrined in international law, as well as the respect that we must ensure for us to walk down that path in the world. And with regards to these situations that have been clearly defined in international law, in those principles of the Charter, And on the issue of putting human rights in the very center, the civilian population and its protection continue to be a critical issue in order to ensure that what we have built in terms of peace can be applied. And therefore to move from rhetoric to practice. This is something that we have been building and establishing in order to defend those rights that we all possess as human beings. As an Indigenous woman, I would think that we need to go farther in order to ensure the rights of nature, of the Earth, which are vital. They are so essential for human societies today and in the future. That is why I believe that no conflict can be solved without dialogue, without peaceful solutions, where this would lead to protecting society, civilians, nature. And in any of these conflicts, I think that we cannot really think that we are here to invent something new in the Security Council. That is not the case. There are important principles. States have created them. States have drafted them, and they have made a decision. Now states need to apply that principle of respecting territorial integrity as well as the sovereignty of states. And the protection of human rights, international humanitarian law, and I would add, of course, the right to have water now and in the future, the right to have air now and in the future, and for future generations to also have access to that. That is our general vision when it comes to conflicts. Thank you.","start":3307.652,"end":3643.866,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."},{"key":"civilian-protection","label":"Protection of Civilians","description":"Multiple speakers stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, health facilities, and schools must be protected under international humanitarian law. This theme came up in relation to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, and broader Security Council priorities."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":70,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Please go ahead.","start":3644.767,"end":3645.314,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":71,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I apologize, but at the moment, in my national capacity, I am not in a capacity to be able to answer your question on the one hand, and on the other hand, Colombia is also a founding member of the United Nations, a founding supporter of those principles, and that we have the same rights that have been established, that is to say, respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty that all states have, and the right to democratic development, which we as a country take a decision on unilaterally. For that reason, I believe that, yes, Colombia is one of the countries that is part of the United Nations and that is part of this system. What we want is to strengthen multilateralism as a common good for humanity. Thank you.","start":3667.943,"end":3737.02,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Leonor Zalabata","affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Permanent Representative"}},{"statement_number":72,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Go ahead. Thank you, Madam President. I'm here. My name is Sinan Tuncdemir from the Amarghi. Colombia went through a long and difficult peace process with armed groups and is being closely watched as a model. Turkey is also pursuing its own peace negotiation regarding the Kurdish question. In your view, what can Turkey and PKK, Kurdish armed group, learn from Colombia's experience? And what are the key differences between two countries in terms of ceasefire and dialogue process?","start":3737.02,"end":3768.56,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Sinan Tuncdemir","affiliation":"the Amarghi","affiliation_full":"the Amarghi","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":73,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you very much. You and Edith after.","start":3768.63,"end":3773.899,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":74,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yeah, great. Thank you very much. I'm Amélie Bautelier from AFP News Agency. The Council just sent a letter to the member states saying that you will start deliberating on the next Secretary General selection the last week of July. Could you give us a little bit more details on what you agreed on the process under which you're gonna actually decide.","start":3775.17,"end":3801.25,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."},{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Amélie Bautelier","affiliation":"AFP","affiliation_full":"AFP","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":75,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you very much. Edith, go ahead, please.","start":3801.25,"end":3804.109,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":76,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you very much, Madam Ambassador. Edith Lederer from the Associated Press. You've been on the Council for almost 6 months, and we have seen quite a number of divided votes, vetoed resolutions. Can you tell us your views on the divisions in the Council and what you would recommend for any kind of reconciliation.","start":3804.45,"end":3836.74,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Edith Lederer","affiliation":"Associated Press","affiliation_full":"Associated Press","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":77,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Colombia is emerging from a very long process of building peace. It's an internal conflict that has left a very significant mark on Colombians and applying that experience has meant that we have valuable experience that we can share around the world. There are experiences that were, for example, if we were to bring all those together, perhaps we could find more rapid responses in order to find a peaceful settlement of disputes and resolve problems. That's something that around the world needs to be remembered, that we have this experience that there can be solutions. Solutions are possible. For us, it continues to be very important that Colombia's archives on the implementation of the peace agreements should be part of the archives of the Security Council of the United Nations. It's been very important and very meaningful that the international community has been there alongside the decisions Colombia has made and the processes that it has been implementing. And it remains very important that there is the participation of the international community and that the international community plays a role within the solutions that are needed to resolve the problems that are present around the world. That's what I would recommend. La— lo único— the only thing that I can tell you about this subject of the election of the Secretary General, be it a man or a woman, is that it will be important— it would be important that we have a woman leading the Secretariat. However, since last month, under the Chinese presidency, the Security Council has been considering modalities for this matter. We will have contacts— nothing more than that— with the candidates on this subject, and then the Security Council will make a decision on this matter, which is under the purview of the Security Council and not just the current presidency.","start":3869.046,"end":4062.399,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]},{"text":"Is it— is muy importante.","start":4070.31,"end":4072.519,"topics":[]},{"text":"That's a very important question because what works, and perhaps I apologize if I don't quite have the deep history and historical knowledge of these subjects, but the United Nations itself raised the need for reforms. 80 years on, things weren't working in the same way as they did 80 years ago. There was a proposal of— to reform the United Nations. And that specifically has to do with the way that the United Nations was established. I don't know whether we should call it divisions or disagreements or differences between the permanent members and the elected members that serve 2-year terms and whether they have disagreements or differences over decision-making. But I think that reform is very valid for the Security Council and also for the United Nations. Humanity changes every day, moves forward, makes progress, and so these things need to be brought up to date and that we look for more just, more equitable solutions based on greater equality. Because all states have equal rights. So I think it is only dialogue that can lead us to agreements— agreements that are necessary. But reform of the United Nations— And the reforms that are being worked on, I think, are going to be an important way of improving the political conditions which are needed around the world and which are needed by all of humanity. Thank you very much.","start":4074.06,"end":4216.039,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."},{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Leonor Zalabata","affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Permanent Representative"}},{"statement_number":78,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thanks. Allow me to recall that this press briefing is focused on Colombia priorities during its presidency. The presidency of the Security Council. So we kindly ask that question remain within the scope of today's briefing. And we have time for 3 final questions. So, 3, go ahead.","start":4216.167,"end":4241.75,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":79,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Muchas gracias.","start":4245.18,"end":4248,"topics":[]},{"text":"Thank you very much, Ambassador Stefano Vaccara. Italo Press, La Voz de New York.","start":4248,"end":4252.73,"topics":[]},{"text":"Exactly 6 months from an operation the United States did in Venezuela, where basically arrested and brought to this country the president of Venezuela. Um, are you going to dedicate— well, I guess, I mean, I didn't hear anything about Venezuela, but Is in your presidency of the Security Council, are you going to address, uh, this issue about, and if it's legal or not to go to another country and extract the president? Um, and also about Cuba, are you going to dedicate, uh, anything on situation in Cuba? At the moment.","start":4254.68,"end":4303.142,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Stefano Vaccara","affiliation":"Italo Press","affiliation_full":"Italo Press","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":80,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you. Um, Banjada Milola from PassBlue. Can you speak about— just give us some insight into the relationship between the United States and Colombia in the Security Council alongside the other permanent members in Security Council? My second question is also about engagement with other council members. When Guyana was in the council, we saw strengthened engagement and coordination between the A3D— three African countries in the Security Council. Council. Can you talk about Colombia's relationship with other African— sorry, with the three African countries in the Council? Thank you.","start":4304.988,"end":4369.57,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Banjada Milola","affiliation":"PassBlue","affiliation_full":"PassBlue","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":81,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Yes, go ahead. Muchas gracias, Ambassador. This is Ming Lu with China Daily. So last September, when Colombia President was here to attend the— during during the UN GA and his visa was revoked because of his participation of anti-Gaza war rally. And will this influence his visa this time? And are you already coordinating the visa with the US? Thank you.","start":4369.57,"end":4401.39,"topics":[{"key":"gaza-west-bank","label":"Gaza and the West Bank","description":"Speakers raised the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including strikes on UN shelters and restricted crossing access, as well as killings and violence in the West Bank. The Palestinian question also appeared earlier in discussion of UN candidacies and regional tensions."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Ming Lu","affiliation":"China Daily","affiliation_full":"China Daily","group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":82,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"So first, that would be— Colombia is experiencing a context that other countries are experiencing as members of the Security Council. And because we rotate, well, now it's our turn to hold the presidency. That is what I can say, but many regions around the world, such as the Caribbean, Latin America and the Caribbean, have declared themselves as regions of peace. And it has also been declared that they are territories where we propose and we uphold peace as a way of life. That is why for our countries, our countries in the region, We strive to be countries of peace, the peace that we have agreed upon, and solutions need to go beyond. Cuba and Venezuela are brotherly countries for the rest of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. We share the Caribbean Sea. We share our language, for instance, and this is part of our heritage of peace, to continue living in peace. Logically, each state has also had to address Venezuelan migration, and we share in what it established— what is established in our domestic law. Colombia has done a lot beyond multilateral fora. We've worked bilaterally with Venezuela We share a very large border. It's many kilometers long, and they are part of a society that doesn't really see distinctions. These distinctions are blurred at the borders of our states, of our territories. Society really doesn't see a border between our territories. For people and populations that are in one country or the other, their relationships are stronger than the systems. They are human relationships. And that is why we have remained true to that reality. Colombia. Colombia. Champions and defends his social welfare state and allows for brotherly relations among people to continue to be the basis and lodestar to overcome difficulties when it comes to ourselves and our other brothers and sisters. That is the political reference that we have used as a country to address these affairs. Now, regional issues continue to be very important. Building and maintaining peace throughout society and through our social systems Well, I don't see a big difference. What real inequality or difference could we find among human beings, for instance? I think that societies can be an example for our political development and economic systems. I think that the human condition could guide our global systems, and we could establish a global order that is more in keeping with our societies and our humanity, and more in keeping with those norms that we must all follow everywhere. I consider that those relationships among regions— well, from Guyana, we see an important legacy there when they arrived to the Council. We consider that for us Cooperation, South-South cooperation continues to be extremely important, and that is really part of the necessary kind of development that needs to happen among different but equal peoples. And that is why we believe that dialogue is the way, dialogue is our roadmap. In order to find a way out of conflicts. And we find our way in the principles enshrined in the Charter. I would like to conclude how I started.","start":4411.53,"end":4784.709,"topics":[{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."},{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Leonor Zalabata","affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Permanent Representative"}},{"statement_number":83,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I thank you. This brings our press conference to a close. Uh, thank you very much for your participation, and I wish you all a great day. Thank you. Great.","start":4784.821,"end":4803.222,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":"COL","affiliation_full":"Colombia","group":null,"function":"Moderator"}}],"topics":[{"key":"sudan-crisis","label":"Sudan Crisis","description":"The discussion covered worsening violence in Sudan, civilian deaths, displacement, disease outbreaks, and the disruption of humanitarian operations. There were also concerns about external actors fueling the conflict and the need for a coordinated peace process."},{"key":"gaza-west-bank","label":"Gaza and the West Bank","description":"Speakers raised the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including strikes on UN shelters and restricted crossing access, as well as killings and violence in the West Bank. The Palestinian question also appeared earlier in discussion of UN candidacies and regional tensions."},{"key":"lebanon-conflict","label":"Lebanon Conflict","description":"Escalating hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Lebanon, including strikes, ceasefire concerns, and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. Speakers also discussed the Security Council response and the need to prevent further regional escalation."},{"key":"civilian-protection","label":"Protection of Civilians","description":"Multiple speakers stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, health facilities, and schools must be protected under international humanitarian law. This theme came up in relation to Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, and broader Security Council priorities."},{"key":"humanitarian-funding","label":"Humanitarian Funding and Relief","description":"Participants discussed the scale-up of emergency assistance, including the Lebanon flash appeal, WFP operations, and broader funding shortfalls for crises such as Sudan and Haiti. The gap between rising needs and insufficient donor support was a recurring concern."},{"key":"diplomacy-and-mediation","label":"Diplomacy and Mediation","description":"Repeated calls were made for dialogue, restraint, and negotiated political solutions in conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran and the United States, and the wider Middle East. Colombia also framed its Security Council presidency around mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes."},{"key":"development-and-inequality","label":"Development and Inequality","description":"The proceeding addressed UN development-system reform, SDG implementation, and the need to align support with national priorities. Colombia also linked conflict to inequality, exclusion, and lack of access to the benefits of development."},{"key":"multilateralism-and-un-reform","label":"Multilateralism and UN Reform","description":"Several remarks focused on defending the UN Charter, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and addressing divisions within the Security Council. Reform of the UN system was presented as necessary to reflect current realities and improve collective responses to global crises."}]}}