"SECRETARIAT"

On World Water Day, flocks of paper origami hummingbirds arrive to “attend” the UN Water Conference in New York from 22-24 March, carrying the future generation’s resolve to turn the tide on the global water crisis. UNIFEED

On the sidelines of the UN 2023 Water conference, delegates discussed how to advance transboundary water cooperation through the application of international water law principles at basin and regional levels. UNIFEED

The United Nations top humanitarian official said it was “vital for global food security” that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the parallel Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the UN Secretariat on the facilitation of Russian food and fertilizer exports continue, “and should be fully implemented.” UNIFEED

The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, told the Security Council that competent authorities continue investigations into incidents in which it has been determined that chemical weapons were used or likely used in the Syrian Arab Republic. UNIFEED

Top UN official for Europe, Central Asia and Americas Miroslav Jenča said, “Peace is not just about signing an agreement. We need sustainable and implementable peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict and is in line with the UN Charter and international law. This is particularly important given the complexity of the current context in Ukraine, but also with regards to its implications for the future of the European security architecture and indeed, the international order itself.” UNIFEED

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “On climate, on conflict, on inequality, on food insecurity, on nuclear weapons – we are closer to the edge than ever.” UNIFEED

The coordinator of the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) created to identify perpetrators of chemical attacks in Syria told the Security Council that “the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic is solely of the responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Syrian Arab Republic.” UNIFEED

As gaps, inconsistencies remain, Syria’s chemical weapons declaration cannot be considered accurate, senior official tells Security Council.

Briefing the Council on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Adedeji Ebo said, “Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable,” and it is “imperative” to hold accountable all those who use them. UNIFEED

Secretary-General António Guterres expressed on Saturday his deep sadness at the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XV, saying the religious leader was “a spiritual guide to millions across the world and one of the leading academic theologians of our time.” UNIFEED