"ELECTIONS"

Schoolchildren around the world have lost an estimated 1.8 trillion hours, and counting, of in-person learning since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. As a result, young learners have been cut off from their education and the other vital benefits schools provide. UNICEF

A delegation of Somalia’s international partners today visited South West State to meet with its president, electoral authority and civil society on the country’s upcoming elections for the House of the People, and reaffirmed their support for the holding of a credible electoral process. UNSOM

Security Council renews mandate of United Nations Support Mission in Libya to 30 September, adopting resolution 2595 (2021).

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, told the Security Council that “unless there are adequate technical and political preparations” that elections expected to take place in 2023 “could be catastrophic instead of a national turning point.” UNIFEED

Deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan, rising attacks on aid workers ‘worrying’ Special Representative tells Security Council.

Abdulla Shahid of Maldives took oath of office today as the President of the 76th United Nations General Assembly. His presidency will highlight hope in “recovering from COVID-19, rebuilding sustainably, responding to the needs of the planet, respecting the rights of all people, and revitalizing the United Nations.” UNIFEED

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

The future for Syria’s people is “increasingly bleak”, UN-appointed rights experts said, highlighting escalating conflict in several areas of the war-ravaged country, a return to siege tactics and popular demonstrations linked to the plummeting economy. UNTV CH

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix met with women peacekeepers and women advocacy groups as he continues his official visit to South Sudan. UNMISS

As Sudan makes headway in transition to democracy, Security Council delegates urge sustained support for tackling causes of intercommunal fighting.