BENTIU – Despite the searing heat, rising floodwaters, and insecurity that plagues residents in Bentiu, United Nations Police Officer, Wafaa Assri Sameeh Al-Goussous, remains serene. Whether on patrol, mentoring national police officers, or engaging with communities, her calm approach helps strengthen trust between law enforcement and civilians. With 13 years of experience as a police officer in Jordan, Wafaa’s career has spanned a wide range of…

The theme for this year’s observance of International Women’s Day is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

BENTIU – Despite the searing heat, rising floodwaters, and insecurity that plagues residents in Bentiu, United Nations Police Officer, Wafaa Assri Sameeh Al-Goussous, remains serene. Whether on patrol, mentoring national police officers, or engaging with communities, her calm approach helps strengthen trust between law enforcement and civilians. With 13 years of experience as a police officer in Jordan, Wafaa’s career has spanned a wide range of…

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 8 March 2026 This year’s International Women’s Day focuses on rights, action and justice for all women and girls. Worldwide, women hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. Legal discrimination can shape every aspect of a woman’s life. She may be prevented from owning property, seeking a divorce, or taking a job without her husband’s permission. In more than 40…

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY OP-ED 8 March 2026 International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World Over nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and shrinking civic space. But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common denominator: women. As the world marks International Women’s Day…

UNITY – In her 38 years, Elizabeth Nyayan Gatwech Pur has lived many lives. First as a refugee, fleeing the war in South Sudan. Then as a teen mother. Next was a job as a humanitarian. And today as a Protection, Transition and Reintegration Officer serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission. Elizabeth exemplifies the resilience and leadership that women and girls across South Sudan aspire to. Born in Akobo County, Elizabeth’s childhood…

KABUL – Women in Afghanistan are nearly four times less likely than men to have access to formal justice mechanisms, according to new findings released by the United Nations in Afghanistan on International Women’s Day, highlighting a widening justice gap that is leaving many women without safe avenues to assert their rights, seek protection or challenge abuse. The findings underscore how many Afghan women have been left without safe or effective…

On International Women’s Day, we recognize the determination, leadership, and vision of Yemeni women who contribute to shaping their country’s future despite the immense challenges they are facing amid years of conflict. This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” reminds us that gender equality presupposes that women’s rights are protected, their voices heard, and their contributions reflected in decisions. Across Yemen…

Last week, Lebanon was in relatively good shape. Its armed forces were supporting the steady advancement of state authority. Preparations for legislative elections were in full swing. Long-awaited reform was underway. A World Bank loan was poised to kick-start reconstruction. And, warming relations between Lebanon and Syria were opening new areas for bilateral cooperation. Of course, things were not perfect. Far from it. Persistent air strikes…

A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally. Secretary-General calls for immediate de-escalation in the Middle East On 28 February, Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, warning that military action carries a grave threat to international peace and security. The Secretary-General condemned the massive military strikes by the…