envoy Archives - Career Meaning

Afghanistan: Top UN envoy calls for ‘a moment of realism’, as Taliban’s isolation grows

·March 11, 2025·2 min read

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, warned that political engagement with the Taliban has yielded little progress, while frustration among international stakeholders is growing. “The space for engagement is narrowing,” she said, adding that some governments now question whether dialogue with the...

Yemen: ‘Fear of a return to full conflict is palpable’, says UN envoy

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·March 10, 2025·3 min read

The “current trajectory is deeply concerning,” he told ambassadors, updating them on the latest political developments in the country, where Houthi rebels – formally known as Ansar Allah – have been battling Government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for more than a decade. He spoke alongside UN Emergency Relief...

‘Political courage’ needed to end war in the Middle East: Top UN envoy

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·February 26, 2025·5 min read

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag emphasised that peace in the Middle East is possible. “We can achieve a future where a safe and secure Israel exists alongside a viable and independent Palestinian State. This requires continued, concerted effort, dedication and political courage by all parties,”...

Political solution to end war in Yemen is achievable, UN envoy says

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·February 16, 2025·4 min read

Hans Grundberg briefed on latest political developments in the country, where Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, and Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling for power for more than a decade. He spoke alongside UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher who updated on the “perilous”...

Syria: UN envoy concludes talks in Damascus, citing hope for democratic future

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·December 19, 2024·3 min read

“It’s early days,” Geir Pedersen said referring to the dramatic events of less than two weeks ago that ended decades of dictatorship. “But I think it is important to say that there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria.” He emphasised...

In Damascus, top UN envoy stresses need for credible, inclusive, ‘Syrian owned’ transition

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·December 17, 2024·4 min read

The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria also called on Monday for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians as the country grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence, including in the Golan. Special Envoy Geir Pedersen arrived in Damascus over the weekend, and on Sunday...

UN envoy calls for increased aid for Syria in Damascus visit

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·December 15, 2024·1 min read

The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, arrived there a week after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebel forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC). Responding to questions from the press upon his arrival, Mr. Pedersen noted the “immense” change since the fall of the...

UN Special Envoy continues shuttle diplomacy on Syria

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·December 14, 2024·2 min read

Geir Pedersen is due to confer with Arab foreign ministers, the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, US Secretary of State and other senior officials who will be present at a meeting in Aqaba, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York. Mr. Pedersen has held “numerous phone consultations”, including...

Diplomatic engagement still the key to peace in Yemen: UN envoy

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·December 12, 2024·5 min read

Delivering his final briefing for the year, Hans Grundberg noted that 2024 was marked by immense turmoil and tragedy across the Middle East region, where far too many people – including in Yemen – have endured profound loss due to violent conflicts. “With the last months’ dramatic developments in Lebanon...

Syria crisis: Nothing must stop peaceful transition, says UN Special Envoy

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·December 10, 2024·3 min read

“Syria is now at a crossroads with great opportunities for us, but also with grave risks. And we need really to look at both,” said Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria. “We know that, of course, HTS is now the dominant group in control of Damascus, but it’s important...

Despite regional escalation, peace is still possible in Yemen: UN envoy

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·October 16, 2024·4 min read

The crisis is unfolding as Yemeni Government forces, who are backed by a Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels – also known as Ansar Allah – continue their nearly decade-long war. Mr. Grundberg urged the Council “to unite in stopping the bloodshed and supporting every effort to bring peace to a...

Middle East: Regional crisis risks engulfing Syria, UN envoy warns

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·September 21, 2024·4 min read

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Geir Pedersen expressed grave concern over the mounting violence and its cascading impact on Syria, which has been embroiled in civil conflict – later drawing in outside forces – since 2011. He highlighted an attack earlier in the day on a vehicle at...