Security Council Briefings

I am briefing you from Damascus following engagements in New York during High-Level Week, including a meeting between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Secretary-General, who welcomed steady progress in Syria and reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support Syria’s political transition…

In my latest stay in Syria, I have seen further progress in institutional development, while Syrians continue to grapple with dire economic conditions and the country confronts internal and external security challenges. Above all, I had the opportunity to hear from local officials and civil society…

I am briefing you from Damascus, following the Secretary-General’s visit to Syria last month – the first by a Secretary-General in 17 years. Let me at the outset thank the Syrian authorities for all the efforts made to ensure a secure and open environment for all his engagements.

I am briefing you from Damascus, where I am present throughout July, continuing my engagement with the Syrian government, civil society, women leaders, and regional and international partners.

Syria’s political transition is at a critical phase, with opportunity and fragility existing side-by-side. The United Nations is focused on supporting the Syrian authorities and people in addressing ongoing challenges in the political transition and advancing a sovereign, stable, peaceful, and…

Since I briefed the Council from Damascus three weeks ago, we have seen progress towards accountability and sustained international and regional engagement, while unresolved tensions, economic hardship, and repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty persist.

I am pleased to join you from Damascus. This past month has seen progress on stabilization and some success in insulating Syria from the region’s multiple crises against huge odds, and despite repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty. However, economic, institutional, and social pressures, as well…

Since I last briefed the Council, I visited Syria for consultations with Foreign Minister Shaibani, senior officials, and a wide range of Syrians, UN colleagues and members of the diplomatic community. I saw first-hand the widespread destruction and legacy of abuses, including those epitomized by…

It is an honour to brief the Security Council for the first time as Deputy Special Envoy for Syria and Acting Head of Mission. I have had the pleasure of meeting this week with Syria’s Permanent Representative, Council members, and other key stakeholders to engage in a dialogue about how our Office…

It is an honour to brief the Security Council from Damascus. This month marks the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325, a milestone that reasserts the central role of women in peacemaking, demands their equal participation, and insists on their protection from gender-based violence…

Let me start with a point that bears repeating, because it is easy to forget: the interim authorities in Damascus are grappling with a massive legacy of war and autocracy.

And let me welcome you, Ambassador Ibrahim al-Olabi, in your new role as Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I wish you well in these historic times.