United Nations

UN Member States agreed on a declaration addressing rising sea levels, including data sharing, climate finance, coastal livelihoods and international law. The meeting also called for another high-level meeting on the issue before the end of the General Assembly’s 84th session.

African leaders attending the U.N. General Assembly renewed demands for permanent African representation on the Security Council. They said current global conflicts and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence made reform more urgent.

Haiti’s prime minister said the electoral process is underway and urged support for elections scheduled for 13 December 2026. The UN Security Council voted to extend the Gang Suppression Force mandate until 31 March 2027 amid continuing gang violence.

Overnight Russian drone and missile attacks killed at least eight civilians and wounded 12 others in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks occurred as diplomatic efforts continued at the United Nations.

Reuters and AFP reported that the United States withheld or refused Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s visa for the UN General Assembly, possibly tying it to acceptance of a proposed ceasefire. The reports prompted criticism from Sudanese activists and officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using citizens from 47 countries in its war against Ukraine. He also said two North Korean prisoners of war had been sent to South Korea and described new drone and security agreements.

Low-lying island States are developing legal, diplomatic and technological measures to preserve their statehood, maritime rights, nationality and culture as sea levels rise. Tuvalu has also created a digital nation initiative and agreed on a migration and statehood treaty with Australia.