Secretary-General’s remarks for the press stakeout today, 2 April

2 April 2026


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Bahrain on Iran: ' We'll reserve the right of self-defense'- Presser on Security Council Presidency

Press Conference by Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative, Mission of Bahrain to the United Nations and President of the Security Council in April 2026, on the programme of work during the month of April. On Iran, Ambassador of Bahrain Jamal Fares Alrowaiei told reporters that his country will “reserve the right of self-defense as stipulated in article 51 in the UN Charter.” Speaking in his national capacity, the Baharian diplomat reiterated, “Iran's continuing to attack us since February 28th is a flagrant violation of the UN charter and international law principles. Iran continues to breach resolution 2817, which was presented by Bahrain on behalf of GCC countries and Jordan, and has been co-sponsored by 136 countries from the wider UN membership.” Asked about Bahrain has submitted a draft resolution focused on ensuring security in the area of the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Alrowaiei said, “we cannot accept economic terrorism affecting our region and our and the world. The whole world is being affected by the developments,” adding that this resolution is “of paramount importance, and it comes at a critical juncture.” He explained that this resolution aims to protect maritime security. “It is one of the most fundamental principles of international law,” Ambassador Alrowaiei said, reiterating that it is “anchoring the principles of not using maritime corridors and international corridor as a strategy to build pressure in conflicts. This would be a flagrant violation of international law and the rights of all countries that depend on those corridors.” Asked about Lebanon, the Bahrain diplomat stressed that the country “must be spared. It should not be dragged into this conflict,” adding that “Lebanon needs considerable support. These adventures are unacceptable. They must stop to serve the interests of Lebanon, and we must support the Lebanese government in its efforts.” He noted that Lebanon is making “significant efforts” in the field of disarmament to ensure the stability of Lebanon. “So why should Lebanon be dragged into this conflict?” Ambassador Alrowaiei said. He reiterate that the “Council is aware of these matters, and the Council will continue to be apprised of the developments in Lebanon.”


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UN80 Working Group on Workstream II regarding the Mandates Resolution – Presser | United Nations

Jamaican Ambassador Brian Wallace said that resolution A/RES/80/251 is not “primarily about cost, but it will result in more efficient use of resources. This is really about becoming more targeted and therefore more impactful.” The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday (31 Apr) adopted a landmark resolution entitled ‘Mandate creation, implementation and review for an efficient and effective United Nations’ to strengthen how UN mandates - the decisions taken by Member States that guide the Organisation’s work - are created, implemented and reviewed across the system. The Co-chairs of the UN80 working group on workstream II - Carolyn Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand, and Brian Wallace, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, briefed reporters today on their work and on the resolution. Schwalger said, “So, the resolution does call for change, change on the part of member states, and change on the part of the Secretariat as well. When it comes to member states, the resolution is very clear that member states have the sovereign right to bring whatever issues they want to the United Nations, but with those rights come responsibilities, and so the resolution also speaks to discipline and to accountability. And on the Secretariat side of the house, there are firm messages there about effective use of resources, but also giving member states the support, the advice and the tool that we need to be successful.” She also said, “When we took on this job as cochairs, we knew the UN was facing really unprecedented challenges, and we knew that this mandates resolution process was an opportunity to show our political decision makers, our citizens, but also ourselves as a UN family, that we're up to the challenge of reform, and we're up to transforming in a way that we can better take on contemporary global challenges.” Wallace said, “The adoption of the resolution by such an overwhelming majority of member states has demonstrated the willingness of the membership of the organization to hold itself to account for its decision making. This reflects a clear recognition by member states of the need for us, to be better, to be more efficient, to be more effective, so that the UN can become more impactful for the people we serve.” Answering a question, the Permanent Representative of New Zealand said, “Some of the issues in the period ahead are the thorny ones, but some of them are just simply issues that required more technical input as we as member states can make decisions on them, but I think - if you have followed the working group's progress - you will know that mandate review was one of the most difficult and thorny issue. It really speaks to the heart of member states prerogatives and so establishing the modalities of how we'll do mandate review across the system and the GA in particular - General Assembly and its bodies - will be one of the big issues to resolve in the period ahead. And of course, we as member states require the input of the Secretary General on a number of other issues.” The Permanent Representative of Jamaica stressed, “The UN remains a political organization. This is, for me, the biggest value of the organizations, it's convening power of member states, where we all sit in a room together and make decisions about what to do with the great challenges of humanity. That will remain so. But what this resolution does is it creates somewhat of a different atmosphere around that decision making that will encourage more discipline around it, that creates the visibility that allows us to make better decisions.” He also said, “This is not primarily about cost, but it will result in more efficient use of resources. This is really about becoming more targeted and therefore more impactful. After all, that's what the UN was made for, not for us to simply sit in a room and discuss problems, but to find solutions that can be implemented on the ground.”


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Middle East conflict could intensify the global affordability crisis - UN official | United Nations

The current conflict in Iran and the Middle East has the potential to multiply the current global crisis on affordability and access to housing, according to Anacláudia Rossbach, the Head of the housing and urban development agency, UN-Habitat. UN-Habitat.


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(Part 2) World Autism Awareness Day 2026: “Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value”

REFRAMING THE NARRATIVE: FROM CURE TO SHARED FUTURE Keynote: Brian Bird (Europe) Panel Moderator: Charlotte Valuer (Europe) Dr. Clarisse Fortes (Latin America) Shaheda Moosa (Africa) Sudhansu Grover (Asia) Keynote: Fatima de Kwant (Europe) WAAD CHINA Keynote: Damien Green (Asia) The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person. Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions. The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications. More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day


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NO MORE MINES IN SYRIA | Towards Safer Communities and a Future Without Explosive Threats

Syria’s new chapter is beginning — but beneath the soil of war, landmines and explosive remnants still threaten every step toward recovery, reconstruction, and economic development. No More Mines. Mine action is the silent enabler that makes rebuilding possible — clearing the path for communities, development, recovery, reconstruction and a lasting peace. Invest in mine action. Invest in Syria’s future. #NoMoreMines #Syria #SyriaRecovery #MineAction #InvestInPeace #Reconstruction #SyriaRebuild #HumanitarianAction #UNMAS #PostWarSyria #OneUN


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World Autism Awareness Day 2026: “Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value” (Part 1)

Welcome and Opening Remarks: Speakers Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Charlotte Valuer, founder and CEO, Institute of Neurodiversity ION The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person. Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions. The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications. More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day


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Viktor Orbán #lastweektonight

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This episode features: Viktor Orbán #lastweektonight

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Israel on the Middle East - Media Stakeout | United Nations

Informal comments to the media by Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, on the situation in the Middle East.


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Women Breaking Barriers | United Nations

The event will convene iconic women leaders and allies at the forefront of entertainment, science, media, and business to highlight the impact of gender-based violence on the trajectories of women and girls across the globe. This event aims to build powerful coalitions across sectors to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Join us for a high-level event recognizing trailblazing women worldwide at the close of Women’s History Month. Together, we will build powerful coalitions to help end violence against women and girls. Featuring: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed Audrey Nuna (of HUNTR/X) Sandra Kwon, Comedian, @jeenieweenie Tatyana McFadden, American Paralympic Athlete Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME Magazine Fereshteh Forough, Founder of Code to Inspire Amanda Nguyen, Astronaut, Founder & CEO of Rise Katya Echazarreta, Astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor, Astronaut


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Lebanon: UN Peacekeepers Killed in Explosions - Press Conference | United Nations

“Our peacekeepers remain on the ground, carrying out Security Council-mandated tasks, in these extremely dangerous conditions,” Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations said. Briefing reporters in New York Lacroix said two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed earlier in the day when an explosion hit a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan in Sector East, injuring two more. A day earlier, another Indonesian peacekeeper died in an explosion inside a UNIFIL base in Ett Taibe, also in Sector East, with a second critically wounded and evacuated to Beirut. “We strongly condemn these unacceptable incidents. Peacekeepers must never be a target,” he said, adding that UNIFIL was investigating to determine the circumstances of the deaths. “All acts that endanger the peacekeepers must stop.” On violations of resolution 1701, Lacroix said: “We have a multiplicity of violations of resolution 1701,” citing strikes in both directions across the Blue Line as well as the presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon. “There cannot be a military solution. There has to be a political solution. The framework is there for a political solution - resolution 1701 - to which all the parties are still committed, to the best of what we hear from them.” Lacroix said the mission was in constant contact with Indonesia and that liaison with the IDF remained ongoing, “which enables UNIFIL to deconflict a number of movements, for example, for the resupply of positions or for support to the civilian population in the area.” He reiterated the Secretary-General's appeal to all sides to cease the fighting, saying only the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 by both parties would “enable a long-term solution to the conflict.” The USG also said, “The women and men of UNIFIL demonstrate utmost courage and commitment to advancing international peace and security far away from home.”


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