DPPA
Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
ASG Khiari briefs the Security Council.
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ASG Khiari warns of escalating fighting and rising civilian toll in Ukraine

Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari Remarks to the Security Council on Ukraine New York, 20 April 2026 Madam President, Since we last briefed this Council on developments in Ukraine, we have seen an alarming escalation of fighting, while there was no significant diplomatic progress. Russian attacks continue to intensify, with mounting civilian casualties and devastation across…

DPPA is mandated to advance UN efforts in conflict prevention and peacebuilding globally.

The United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) leads the UN’s efforts in preventive diplomacy, mediation, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. DPPA supports the Secretary-General’s peace initiatives, oversees mediation, political transition and peacebuilding processes, and assists Member States with electoral processes. It also supports special political missions, provides early warning and political analysis, and works with regional partners to address political crises and sustain peace.

Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, briefs the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
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About Us

DPPA plays a central role in United Nations efforts to prevent and resolve conflict around the world.
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DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal provides flexible funding for preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding worldwide.
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News from our Missions

Updates from UN special political missions supporting conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and political processes worldwide.

Peace and Security News

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Emergency briefing on Ukraine amid escalating Russian attacks

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Emergency briefing on Ukraine amid escalating Russian attacks

The Security Council meets in emergency session at 3pm to address the escalating conflict in Ukraine. The open briefing follows a formal request from Kyiv citing a surge in Russian aerial bombardments, including devastating strikes on the city of Dnipro. Ukraine has reported that between late March and mid-April, more than 5,000 drones and missiles were launched, killing dozens of civilians and injuring hundreds more. Follow full meetings coverage below and UN News app users can follow here.
MIDDLE EAST LIVE 20 April: Uncertainty grows in the Strait of Hormuz

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 20 April: Uncertainty grows in the Strait of Hormuz

Tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed security incidents, including reported attacks on vessels and a US interception of an Iranian cargo ship. It's unclear if more talks will take place in the coming day between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad. In Lebanon, a 10-day ceasefire with Israel continues to hold, with thousands returning to the south despite widespread destruction. A UN peacekeeper was also killed over the weekend – likely from Hezbollah fire.  Stay with us for live updates. App users can follow coverage here.

Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

DPPA is at the heart of the UN mission to prevent and resolve violent conflict and build lasting peace around the world.