New: The US has created a special envoy position to confront rising violence in the Sahel. Peter Pham started this week, moving over from his job as envoy for Africa's Great Lakes region.

On #IWD2020, retweet if you really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really want gender equality.

Interesting thread from Crisis Group West Africa Director highlighting risks and opportunities for dialogue in #Mali after #JNIM accepts the offer of an int'l troop withdrawal (#MINUSMA & #Barkhane?) for negotiations to end conflict

Great commentary by Hans De Marie, PhD on recent trip to #RCA. In addition to imp. highlights in the thread, take note of continuous negotiation of authority in Bria btw armed groups and the state, and how non-state combatants blend into civilian roles as moto-taxi drivers #CAR

Today, we're recognizing the importance of happiness, well-being, and freedom of all life on earth. Let's be one with the 🌎 as we commemorate International #HappinessDay by spreading acts of kindness & solidarity amidst crisis. #COVID19 #CoronaCrisis

Roland finally free!! Iran should release Fariba immediately and unconditionally. Fariba, we stand with you. ✊ lemonde.fr/international/…

To warring parties: Pull back from hostilities. Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end the airstrikes. This is crucial to help create corridors for life-saving aid, open windows for diplomacy & bring hope to places among the most vulnerable to #COVID19 - António Guterres

There are important policy lessons to learn from the management of many other epidemics, particularly in Africa. In my latest for U.S. Institute of Peace, read how polio in #Nigeria, yellow fever in #Sudan, ebola in the #RDCongo and HIV/AIDS everywhere are relevant today: usip.org/publications/2…

Several conflict parties have announced ceasefires and other confidence-building measures following António Guterres United Nations call for a global #ceasefire We have tracked some of them here 👇

Secretary-General António Guterres welcomes the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of its resolution on #COVID19 and the Council’s recognition of his efforts to respond to the crisis, in particular his appeal for a global ceasefire. Read our policy note: bit.ly/3i0RIFd

John Lewis asked The NYT to publish this on the day of his funeral. It is necessary reading. He writes, “When you see something that is not right, you must say something ... Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.” nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opi…

True peace is impossible without the full participation of women. Our Gender, Peace and Security Unit has just launched a new web page on inclusive and gender responsive mediation as part of United Nations Peacemaker, DPPA’s online mediation support tool. peacemaker.un.org/wps

Very important: Today (Oct 5) is last day to register to vote in: Arizona Arkansas Florida Georgia Kentucky Indiana Louisiana Mississippi Ohio South Carolina Tennessee Texas Register here & spread the word nass.org/can-i-vote/reg…

*Save the Date* From Words to Action: The Experience of the United Nations Special Political Missions in Women, Peace and Security in #Colombia 🇨🇴 20 October, 10.00-11.30 am EDT (Registration to follow soon) 👉 peacemaker.un.org/wps/events

The Peacebuilding Fund is crucial in enabling an integrated&coherent response across the #peace&security pillar&the United Nations system to support governments & societies dealing with complex conflict risks. I encourage Member States to continue to #InvestInPeace. un.org/peacebuilding/…

Our Peace and Security Data Hub officially launched today at the United Nations #WorldDataForum! Check out the website for data on peace agreements, peacebuilding projects, security council practices and many more. psdata.un.org

📢New: “A New Agenda for Peace” Interview with Asif R. Khan, Director UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Policy & Mediation Division As a lead penholder, A Khan discusses the policy brief, and next steps ahead of the Summit of the Future, with Jenna Russo in our #NA4P series theglobalobservatory.org/2023/09/a-new-…

It was a full house as countries backing the Secretary-General’s #CommonPledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes showcased yesterday at #UNHQ how they are moving from commitment to action — advancing women’s meaningful participation in peace and mediation efforts. #WPS

Truly inspired by the participants in our Women in Ceasefire Negotiations course, just ended. Another cohort ready to infuse the search for peace in many regions of the world with perspectives and insights so often lacking from peacemaking, but which help ensure it succeeds. #WPS