Gulf, Pakistan, Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (15 July 2026) | United Nations

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: Gulf Senior Personnel Appointment Pakistan Sudan Central African Republic Occupied Palestinian Territory Venezuela Security Council Cuba WHO/UNICEF Report WHO/Dementia World Youth Skills Day GULF The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the continuing military escalation in the Middle East region. He calls on all parties to take immediate steps for de-escalation and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The Secretary-General reiterates that a return to full-scale hostilities would exact an intolerable toll on civilians and have catastrophic consequences for international peace and security and the global economy. The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The exercise of navigational rights and freedoms must be respected by all parties in accordance with international law. SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENT The Secretary-General announced today the appointment of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain as Co-Chair of the SDG Advocates group, alongside Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. The Secretary-General underscored the urgent need to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and welcomed Prime Minister Sánchez’s leadership in advancing sustainable development. The SDG Advocates are influential leaders who support the Secretary-General in raising global ambition and action to keep the promise of the SDGs. The Secretary-General also expressed appreciation to former Co-Chair Justin Trudeau of Canada for his service. Prime Minister Mottley will continue in her role as Co-Chair. PAKISTAN The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has begun a visit to Pakistan to spotlight the growing humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis and what it means for countries like Pakistan, which are on its front lines.  Earlier today in Islamabad, he met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and they discussed diplomatic efforts underway in the Middle East, the delivery of humanitarian aid through convoys across the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and partnership on global disaster preparedness. Mr. Fletcher will also hold talks with Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other senior government officials, as well as with our humanitarian partners.  During his four-day visit, Mr. Fletcher will meet communities affected by floods and melting glaciers to hear directly about their needs, recovery efforts and local solutions. He will also visit community-based flood mitigation and preparedness initiatives. He will underscore the need for sustained international solidarity, including funding for preparedness and early action ahead of disasters and investment in locally-led climate adaptation. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon...