UK's February 2026 UN Security Council Presidency: Priorities and Press Conference

UK's February Security Council Presidency

• 🇬🇧 The United Kingdom assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for February 2026, aiming for a constructive and transparent approach focused on international peace and security.
• 🤝 The UK congratulates Ambassador Osman and the Somali team on their January presidency, which saw key adoptions on Anmahar, Binu, and UNFIP.
• ⚠️ The UK condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and stands with the nation in rejecting terrorism, with the Security Council considering its response.

Key Priorities: Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza

• 🇺🇦 On Ukraine, the UK supports President Zelenskyy's pursuit of a just peace and condemns Russia's continued strikes on civilian infrastructure, vowing to exert maximum economic pressure on Russia.
• 🗓️ A meeting on Ukraine is scheduled for February 24th to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, reiterating commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.
• 🇸🇩 The UK highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire in Sudan, protection of civilians, and an end to the humanitarian disaster, with a focus on violence against women and girls.
• 🇵🇸 For Gaza, the UK supports President Trump's 20-point plan, emphasizing the need to sustain the ceasefire, disarm Hamas, and increase humanitarian aid, while also addressing the situation in the West Bank.

Broader Agenda and Civil Society

• 🗣️ The UK will use its platform to amplify civil society voices and highlight the global epidemic of violence against women and girls.
• 🕊️ A stakeout ahead of the Syria meeting on February 13th will demonstrate commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
• 🌍 A stakeout before the Libya meeting on February 18th will focus on climate, peace, and security pledges.

Program of Work and Key Meetings

• 🤝 The UK will chair the first meeting on counterterrorism on February 4th.
• 📜 The council plans to renew the 1988 Taliban sanctions mandate.
• 🇾🇪 Mandated meetings are scheduled for Yemen (February 12th) and Musca (February 23rd).
• 👮 An annual police commissioners meeting will take place on February 5th.

Addressing Global Challenges

• 💰 Regarding the UN's financial crisis, the UK emphasizes its role as a responsible contributor and calls for all member states to pay their dues, while noting agreed budget reductions for efficiency.
• 🇮🇷 On Iran's nuclear program, the UK believes in diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports the JCPOA, having triggered the snapback mechanism due to non-compliance.
• 🇨🇳 The UK stresses that all countries should support peace efforts in Ukraine and encourage Russia to engage seriously in peace talks.
• ⛽ Any measures that increase economic pressure on Russia, such as bilateral trade agreements, are viewed positively by the UK.
• 🇱🇧 The UK supports increased contact and cooperation between Israeli and Lebanese armed forces to de-escalate tensions.