UN Daily Press Briefing: AI Governance, Gaza Crisis, Sudan Humanitarian Situation, and Ukraine Conflict

United Nations Initiatives on Artificial Intelligence

• 💡 The UN Secretary-General warmly welcomes the General Assembly's decision to establish two new mechanisms for international cooperation on AI governance.
• 🤝 The United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance aim to harness AI benefits while addressing risks.
• 🗓️ The Scientific Panel will provide independent scientific assessments, and its annual reports will be presented at the Global Dialogue, scheduled for July 2026 in Geneva and 2027 in New York.
• 🌍 The Secretary-General calls for global support to ensure artificial intelligence serves the common good of all humanity.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

• 💔 The Ministry of Health reports three additional deaths from malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 303, including 117 children.
• 🏠 The Israeli military has issued new displacement orders, leading to over 36,200 displacements since August 14th, with many moving to Deir al Balah and Khan Younis.
• 🩸 Hospitals are facing severe shortages of blood units, with daily needs exceeding 350 units, as community donations have plummeted due to famine.
• 🚧 Obstructions by Israeli authorities continue to constrain the delivery of life-saving aid, with several aid missions impeded or cancelled.
• 🕊️ There is an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and full, unhindered humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip.

Situation in Sudan and Ukraine

• 📞 The Secretary-General spoke with the Prime Minister of Sudan to discuss the humanitarian situation and protection of civilians, focusing on the dire conditions in Al Faser.
• 🇺🇦 In Ukraine, hostilities and attacks have resulted in more civilian casualties and damage to schools and energy infrastructure, particularly in the Donets region.
• 🏠 Aid organizations are providing essential supplies and support to those fleeing conflict, with new transit sites being opened.

Other Global Issues

• 📈 The Deputy Secretary-General addressed the African Chiefs of Defense Staff Summit, calling for regional defense collaboration to address terrorism, climate change, and cyber threats.
• 💧 A joint WHO and UNICEF report reveals that 2.1 billion people globally lack access to safely managed drinking water.
• 🇹🇭 The UN commends Thailand's adoption of a resolution granting long-staying refugees from Myanmar the right to work, setting a regional benchmark for refugee solutions.