UN Noon Briefing: Ramadan, AI Panel, African Union Summit, Sudan, Gaza & More

Ramadan Message and Global Suffering

• 🌙 The Secretary-General's Ramadan message emphasizes reflection, prayer, hope, and peace, while acknowledging the ongoing suffering from conflict, hunger, displacement, and discrimination in regions like Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, and Sudan.
• 🤝 He calls for bridging divides, delivering aid, and safeguarding human rights and dignity during this sacred month.

Artificial Intelligence Panel Appointment

• 🤖 The UN General Assembly has appointed 40 members to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence after a rigorous review process.
• 💡 This panel aims to provide crucial, independent scientific insights to help all Member States engage with AI on an equal footing, regardless of their technological capacity.
• 🌍 The Secretary-General is confident the panel's work will inform global dialogue and support evidence-based, solidarity-driven decisions on AI.

Secretary-General's Activities at the African Union

• 🇪🇹 The Secretary-General is in Addis Ababa for the African Union summit, meeting with AU leadership and various African leaders.
• 🤝 He highlighted the importance of cooperation built on mutual respect and trust, aligning partnerships with Agenda 2030 and AU's Agenda 2063.
• 🗣️ He is scheduled to address the 39th African Union summit and hold a press conference.

Humanitarian Concerns in Sudan and South Sudan

• ⚠️ In Sudan, a sharp increase in drone attacks in the Capifon region is endangering civilians, damaging infrastructure, and worsening humanitarian needs, with casualties reported and health facilities targeted.
• 🆘 UNMIS in South Sudan is concerned by the deteriorating security situation and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, reminding parties of their obligation to protect civilians.
• 💧 Humanitarian access is crucial to scale up response in Sudan, with a call for increased funding to support displaced families.

Updates from Gaza, Yemen, and Syria

• 🇵🇸 In Gaza, humanitarian missions face significant obstacles, including denial of access to critical infrastructure, despite efforts to deliver aid and push back famine.
• 🚚 Yemen's World Food Programme is facilitating a one-off distribution of food stocks to over 2.6 million people in the north.
• 🇸🇾 In Syria, while some progress has been made, 700,000 people remain severely food insecure, and humanitarian teams are prioritizing life-saving assistance and recovery plans.

International Day and Other Matters

• 📻 Today is World Radio Day, emphasizing radio's role in freedom of expression and integrity, with AI noted as a tool, not a voice.
• ⚖️ The UN reiterates its concern over personal attacks and threats against UN officials and independent experts, including Special Rapporteurs, emphasizing their protection under UN privileges and immunities.
• 🇧🇩 Regarding Bangladesh elections, the UN congratulates the people and encourages stakeholders to uphold democratic norms and human rights.