At Monday’s daily press briefing, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, briefed journalists on key global developments — from the ongoing COP30 climate summit in Brazil to humanitarian situations in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Philippines.

Climate Action: UN Calls for a Decade of Acceleration at COP30

Speaking at the opening of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized that while the world has succeeded in bending the emissions curve downward since the Paris Agreement, progress remains far too slow.

“We must move much faster — both on reductions of emissions and strengthening resilience,” Stiell said, noting that economic evidence now clearly supports the transition to a low-carbon world.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who participated in the Belém Climate Summit last week, warned that a temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C temperature threshold is “now inevitable” by the early 2030s. However, he stressed that decisive action could still “manage the scale and duration” of that overshoot.

The UNFCCC’s latest update shows that new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) could reduce emissions by 12% by 2035 — a figure the agency says could save millions of lives and billions in climate damages.

Gaza: Aid Efforts Hindered Despite Ceasefire

One month into the ceasefire, humanitarian efforts in Gaza remain heavily restricted, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“Efforts to ramp up aid are still being held back by red tape, bans on key partners, limited crossings, and insecurity,” Haq said.

Only two of eight coordinated UN movements were fully facilitated by Israeli authorities on Sunday, with several delayed or impeded.

Despite obstacles, the UN and its partners have expanded operations:

• UNICEF, WHO, and UNRWA launched a catch-up immunization campaign aiming to reach 44,000 children.

• WHO reopened Al Kheir Hospital in Khan Younis, adding a 20-bed nutrition stabilization centre for malnourished children.

• Humanitarian teams provided psychosocial support to 1,500 children and distributed 40,000 winter kits and 50,000 blankets over the weekend.

• Water and sanitation repairs have restored partial supply to Gaza City’s Az Zaytoun neighbourhood.

The Deputy Spokesman reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the full respect of the ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access.

Sudan: Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

The crisis in North Darfur continues to deepen after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took over El Fasher on 26 October. Nearly 89,000 people have fled since, while ongoing clashes have cut off aid routes.

Humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet urgent needs for food, water, shelter, and healthcare in Tawila, Melit, Saraf Omra, and other areas.

Violence has also intensified in Kordofan, where WHO confirmed an attack on Dilling Hospital on 6 November — the 192nd verified attack on health facilities in Sudan since April 2023.

The UN once again called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

Ukraine: Escalating Attacks and Energy Crisis

Large-scale missile and drone strikes over the weekend killed at least 15 civilians and injured more than 70 others, disrupting power, heating, and water supplies across Ukraine.

A humanitarian evacuation vehicle was also struck in Donetsk but avoided casualties. UN agencies have since mobilized emergency relief, distributing blankets, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support in affected areas.

Philippines: Super Typhoon Fung-Wong Displaces Thousands

Super Typhoon Fung-Wong (Uwan) made landfall in northern Luzon, the Philippines, prompting one of the largest pre-emptive evacuations in the country’s history — with 1.3 million people evacuated and 480,000 still displaced.

UN agencies, led by OCHA, are supporting government response efforts, distributing food, tents, and hygiene kits. UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral commended authorities for “timely preparedness that undoubtedly saved lives.”

Security Council: Small Arms Remain a Global Threat

At the Security Council, Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, warned that over one billion firearms are currently in circulation worldwide, fueling violence and organized crime.

He called for strengthened global cooperation and a redirection of military spending toward peacebuilding and sustainable security.

World Science Day: Building Trust for 2050

The UN marked World Science Day for Peace and Development, highlighting the theme “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050.” The day underscores science’s crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals.

Press Q&A Highlights

• On Gaza Access: Haq confirmed that the holdup in opening additional crossings lies with Israeli authorities.

• On Sudan Ceasefire: The Secretary-General’s Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, continues mediation efforts with the AU, IGAD, and the “Quad” nations (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the U.S.), though progress remains limited.

• On West Bank Violence: The UN condemned Israeli settler attacks, including one on a Reuters journalist, and reaffirmed opposition to restrictions on international journalists in Gaza.

• On U.S. Absence at COP30: Haq noted that while participation varies, “climate change affects everyone,” emphasizing broad global engagement beyond government delegations.