Adopted by the General Assembly in December 2024 after five years of negotiationsTHE Convention against cybercrime establishes the first universal framework for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed online – from ransomware and financial fraud to non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

“The United Nations Convention on Cybercrime is a powerful and legally binding instrument for strengthen our collective defenses against cybercrime“, said Mr. Guterres during the signing ceremony on Saturday.

“This demonstrates the continued capacity of multilateralism to provide solutions. a vow that no country, regardless of its level of development, will be left defenseless in the face of cybercrime.”

THE signing ceremony was hosted by Viet Nam in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), bringing together senior officials, diplomats and experts from all regions.

A global cooperation framework

The new treaty criminalizes a range of cyber-enabled and cyber-enabled offenses, facilitates the sharing of electronic evidence across borders, and establishes a 24/7 cooperation network between states.

It also makes history as the first international treaty to recognize the non-consensual distribution of intimate images as a crime – a significant victory for victims of online abuse.

It will enter into force 90 days after the filing of ratification by the 40th State.

Learn more about the Congress here.

Collective defense in the digital age

In his remarks, Mr. Guterres warned that while technology has brought “extraordinary advances,” it has also created new vulnerabilities.

“Every day, sophisticated scams defraud families, steal their livelihoods and drain billions of dollars from our savings,” he said. “In cyberspace, no one is safe until everyone is safe. A vulnerability anywhere can expose people and institutions everywhere.»

The Secretary-General stressed that the Convention represents “a victory for victims of online abuse” and “a clear path for investigators and prosecutors” to overcome obstacles to justice when crimes and evidence cross multiple borders.

By providing a global standard for electronic evidence, the treaty aims to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies while preserving privacy, dignity and fundamental human rights.

UN chief visits Vietnam

The signing ceremony was part of Mr. Guterres’ official visit to Vietnam, where he also met with President Lương Cường, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other senior officials.

In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Guterres highlighted Viet Nam’s vital role in the global digital supply chain.

“It is normal that [the signing ceremony] is happening here – in a country that has embraced technology, propelled innovation and become an essential part of global digital supply chains,” he said, urging states to quickly ratify and implement the treaty.

“Now we need to turn signatures into actions,” he said. “The Convention must be ratified quickly, fully implemented and supported with finance, training and technology – particularly for developing countries. »

A safer cyberspace for all

The new convention is expected to reshape how countries fight cybercrime at a time when digital threats are sharply increasing. Global costs of cybercrime are expected to reach $10.5 trillion per year by 2025, according to industry experts.

For many governments, particularly in the Global South, the treaty represents an opportunity to access real-time channels of training, technical assistance and cooperation.

“Let us seize this moment,” Mr. Guterres said. “Let’s build a cyberspace that respects the dignity and human rights of everyone – and ensure that the digital age brings peace, security and prosperity for all.»

In Nairobi, headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted the city’s unique role as the only UN headquarters in the Global South – and highlighted UNEP‘s long-standing work on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Youth participation has also been recognized as a driver of environmental action and future leadership.

In Naqoura, Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) marked this milestone on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

Force Commander, General Diodato Abagnara, said peace “is not built by a few, it is built by everyone,” stressing that inclusion is at the heart of peacebuilding.

Afghan ancestry

In Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission (MANUA) reflected on his decades-long presence in favor of peace, human rights and development. Deputy Special Representative Georgette Gagnon reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity with Afghans, particularly women and girls, amid persistent humanitarian challenges.

Across the Americas, United Nations offices highlighted progress in the field Sustainable Development Goalsclimate action and youth engagement, reaffirming the role of the UN in promoting equality, resilience and cooperation in the region.

Eighty years later, the UN continues to bring people and nations together to “save future generations from the scourge of war” and work towards a fairer and more sustainable future for all.

Nearly a million people affected by floods in South Sudan

Nearly a million people have been affected by devastating floods in South Sudan, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Friday.

Since last month, flooding has affected more than 140 health facilities, disrupting access to essential services for thousands of people, at a time when South Sudan is grappling with epidemics including cholera and malaria.

In fact, last week the World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 104,000 malaria cases, including 16 deaths across the country, representing a 15 percent increase in cases from the previous week, mainly due to ongoing flooding.

Worse still, the ongoing floods are compounded by ongoing conflict and acute food insecurity.

Agencies step up their aid

Despite significant difficulties in accessing parts of the country, the UN and partners continue to provide lifesaving assistance to those affected by the floods and assess needs to ensure the response remains focused.

The World Food Program (PAM) is on the ground providing food and nutritional assistance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have delivered more than 50 tonnes of medical supplies to support response efforts in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. More help is on the way, including tents, cholera kits and emergency health kits.

Other weapons discovered in Lebanon but hope of recovery persists

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to uncover caches of unauthorized weapons and munitions in the south of the country, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a press briefing on Friday.

UNIFIL soldiers found mortar shells, fuses and a cannon in one of their areas of operation on Wednesday, as well as small improvised explosive devices on Thursday.

Since October 15, UNIFIL has been working in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israeli Defense Forces to refurbish the “Blue Line” markers that were damaged during the conflict – the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces came into effect last November.

Peaceful activity

Mr. Haq added that following a request from the army, the mission facilitated the harvest of olives by farmers near the Blue Line of Separation more than 40 times this month.

In addition to protecting agricultural activities in the event of ceasefire violations, peacekeepers conduct patrols with Lebanese forces in these areas to ensure the safety of farmers.

Earlier this month, a public school was reopened in Naqoura, where the UNIFIL headquarters is located, which constitutes a “clear sign of recovery and hope”, according to the mission.

In 1988, the international community united under the umbrella of the World Health Organization (WHO) leadership to eradicate polio. World Polio Day, which falls on October 24, raises awareness of the progress made and the challenges that remain to end its spread.

Polio can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis, most commonly in children.

Business is down, but the fight must continue

“Decades ago, the world overcame geopolitical and geographic barriers to end smallpox. Let’s do the same for polio. Let’s finish the job“said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Three decades ago, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was created and is now run by the WHO and other non-US organizations and governments.

Since the initiative’s launch, the number of polio cases has fallen by more than 99 percent, with only 36 cases of the virus reported so far in 2025.

However, some regions of the world are still struggling to eradicate polio, and those that have succeeded must continue to support public health authorities in surveillance and prevention of the disease, says WHO.

Dr Catharina Boehme, who leads WHO in Southeast Asia, called on member states to reaffirm their commitment to vaccination campaigns and invest in surveillance and health systems.

“Together, we can protect every child from polio, everywhere, and build a healthier, more resilient future for all,” she said.

Gaps in vaccination coverage

While the WHO European region achieved polio-free status in 2002 and has remained free of endemic spread of the virus since then, vaccination coverage in the region declined in 2024, leaving more than 450,000 babies unprotected.

In Afghanistan, a ban on home vaccination has meant that more than a million children in southern regions have not participated in polio vaccination campaigns since May 2018, according to the WHO. Polio eradication strategy 2022-2026.

As a result, in 2019 and 2020 respectively, 90 percent and 75 percent of type 1 polio cases in Afghanistan came from areas currently inaccessible to vaccination.

“Gaps in immunization coverage leave children vulnerable and pose a risk to the health security of our region and beyond.

“We must not return to a time when polio regularly threatened lives and overwhelmed health systems.“, said Ihor Perehinets, WHO/Europe Regional Emergency Director.

Mr. Guterres was speaking to ambassadors at the iconic venue in New York on United Nations Daymarking 80 years of its creation. He spoke via video link from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, in an open and lively debate on how the UN faces an uncertain future.

As the principal UN organ charged with maintaining international peace and security, the Council exercises significant power, including the power to impose sanctions and authorize military action.

Five of its 15 members have a permanent seat and have been granted veto power under the United Nations Charter.

Although the Council has played a central role in maintaining peace, resolving conflicts and upholding international law, its veto system has often blocked action and drawn criticism.

The body’s structure is seen by many countries and senior officials as unrepresentative, leaving regions like Africa and Latin America without a permanent voice.

Invoking those who have looked to the Council for 80 years to end wars, Mr. Guterres said that “with the privilege of sitting at this table comes the duty – above all – to honor the faith of these people,” he said. “Without a Security Council fit for purpose, the world is in grave danger.

Debate on fundamentals

Chairing the October council, Russia praised the UN’s achievements but criticized the actions of Western governments, while elected (non-permanent) member Guyana said the body was unrepresentative, advocating for greater and meaningful global representation.

The United States has focused on operational reform, accountability and called for merit-based selection of the next secretary general – who will take the helm in January 2027 – emphasizing the primacy of national sovereignty and transparency in the selection process.

The US representative called for an end to the selection process based on regions taking turns, arguing that it was time to choose from a global list of candidates.

For a full reading of the meeting Click here.

A UN for the weak, not the powerful

The UN chief painted a vivid picture of how Council decisions can impact citizens around the world:

“The Security Council has nothing to do with hegemons and empires. These are parents who lost their children, refugees thrown far from their homes, soldiers who sacrificed their limbs.

“In every shadow of this Chamber you are surrounded by the ghosts of the dead. But next to them is something else: the hopes of the living.»

He urged Council members to listen to these hopes.

“Listen carefully and you will hear the cries of your citizens coming together for peace; the murmurs of families yearning for security…The emblem of the United Nations bears not the laurel wreath of a victor, but the olive wreath of a peacemaker.»

But its legitimacy is fragile

Mr. Guterres highlighted the Council’s successes over eight decades, from helping Cambodia emerge from genocide to supporting South Africa’s transition from apartheid to deploying missions to Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste and Liberia.

However, its legitimacy remains fragile, he stressed, noting that violations of the United Nations Charter by some Member States, erodes trust and endangers global stability.

He called for expanded membership to better reflect global demographics, including permanent representation for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mr. Guterres also encouraged discussions on proposals to limit the use of the veto.

Russia: the divisive Western powers

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia praised the UN’s achievements but warned against the actions of Western powers.

“In an effort to maintain its waning influence, the West has divided the world into ‘us’ and ‘them’ – ‘democracies’ and ‘autocracies’ – a group of those who are chosen and those who violate their imposed order,” he said.

As a result, many of the principles of the United Nations Charter remain concepts and not reality. The “adventures” – from the invasion of Iraq and the color revolutions to the recent invasion of Iran – have led only to tragedy, he said.

Guyana: reform now

Guyana’s Ambassador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, echoed calls for reform, calling the current configuration of the Council unrepresentative.

“The Security Council must be reformed. Despite the magnitude of the UN’s work, the reality is that the success or failure of the UN as a whole is judged to a large extent through the action, or lack of action, of the Security Council,” she said.

She called for permanent seats for Africa and Latin America and a rotating seat for small island developing states, emphasizing that national interests and international cooperation are complementary.

United States: the UN “has lost its way”

The United States, represented by Ambassador Dorothy Shea, focused on accountability. She said the UN had become a “bloated bureaucracy” that had lost its way, calling for mandates with clear political goals and measurable benchmarks.

“The UN should serve member states rather than making them beholden to an unaccountable bureaucracy,” she said.

Regarding the next Secretary General, Ambassador Shea said the United States is looking for a leader who will return the UN to its founding purpose, respecting state sovereignty and prioritizing accountability and transparency.

She added that the selection process should be based on merit, attracting candidates from all regional groupings, and that the next Secretary-General should “take the UN back to basics and, in doing so, help realize the bold vision of peace and prosperity to which we are all committed.”