GENEVA / SYRIA LANDMINES EXPLOSIVES RISK

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the presidency of the Group of 77 (G-77), Secretary-General António Guterres said, “2025 must be the year of keeping promises to developing countries.” UNIFEED

The security situation remains volatile in parts of Syria, a UN spokesperson said. UNIFEED

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, is in Ukraine 12-16 January 2024, meeting conflict-affected people and Ukrainian authorities, and engaging with humanitarian partners. OCHA

Muhannad Hadi, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory met with Palestinian NGOs Network and visited the Latin Holy Family Church in Gaza City, emphasizing the need to protect places of refuge. UNIFEED

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) informed that Israeli authorities continue to deny UN-led efforts to reach North Gaza governorate with vital aid, a UN spokesperson told reporters in New York. UNIFEED / UNRWA

The World Meteorological Organization confirmed 2024 was the warmest year on record, a UN spokesperson said. UNIFEED

UN Children’s Fund Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder visited the Ein Al-Baida pumping station in Aleppo, rehabilitated by UNICEF and partners. UNICEF

The UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, said, “women voices needs to be heard, not because only this is fair, but because Syria needs every single citizen to help contribute to its rebuilding and to its transition.” UN NEWS

The powerful dry winds and tinderbox conditions that have been fueling the continuing Los Angeles wildfire tragedy have been made worse by climate change, the World Meteorological Organization said. UNTV CH

In a statement read by the President of the Security Council Amar Bendjama, Council members welcomed the election of Joseph Aoun as the new President of Lebanon, “which put an end to more than two years of vacancy of this important position.” UNIFEED