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The UN's first deputy secretary-general called for abandoning the "might makes right" principle in international relations.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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January 22, 2026 UN

Speaking to the Danish parliament on Thursday, the UN Deputy Secretary-General said the world is experiencing a period of dangerous turbulence in which the foundations of the international order, enshrined in the UN Charter, are under threat.

Amina Mohammed stressed that states are increasingly undermining the institutions they built after World War II, warning of the risk of "eroding the foundations" that have underpinned decades of peace and development.

The Deputy Secretary-General thanked Denmark for its steadfast support of multilateralism, calling it a "humanitarian power" and one of the most staunch defenders of human rights. She noted that it is precisely such states that uphold the UN Charter today, when major powers increasingly act from a position of strength.

The Threat to International Law and the Rise of "Dangerous Nostalgia"

In her speech, Mohammed recalled that threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states have once again become a reality, and that some countries, "with a dangerous nostalgia," are attempting to redefine borders and rules by relying on force. She cited a speech by Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani, who warned of the risks of returning to the "logic of empires."

According to her, the UN Charter is "not a restaurant menu," and states cannot pick and choose which norms to adhere to and which to ignore. Mohammed emphasized that it is precisely small countries—such as South Africa and Gambia—that today demonstrate the greatest integrity in defending international law.

Development as an investment in the world

The second part of the UN Deputy Chief's speech was devoted to sustainable development. Mohammed recalled that the world has achieved significant progress in recent decades, from reducing poverty to lowering maternal mortality. However, geopolitical tensions and economic crises are leading to stagnation or even regression.

Mohammed pointed to a stark imbalance in global spending: in 2024, the total global military budget reached a record $2.7 trillion, while the annual funding gap for the Sustainable Development Goals stands at $4.2 trillion. "The money is flowing in the wrong direction," she noted, adding that growing inequality threatens global stability.

UN Reform: Resetting the System

The third key point of Amina Mohammed's speech was the need to reform the United Nations itself. The Under-Secretary-General stated that "the apparatus of international cooperation is outdated," and its "software" is long overdue for a "reboot."

Mohammed spoke about the UN80 initiative, which the Secretary-General presented to Member States for discussion. This initiative calls for a comprehensive modernization of the UN system—from humanitarian affairs to peacekeeping and security—with the goal of making it more flexible and effective in the face of limited resources and growing challenges.

"Countries face challenges that don't fit neatly into separate categories. They are interconnected, and the solutions must be similar," she emphasized.

Concluding her speech, the Deputy Secretary-General drew a historical parallel with Christiansborg, the Danish parliament building that burned down twice and was rebuilt each time. "The UN, too, was born from the ashes to say 'never again,'" she emphasized.

Today, she said, the world once again faces a choice: allow the principle of "might makes right" to destroy the international order or demonstrate political will and renew the multilateral system.

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Syria at a turning point: escalation in the northeast, fragile ceasefire and humanitarian challenges

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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January 22, 2026 Peace and security

At the UN Security Council meeting on Thursday, two key speeches were delivered on the political and humanitarian aspects of the current situation in Syria. In the second year since the fall of the Assad regime, the country is facing serious military upheaval and a massive humanitarian crisis, threatening to undermine the fragile gains of recent months.

Since the beginning of the year, the situation in northern and northeastern Syria has deteriorated sharply. According to UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, negotiations between the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are primarily Kurdish militias, reached an impasse again on January 4, following which fierce fighting broke out in Aleppo.

The clashes, which lasted several days, led to a mass exodus of civilians: tens of thousands of Syrians were forced to flee their homes, dozens were killed, and hundreds were injured. Ultimately, SDF forces retreated across the Euphrates River, and on January 17, government forces captured significant territories previously controlled by Kurdish forces.

Disrupted negotiations

The efforts of international mediators led to the announcement of the signing of the "Agreement on a Ceasefire and Full Integration," but the very next day, negotiations broke down and fighting resumed. It was only on January 20 that the parties announced they had reached a "mutual understanding" and arranged a four-day pause for consultations. Despite this, the situation remains extremely tense, with localized clashes continuing.

A hard winter

A report on the humanitarian situation in Syria, presented by Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), added alarming statistics to the political picture. In the city of Raqqa alone, more than 13,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in recent weeks. In Aleppo, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor, infrastructure and communication lines have been destroyed, hospitals are closed, and children are unable to attend school.

The situation is exacerbated by the winter cold: in the camps for internally displaced persons in the north of the country, where approximately 160,000 people are concentrated, shelters have been destroyed and children have died from the cold. Meanwhile, the country's humanitarian support programs are only funded at a quarter of what is needed.

Political transformation

Despite existing challenges, the speakers noted important steps toward Syria's political transformation. Over the past year, nearly three million refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes. New institutions are being formed—the People's Assembly, the Constitutional Committee, and the Constitutional Court. The government is taking steps in the area of justice and the fight against impunity, although Syrian society expects more. Separately, they noted the decree on the linguistic, cultural, and civil rights of the Kurds—a step that could become the basis for deeper national reconciliation.

ISIS continues to pose a real threat to stabilization in Syria, especially amid the chaos in the northeast. Armed clashes and tensions among the Druze community continue in Sweida. Israeli operations in the south violate Syrian sovereignty. Uncleared mines are a major cause of civilian deaths and injuries.

There is hope, but people need peace

The speakers believe that stabilizing Syria depends on several key factors. First and foremost, a sustainable ceasefire and a resumption of political dialogue are essential, as without them, any gains will eventually be undone. Equally important is a significant increase in humanitarian and recovery funding: only a third of the required funds were received in 2025, preventing UN humanitarian agencies from assisting 10 million people in need. Finally, proactive diplomacy and international support for the transition are essential.

Edem Vosornu concluded her speech with the story of an Aleppo resident who lost her small business in the recent fighting. The woman said, "We've been through a lot and are very tired. All we want is peace and security." According to Vosornu, this statement reflects the general sentiment of millions of Syrians: there is hope, but people need peace, and the country as a whole needs the political will of its leaders and the financial support of the international community.

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The UN, with the support of the European Union, has restored 21 educational institutions in the Kharkiv region.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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January 22, 2026 Peace and security

Dozens of schools, kindergartens, and vocational schools in the Kharkiv region were destroyed or damaged by the fighting, forcing thousands of children to switch from in-person to online learning.

To expedite the return of children to a safe learning environment, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), with financial support from the European Union, is implementing the "Restoring Schools in Ukraine" project.

As part of the €28 million project, 21 educational institutions in Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region have already been restored—from kindergartens and schools to vocational schools. Most of these institutions are equipped with shelters where children and adults can safely and comfortably stay in the event of an emergency.

Thanks to this project, 65 facilities in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions of Ukraine have been restored.

In-person learning gives children a sense of stability and provides opportunities for social interaction. "That's why helping schools reopen and equip them with safe shelters remains a key priority for the European Union," said Representative Marianna Franco.

Each building underwent a detailed technical assessment to determine the extent of damage and the necessary repairs. The restoration work included replacing windows and doors, repairing roofs, insulating facades, upgrading heating systems, and renovating classrooms, gyms, hallways, and restrooms.

Thanks to shelters, some schools can now conduct classes in a safe environment, helping to normalize daily life.

"We are grateful to the European Union for its continued support in rebuilding educational infrastructure. This support goes far beyond rebuilding buildings – it's about restoring stability, predictability, and hope for thousands of families. It's about rebuilding lives and a future," said UNOPS representative Marysia Zapasnyk.

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Gaza: UN Commission to Continue War Crimes Investigation

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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January 22, 2026 International law

On Thursday, as President Donald Trump formally launched his Gaza Peace Council, independent UN human rights experts said they would continue to seek justice and accountability for crimes committed by all sides in the war between Hamas and Israel.

“The Peace Council was established in accordance with a plan submitted to the Security Council, which was put to a vote and adopted,” recalled Srinivasan Muralidhar, Chairman of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, which was established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021.

Accusations of genocide

Last September, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who was then serving as Chairperson of the Commission, stated that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This accusation relates to the military actions that began after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people. Israel has vehemently denied the accusation of genocide.

Muralidhar emphasized the Commission's obligation to investigate human rights violations committed by all parties to the conflict and in both territories. He also expressed hope that the experts' previous findings "will become part of some judicial mechanism" that will ensure justice for both peoples.

This year, the Commission plans to investigate "attacks by armed Palestinian groups," the chairman continued, emphasizing the independent nature of the group's work. Responding to questions about the Peace Council, he expressed hope that the plan being implemented "will take into account the interests of all people in the conflict zone."

The Commission Chairman also noted that due to a lack of funding, the experts were unable to investigate arms shipments and incidents of settler violence, despite this being within the commission's mandate.

Death of journalists

At a press conference in Geneva, the independent experts – who are not UN staff and are not remunerated for their work – also condemned the reported deaths of three Palestinian journalists in central Gaza in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday.

"When a journalist is killed, it means there is something to hide," said Commission member Florence Mumba.

The role of UNRWA

Experts also commenteddemolition of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, highlighting the agency's key role in supporting Palestinians for decades.

"Israel should think very carefully before rejecting the work that UNRWA has done—important work that has absolved Israel of its obligations," Chris Sidoti said. "Of course, this will have implications for human rights… children have a right to education, all people have a right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health."

New composition of the Commission

Navi Pillay retired last October at the age of 83. Following her, her Commission colleagues Chris Sidoti and Miloon Kothari resigned.

In November, the Human Rights Council appointed a new Commission, reinstating Australian Chris Sidoti and lawyers Srinivasan Muralidhar of India and Florence Mumba of Zambia.

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Between War and Instability: How Communities Live on the Border of the Central African Republic and Sudan

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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A two-hour drive from Sudan lies a region of a fragmented country, virtually isolated from the outside world, still struggling to rebuild itself, constantly feeling the echoes of the conflict raging in its neighboring state.

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January 22, 2026 Sources We Brought Back to Life

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Source: Ecology Foundation

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The "Save the Springs" project has already borne fruit. Where access to water was previously difficult or the spring had gradually lost its strength, clean, living water now flows once again.

We've landscaped the "Spring of Life" ("Purnăs çălkuçě") within the Cheboksary Botanical Garden. The spring has become a landmark for local residents. People come here for water, for walks, and simply to be close to nature.

Kazan: The Akinsky Klyuch spring has been reopened after improvements. This place has a long history and is inextricably linked to the life of the city. Now, it's convenient to access the spring, collect water, and spend some quiet time nearby.

Volgograd: We have revived the St. John the Theologian Spring. It remains an important place for those who come for water and peace. ❄ The surrounding area is now clean and tidy, and access to the spring is safe.

These are just a few of the springs we've managed to improve. All the springs we've already worked with have been collected. on the project map.

Tomorrow we'll sum up the week and tell you how you can support the "Save the Springs" project.

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On January 22, 2026, Natalya Romanovna Danilina, at a meeting of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, called for attention to continuity and science in the protected areas surrounding the reserve.

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Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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Natalya Romanovna Danilina, President of the Nature Conservation Embassy Foundation and Director of the Nature Reserves Ecocenter, spoke at the general meeting of the Interregional Public Organization "Expert Council on Nature Conservation." The meeting, held at the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, focused on the Council's work for 2025, the state of nature conservation in Russia, and the challenges facing the professional expert community in territorial nature conservation.

Over the course of the year, the Expert Council worked on legal regulation of nature reserves, the conservation of biological and landscape diversity, the protection of protected areas, and the preparation of proposals on strategic issues related to the conservation and development of protected areas. Natalya Romanovna Danilina also played an active role in the organization's work: she has been a member of the Expert Council since its inception and is a member of the Council's Bureau.

"In the three years since our Expert Council's existence, it has grown into a powerful and far-reaching force. And I understand that many progressive things are being accomplished with its help, especially legal ones. A tremendous amount of work is being done, which simply inspires admiration and pride in our involvement," said Natalya Romanovna.

The General Meeting was addressed by Elena Sharoykina, Chair of the Commission on Ecology and Sustainable Development of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation; Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, Co-Chair of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Scientific Director of the Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Vsevolod Stepanitsky, Co-Chair of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves and Honored Ecologist of the Russian Federation; and other Council members.

Natalya Romanovna Danilina devoted her speech to proposals for expanding and developing the Expert Council's activities in the coming year. She drew her colleagues' attention to a crucial issue: insufficient continuity is being cultivated in modern Russian nature conservation, with young professionals entering the field without fully understanding its specifics or absorbing its values.

"A journalist recently objected to me in a conversation: young people are joining chemical manufacturing, the nuclear industry, and elsewhere, and it doesn't matter that they have no connection to the old guard. Why is this important in nature conservation? Because, I told him, and I want to repeat this answer now, nature conservation isn't a technocratic thing that can work well simply by writing down a plan or establishing strict rules. Empathy for conservation, an understanding of the importance of protected areas, and deep-seated values that are ingrained in a person's soul play a crucial role. We had this, and it was literally lost in recent decades. Perhaps because this continuity is lacking, we see an insufficient number of young employees, a high turnover rate, and management problems…," the expert emphasized.

According to Natalya Romanovna, this attitude toward nature isn't unique to Russia. The need for this empathy and deep engagement in conservation has been recognized in many countries around the world. And where this is true, the world's strongest protected area systems are established.

Natalya Romanovna Danilina recalled, in particular, her participation in the congress of young specialists of the Protected Area "Reserved People" in Kamchatka, which was held for the first time in March 2025.

"We've seen a lot of passionate conservationists there, people who are able and willing to work, and they enjoy it all, but most of them are also disconnected from their roots and haven't inherited the knowledge and values of previous generations of conservationists. Therefore, I believe that reviving this kind of continuity is crucial. This, I believe, could be one aspect of the mission of the Expert Council on Conservation. I propose that we actively pursue this next year," she said.

Furthermore, the President of the Nature Conservation Embassy Foundation drew attention to the declining resource base and the role of science in protected areas. She called for the creation of a working group within the Council that would lobby for the interests of nature conservation science and assist scientists working in protected areas.

"The tools that existed before, the powerful tools that existed in Soviet times—the Commission for Scientific Research of Nature Reserves at the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Methodological Commission for Science at Glavokhota—supported science in protected areas and helped it develop. But today, there are no comparable structures. I propose that the Expert Council for Nature Reserve Management try to strengthen this area somehow," Natalya Romanovna added.

During other presentations, meeting participants examined the most pressing current challenges in the field of nature conservation, including the growing pressure on protected areas through legislative changes, economic development, and management decisions that contradict their mission, and discussed the position of the professional expert community regarding these challenges.

The speakers emphasized that the Expert Council on Nature Reserves plans to continue responding to threats to protected areas of all levels and categories. The Council provides expert, methodological, and advisory support to government and public bodies advocating for the protection of natural heritage, biological, and landscape diversity, monitors and conducts expert assessments of draft regulations affecting nature reserves, and facilitates the legal and methodological support for monitoring and oversight activities in federal and regional protected areas.

Today, the Expert Council consists of 141 members, including 4 academicians and 11 corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 27 professors, 42 doctors of science, 55 candidates of science, 20 honored ecologists of the Russian Federation, 3 honored scientists of the Russian Federation, 1 honored geographer of the Russian Federation, and 13 laureates of prestigious Russian and international prizes and awards in the field of environmental protection.

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More than 3.8 million trips were made by passengers on the T1 route.

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During the operation of MTD:

🔹 Modern Lvenok-Moscow trams have made over 23,000 trips.

🔹 The total mileage along the route was 617 thousand km.

🔹 Daily peak passenger traffic increased to 78,000 trips, which is 1.5 times higher than our forecasts.

T1 operates according to the standards of an above-ground street metro: minimal intervals, convenient transfers to the metro and the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD), and a smooth ride of autonomous cars. This approach allows city residents and visitors to save time during travel.

"The First Moscow Tram Diameter has become the most popular tram route. In two months, Muscovites have taken over 3.8 million trips on it. This result demonstrates that the diametric tram route format, with its minimal intervals and modern trams, is extremely convenient for passengers. At the direction of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we continue to develop the tram network and integrate it into the city's unified transport ecosystem to make trips even faster and more comfortable," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

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Top Stories | Wednesday: Davos, Ukraine, Gaza, Urban Planning

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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January 21, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: The President of the UN General Assembly in Davos called for the protection of the rules-based international order, the FAO will help restore agriculture in the Dnipropetrovsk region, reports have emerged from Gaza of another child dying from hypothermia, and the UN calls for children's interests to be taken into account in urban planning.

President of the General Assembly in Davos

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock called on representatives of states, businesses, and international institutions to create a cross-regional alliance to defend a rules-based international order. She stated that trust in the world is impossible without a commitment to shared principles. She recalled that the UN has always acted as a "facilitator" helping countries trust each other. Commenting on the situation surrounding Greenland, Baerbock emphasized that no geopolitical interests override the sovereign rights of its residents as citizens of Denmark and the EU.

Support for agriculture in the Dnipropetrovsk region

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from Germany, is launching a new €1 million project to help restore agricultural production in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. The project aims to support families in villages where, due to the fighting, there is no work or resources to develop household plots and smallholder farms. Approximately 1,170 families will receive assistance in the form of vouchers and cash, enabling them, among other things, to rebuild livestock facilities, pay for feed, and pay for veterinary services.

Child dies from hypothermia in Gaza

Another child has died from hypothermia in Gaza, bringing the total number of cold-related deaths this season to nine. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is calling for urgent solutions, including approving the import of batteries, solar panels, and other heating equipment into the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has facilitated the evacuation of 21 patients to Jordan. However, more than 18,000 people, including 4,000 children, remain on the evacuation list. The WHO has urged countries to accept these patients.

Urban planning and children's interests

Several UN agencies, including WHO and UNICEF, have issued new recommendations urging governments and local authorities to consider children's needs in urban planning. Specifically, they recommend creating more playgrounds and parks. According to the UN, only 44 percent of city residents worldwide live near parks, playgrounds, promenades, and other open spaces, and in low- and middle-income countries, the figure is only about 30 percent. Because of this, many children are unable to play outdoors and develop fully.

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The President of the UN General Assembly in Davos: Most countries of the world remain committed to multilateralism

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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January 21, 2026 UN

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock called on representatives of governments, businesses, and international institutions to create a cross-regional alliance to defend a rules-based international order. She stated that trust in the world is impossible without a commitment to shared principles and respect for truth.

She recalled that in normal times, multilateral institutions acted as a “mediator” that helped countries trust each other, first of all the UNHowever, the diplomat continued, today the world is no longer living in "normal times."

The world is at a turning point

Baerbock noted that already at the opening of the 80th session of the General Assembly in September last year, it was clear that the world was standing "at a crossroads," facing a record number of conflicts, including "almost four years of aggression by a permanent member of the Security Council against its neighbor – a flagrant violation of the UN Charter."

"The UN is not just under pressure, it is under direct attack," she said.

Truth and rules as the basis of trust

Speaking about the need to combat disinformation, she quoted Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa: "Without facts, there is no truth. Without truth, there is no trust." According to Baerbock, disinformation is being weaponized today, and artificial intelligence is increasingly blurring the line between truth and lies. She also noted that 96 percent of all deepfakes are pornographic and target women.

She also advocated for a rules-based world. In this context, she mentioned the situation surrounding Greenland, which the US is demanding control over. Baerbock emphasized that no geopolitical interests override the sovereign rights of its residents as citizens of Denmark, the EU, and NATO.

"You can't win a gold medal if you don't play by the rules. You'll be disqualified. And no investor will invest in a world where the rules are unpredictable," she said, recalling that a world without rules has already led to disaster.

Support for multilateralism

Defending the rules-based international order is not naivety, but “reasonable self-interest,” the General Assembly President emphasized.

Baerbock noted that trust is earned by those who defend principles even when it is difficult, who act despite the high cost, and who speak the truth when it would be easier to remain silent.

In conclusion, she called for the creation of an interregional alliance of states, businesses and economic leaders. in defense of international orderThe President of the General Assembly emphasized that the overwhelming majority of countries in the world remain committed to multilateralism: "193 states—minus a few—still represent a vast majority."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.