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Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. UN Day Security Council Vietnam Yemen Occupied Palestinian Territory UNIFIL South Sudan Ukraine North Africa Tropical Storm Melissa International Days Guests UN DAY United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. Eighty years on, the UN faces new and complex challenges, while working to adapt and strengthen itself. Through the 2030 Agenda, the Pact for the Future, and the UN80 initiative, the UN seeks to renew the foundations of international cooperation, and to ensure that it can deliver for people everywhere. A number of events are taking place today at Headquarters and around the world to mark the Day. SECURITY COUNCIL Today is the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, and the Secretary-General joined the Security Council session this morning to commemorate the anniversary. He joined the session via video link from Hanoi. He reminded Council members that the Security Council exists for sincere, hopeful people, who, for the last eight decades, have placed their trust in this institution to save them from the scourge of war. On many pivotal occasions, the Secretary-General added, this Council has delivered on that task, helping Cambodia to emerge from genocide and South Africa to emerge from apartheid. The Council is a vital necessity, and a powerful force for good. But at the same time, its legitimacy is fragile, Mr. Guterres said. He reiterated his call for reform of the Security Council, including the expansion of its membership. It is our duty to forge a body that can meet the challenges of the next 80 years, one that delivers justice and safety for all, he concluded. VIETNAM The Secretary-General arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam earlier today, where he met with the President of Viet Nam, Luong Cuong, and also took part in an official dinner hosted by the President. Tomorrow, he will participate in a high-level event marking the opening for signature of the UN Convention against Cybercrime. In his remarks, the Secretary-General is expected to say that this new convention is a powerful, legally-binding instrument to strengthen our collective defences against cybercrime. It is also a promise that fundamental human rights such as privacy, dignity and safety must be protected both offline and online. And, he will add, the convention is a vow that no country, no matter their level of development, will be left defenceless against cybercrime. About 115 Member State delegations are expected to attend the high-level event, and as we mentioned, the Convention will enter into force 90 days after the deposit of the fortieth instrument of ratification. Tomorrow, the Secretary-General is also scheduled to hold a joint press conference with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. You will be able to watch both these events live on UN Web TV. And as a reminder, on Saturday evening, the Secretary-General will head to Kuala Lumpur, where he will attend the ASEAN-UN Summit, chaired by Malaysia. On the sidelines of the Summit, he will engage in a number of bilateral discussions with counterparts at the ASEAN meetings, as well as with the Malaysian hosts. And on Monday, we expect the Secretary-General to hold a press conference. The Secretary-General will be back in New York on 28 October. YEMEN Since 2021, the Houthi de facto authorities have taken a number of steps that have made it increasingly difficult for the UN to provide assistance to Yemenis. Their actions include the forcible entry and occupation of UN premises, seizure of assets and the repeated arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel, 55 of whom remain in detention. Two of those personnel were detained yesterday. These actions are forcing us to reassess the way in which we work in areas controlled by the Houthis. Mr. Muin Shreim has been appointed by the United Nations to lead and strengthen ongoing efforts to seek the release of our colleagues and prevent future detention. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2025-10-24
