May 2026 Monthly Forecast

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• Overview

  In May, China will hold the presidency of the Security Council. Read more

• In Hindsight: The Search for the Next Secretary-General

  In April, the selection and appointment process for the next Secretary-General began in earnest as four candidates for the position presented their vision for how they would lead the UN and answered questions from members of the General Assembly and civil society. This selection and appointment process for the tenth UN Secretary-General is unfolding against a background of shifting global power dynamics and geopolitical uncertainty. The next Secretary-General will take over an organisation that is impacted by financial constraints, ongoing reform processes, and escalating crises. These concerns were apparent in the emphasis candidates put on the importance of restoring trust in the multilateral system and the UN, as well as in their vision for the role of the Secretary-General. Read more

• Status Update since our April Forecast

  This is the Status Update since our April Forecast. Read more

• Protection of Civilians

  In May, the Security Council will receive the Secretary-General’s annual report on the protection of civilians (PoC) in armed conflict and hold its annual open debate on the topic. Read more

• Lebanon

  In May, Council members expect to receive a briefing in consultations on the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 1559. Adopted in 2004, it called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon, the disarmament of all militias, and the extension of government control over the whole Lebanese territory. Read more

• Sudan/South Sudan

  In May, the Council is expected to receive a briefing on the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), due by 1 May, as requested in resolution 2802 of 14 November 2025. Consultations are expected to follow the briefing. Read more

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

  In May, the Security Council will hold its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Read more

• Syria

  In May, the Security Council is expected to hold its monthly meeting on political and humanitarian developments in Syria. Read more

• Libya

  In May, the Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution renewing the authorisation for member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, bound to or from Libya, that they have reasonable grounds to believe are violating the arms embargo. The current authorisation expires on 25 May 2026. During May, the Council is also expected to receive the semi-annual briefing on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) activities related to the situation in Libya. Read more

• Upholding the UN Charter

  In May, the Council will hold a ministerial-level open debate on “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter”. Read more

• South Sudan

  In May, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution to extend the South Sudan sanctions regime, which expires on 31 May, and renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, which expires on 1 July. Read more

• DPRK (North Korea)

  In May, Council members are scheduled to discuss the 90-day report on the work of the 1718 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee in closed consultations. Read more