November 2018 Monthly Forecast

Overview

China takes on the Council presidency in November. It will hold two open debates: on the UN’s role in strengthening multilateralism, and on enhancing African capacities in peace and security. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to brief at both meetings, while AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Smaïl Chergui is a possible briefer for the debate on African capacities.

Regarding Libya, the Council is expected to receive briefings by Special Representative of UNSMIL Ghassan Salamé and the chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden). Additionally, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda will deliver her semi-annual briefing. 

Two adoptions on Somalia are scheduled. The first is to renew counter-piracy measures in Somalia, and the second is for a resolution addressing partial lifting of Somalia and Eritrea sanctions. There will also be a briefing by Ambassador Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan), the chair of the 751/1901 Somalia and Eritrea Sanctions Committee.

Other African issues include:

With regard to Syria, there will be the regular monthly briefings on political and humanitarian developments and on the use of chemical weapons.

Other meetings on Middle East issues this month include:

The Council will hold its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina and will adopt a resolution renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force. There will also be a briefing on UNMIK in Kosovo.

The fifth annual briefing with heads of police components of peacekeeping operations will be held in early November .

Regarding the DPRK, the chair of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Karel van Oosterom (Netherlands), will brief in consultations.

The 15 current Council members and the incoming five (Belgium, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Germany and South Africa) will participate in the annual “Hitting the Ground Running” workshop organised by Finland.

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