The UN celebrates the Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy, which underpin the work of the Organization. Top news of the day | Friday: Israel/Lebanon, famine, Diplomacy Day UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the extension of the truce between Israel and Lebanon, the fourth UN peacekeeper from Indonesia died in Lebanon, two thirds of all hungry people in the world live in 10 countries, the UN celebrates the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy.
Extension of the truce between Israel and Lebanon
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the announcement of a three-week extension of the cessation of hostilities agreement designed to pave the way for dialogue between Lebanon and Israel, and commends the United States for its role in facilitating the extension. He reiterates the United Nations’ support for all efforts to end the fighting and alleviate the suffering of people on both sides of the Blue Line. Guterres expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement will help achieve comprehensive peace in the region.
Death of a UN peacekeeper
The UN reports the death of a fourth Indonesian peacekeeper serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Corporal Rico Pramudia was seriously injured in an incident on March 29 when a shell exploded at one of the peacekeepers’ positions. Preliminary findings from the mission’s investigation indicate that the shell was fired from an IDF Merkava tank. Six peacekeepers have already been killed in recent incidents amid fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli military. The UN Secretary-General again called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.
Hunger has become an ongoing global problem
Hunger is concentrated in a small group of countries affected by war and instability, a new report by UN agencies, the European Union and their partners says. As of 2025, two-thirds of all people on the planet facing acute food insecurity live in just 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan and Syria. The report’s authors paint an alarming picture: Hunger has ceased to be a series of short-term emergencies and has become an ongoing global problem. According to forecasts, the situation will not change for the better in 2026.
Diplomatic Day
Today the UN celebrates the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. Multilateralism is at the heart of the UN. As the Secretary-General noted, the UN Charter remains the “moral compass” of the international community on the path to peace. And on Saturday we celebrate International Delegate Day. The UN commends diplomats who bring the ideals of the United Nations to life through negotiation and cooperation.