Ten additional temporary learning sites in Gaza Governorate have been renovated this month, with over 440 spaces operational overall, serving around 270,000 pupils supported by more than 6,300 teachers. The UN and partners continue to advocate for lifting restrictions on education supplies, including stationery, so that more children can return to learning. Humanitarians also remain active in assisting people affected by the recent winter storms that struck the Gaza Strip. This week, over 200 tents were distributed to families, along with thousands of tarpaulins, blankets, warm clothes, cooking utensils, and solar lights. Across Gaza, over one million people still require shelter assistance and durable shelter solutions, including home repairs.
© United Nations/Shaun Ottway
Guterres in London for 80th anniversary of first UN General Assembly meeting
UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in London on Friday to participate in a special event marking the 80th anniversary of the first meeting of the General Assembly, held in the UK capital in 1946. The Secretary-General discussed with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer the UK’s continued support for multilateralism and its active role in the UN. They also addressed topics such as the war in Ukraine, Sudan, the Middle East, and UN reform. The Secretary-General met with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, focusing on the role of cities in addressing climate change. On Saturday, the Secretary-General will deliver the keynote address at the United Nations Association of the United Kingdom (UNA-UK) conference at Methodist Central Hall in London, where the first General Assembly meeting was held. UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq previewed his remarks titled ‘UNGA at 80: From 1946 to Our Future’ during a media briefing at Headquarters in New York. “The Secretary-General is expected to say that as we aim to make the world fairer, it is crucial that the international system reflects today’s reality, including updating the Security Council and reforming the unjust and unfair international financial architecture,” Mr. Haq told journalists. “He will emphasize that at a time when multilateralism values are under threat, the world needs fearless and persistent civil society movements to ensure leaders cannot ignore them.”
Venezuela: One in four people needs humanitarian assistance
Humanitarians continue delivering aid across Venezuela, including food, school meals, healthcare, and psychosocial support, the UN aid coordination office OCHA reported on Friday. Years of turmoil have left many families without reliable support, with one in four people requiring humanitarian assistance. The UN and partners continue coordinating with authorities, monitoring needs nationwide, and informing people about available humanitarian services. OCHA urged donors to continue supporting aid efforts in the country, noting that the 2026 humanitarian response plan for Venezuela requires just over $600 million. In 2025, the response plan was only 17 percent funded – among the lowest globally.
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