FAO is supporting agricultural production in Afghanistan. Top news of the day | Thursday: UN priorities, Nipah virus, South Sudan, Afghanistan UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: UN work priorities for 2026, infection of two people with the Nipah virus in India, escalation of violence in South Sudan, $100 million to support Afghanistan.
Priorities of the UN Secretary General
Speaking to reporters in New York today, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined the UN’s priorities for 2026, which will be his last as head of the Organization. The Secretary General said that the UN will continue to strive for a just and stable world. One of the priorities will be the reform of the Security Council. Guterres stressed that the UN will continue to do everything possible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The most important areas of work will also be the fight against climate change and the creation of a system for global management of artificial intelligence.
Nipah virus in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Indian state of West Bengal has confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection this month. The virus is transmitted primarily from bats, but also from pigs and in some cases from person to person. The course of infection varies from asymptomatic to fatal encephalitis. There is no approved vaccine or treatment, so early detection and prevention are important. Historically, Nipah outbreaks in the region have been limited to small outbreaks. There have been no reported cases of the virus spreading through international travel.
Conflict in South Sudan
The UN Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in South Sudan, in particular the inflammatory rhetoric directed against certain communities, and the decision to expand military operations. Recently, a particularly alarming situation has developed in the state of Jonglei. In the first weeks of 2026, according to the government, 250 thousand civilians were forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict. António Guterres calls on all parties to protect civilians, ensure access for humanitarian assistance, and take measures to end military operations and de-escalate the situation.
Aid to Afghanistan
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Asian Development Bank announced $100 million to strengthen food security and agricultural rehabilitation in Afghanistan. The initiative will support more than a million people over the next two years. Millions of Afghans face growing food shortages and risk falling into a deeper crisis. FAO stresses that there is an urgent need for investment beyond emergency response to strengthen long-term resilience.