2025 JOURNALISM FELLOW REPORTS
Reports filed by Letícia Messias
One Week Before UNGA, Part of Brazilian Delegation Still Waiting for U.S. Visas
Less than a week ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, the Brazilian government confirmed that part of its delegation had yet to receive the necessary visas to enter the United States. The report provides context around the delay, reactions from Brazilian officials, and highlights the responsibility of the U.S., as host country, to ensure access for all UN member state representatives.
UN Calls U.S. Delay in Issuing Brazilian Delegation Visas “Concerning”
As delays in visa issuance by the U.S. government continued to reverberate, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the situation as “concerning” during a press briefing at UN headquarters. The article also recalls that the Brazilian government had formally expressed its dissatisfaction with the delay just days earlier.
Recognition of Palestine Is a Symbolic Gesture, but Two-State Solution Remains Distant, Experts Say
This special report featured on the front page of O Globo’s international section the Sunday before the UN General Assembly officially opened. As the topic of Palestinian statehood gained traction among UN member states, the article examines whether the two-state solution remains viable, explores possible paths to implementation, and outlines alternative scenarios. Interviews include Daniel Forti, UN defense analyst at the International Crisis Group, and international law expert Priscila Caneparo.
Lula Calls Gaza War a Genocide, Announces Stricter Controls on Imports from Illegal Settlements
On the eve of his address to the UN General Assembly, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said there is “no more appropriate word” to describe the ongoing conflict in Gaza than “genocide.” He also announced tighter controls on Brazilian imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank and a suspension of defense exports that “could be used in crimes against humanity or genocide.” The statement came during a UN conference on the two-state solution held in New York.
Trump: “I Met Lula, We Hugged, and We’re Meeting Again Next Week”
During his speech at the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a brief meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, just before taking the podium in New York. According to Trump, the two leaders hugged and agreed to meet again the following week. O Globo confirmed the encounter with Brazilian officials who described it as brief but friendly, with both leaders expressing willingness to continue dialogue.
Trump and Zelensky Meet at UN: “We’ll Talk About How to End the War”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump at UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Despite a history of tense interactions, the meeting was reportedly warm and cordial. The event was covered live by O Globo in its real-time updates on the high-level week, with a focus on developments most relevant to Brazilian audiences.
Tough Words from Lula, Praise from Trump: What Happened When the Two Presidents Met at the UN
Produced in collaboration with reporters in Rio and Brasília, this article detailed the behind-the-scenes meeting between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly — and its implications for Brazilian domestic politics.
At UN Meeting, Lula Urges Self-Criticism from the Left Amid Rise of Authoritarianism
Speaking at the second edition of the “Democracy Always” summit at the UN, President Lula called for self-reflection within the political left to understand the global rise of far-right authoritarianism. U.S. officials were notably absent, as they were not invited to participate.
Zelensky Says Lula Committed to Doing “Everything Within His Power” to Bring Ukraine Closer to Peace
Shortly after a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Lula, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that Lula had pledged to do “everything within his power” to help bring peace to Ukraine. The article highlighted Zelensky’s reaction and noted a shift in tone between the two leaders, whose past interactions had been marked by friction.
“I Think There Was Real Chemistry,” Lula Says of Trump Meeting at the UN
Wrapping up his official agenda at the United Nations, President Lula said he was “pleased” by Donald Trump’s comment that there was “good chemistry” between them. In a press conference, Lula emphasized that Brazil and the U.S. are the two largest democracies in the Americas and that the two leaders have “a lot to discuss.”
Lula Says He’ll Raise Ukraine War with Trump, Adds: “Maybe Our Chemistry Can Reach Putin”
In the same press conference at UN headquarters, President Lula said he planned to raise the Ukraine war with Donald Trump in a follow-up meeting expected in the coming days. The comment came after their informal conversation was described by Brazilian officials as “brief but cordial.”
Brazil May Offer Rare Earths, Data Center in Talks with U.S.; Private Sector Poised to Invest
In the same media briefing, Lula said he would be open to discussing Brazil’s rare earths supply with Trump in their next meeting. The article, produced in collaboration with reporters in São Paulo and Brasília, looked at the private sector’s reaction, with companies preparing a “menu” of items for negotiation — from automobiles to Hollywood films, biofuels to IT, and from meat to critical minerals.
Brazilian FM Cites “Alarming Signs” of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza at UN Meeting
At a high-level ministerial meeting held at the UN in New York, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said that “systematic violence against Palestinians” in Gaza could amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. The event, organized by Brazil, Jordan, and Spain, focused on supporting UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
COP30 President Says Concerns About Belém Have “Substantially Decreased” Despite Ongoing Questions Around Lodging
With just over 40 days to go before COP30, the event’s organizers downplayed concerns over Belém’s infrastructure. While acknowledging that “lodging is a recurring issue,” they said many delegations have already confirmed accommodations. In a press conference in New York, COP30 President Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago and Executive Director Ana Toni said construction was “virtually complete” and that logistical concerns had “significantly eased.”
Gaza War Leaves Over 5,000 Amputees and 42,000 With Life-Altering Injuries, WHO Says
Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, more than 167,000 people have been wounded, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Among them, at least 42,000 — including 10,000 children — have suffered life-altering injuries, and more than 5,000 have had to undergo amputations. The data was shared by WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn during a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York. The report highlights the growing pressure on Gaza’s already fragile health system.
UN Secretary-General Welcomes Ceasefire, Says Organization Ready to Scale Up Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that an agreement had been reached for the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the United Nations stands ready to “immediately scale up” the delivery of supplies to the enclave. On the same day, Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Director of Humanitarian Aid, outlined the organization’s plans for delivering supplies during the first 60 days of the ceasefire.
Reports filed by Victoria O’Regan
‘International law is on the line’ – Pretoria urges global action to halt Gaza genocide
South Africa’s government calls on the international community to take immediate action to stop what it describes as ongoing genocide in Gaza, warning that the credibility of international law is at stake.
France, Canada and the UK recognise a Palestinian state – why it matters
Analysis of the diplomatic significance of major Western powers formally recognizing Palestinian statehood and its implications for the Middle East peace process.
Parks Tau ‘cautiously optimistic’ SA will reach trade deal with US after Trump tariffs
South African minister Parks Tau expresses cautious optimism about reaching a trade agreement with the United States following the announcement of new tariffs by President Trump.
Trade now being used as a weapon,’ Ramaphosa tells UN in jab at Trump tariffs
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Cyril Ramaphosa criticizes the use of trade as a political weapon, in a clear reference to recent U.S. tariff policies under the Trump administration.
SA uniquely positioned to broach peace between Russia and Ukraine, says Ramaphosa
President Ramaphosa asserts that South Africa’s diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine position the country as an ideal mediator for peace negotiations between the two nations.
History will judge Israel ‘very harshly’ for the atrocities committed in Gaza – Ramaphosa
President Ramaphosa delivers strong condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, stating that history will render harsh judgment on the military operations and humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Lamola slams Solidarity Movement’s latest visit to US, amid critical trade talks
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola criticizes the Solidarity Movement’s visit to the United States, arguing that it undermines South Africa’s position during sensitive trade negotiations with the U.S. government.
Ramaphosa demands Israel free South African activists seized on Gaza flotilla
President Ramaphosa calls for the immediate release of South African activists who were detained by Israeli forces after their humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza was intercepted at sea.
There ‘must be no backsliding’ on Gaza ceasefire agreement — UN relief chief
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warns against any retreat from the newly announced Gaza ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained humanitarian access to the besieged Palestinian territory.
Reports filed by Asim Ahmed Khan
UN Report Warns $2.7 Trillion Global Military Spending Threatens Sustainable Development
A new United Nations report highlights that the record-breaking $2.7 trillion spent globally on military expenditure diverts critical resources away from sustainable development goals and humanitarian needs.
“The Timing Could Not Be Worse,” Says UN On Afghan Refugees Returning From Pakistan
UN officials express grave concern about the timing of large-scale Afghan refugee returns from Pakistan, as Afghanistan faces deteriorating humanitarian conditions and economic instability.
351 Million Women and Girls Could Still Be in Extreme Poverty by 2030, UN Report Warns
A stark UN report reveals that despite international development efforts, an estimated 351 million women and girls will remain trapped in extreme poverty by 2030 if current trends continue.
Pakistan Floods Leave Millions Displaced As Relief Efforts Struggle To Keep Pace
Devastating floods in Pakistan have displaced millions of people, overwhelming relief efforts as international aid organizations struggle to provide adequate assistance to affected communities.
Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar Urges UN Security Council: “Time For Action Is Now” On Gaza Crisis
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar calls for immediate UN Security Council intervention on the Gaza humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that the international community can no longer afford to delay action.
Trump, Arab League And OIC Leaders Meet At UNGA On Gaza Peace Plan
President Trump holds high-level discussions with Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation leaders during the UN General Assembly to advance his proposed Gaza peace plan.
PM Sharif Addresses UNGA, Accuses India of Unprovoked Aggression, Calls for Dialogue
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the UN General Assembly, raising concerns about what he describes as India’s unprovoked aggression while simultaneously calling for diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.
Trump at the UN: Bluster, Provocation and Fractured Alliances
Analysis of President Trump’s approach at the United Nations General Assembly, characterised by confrontational rhetoric and strained diplomatic relationships with traditional allies.
Mass Refugee Returns Deepen Afghanistan’s Struggles
The return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries exacerbates Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crisis, straining the country’s already limited resources.
UN Warns of Worsening Rohingya Crisis as Violence Escalates in Myanmar
The United Nations issues urgent warnings about the deteriorating situation facing Rohingya communities as violence intensifies in Myanmar, raising fears of renewed humanitarian catastrophe.
Pakistan Urges UN Security Council to Address Plight of Kashmiri and Palestinian Women
Pakistan’s delegation calls on the UN Security Council to take action on the human rights situation of women in Kashmir and Palestine, highlighting gender-specific impacts of ongoing conflicts.
UN Still Cash-Strapped Despite Uptick in Budget Payments
Despite a recent increase in member state budget contributions, the United Nations continues to face severe financial constraints that threaten its operational capacity and program delivery.
UN Urges Kabul and Islamabad to Work Out Differences as Border Tensions Spike
The United Nations calls for immediate dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan as border tensions escalate, risking regional stability and cross-border humanitarian operations.
Pakistan and India Elected to UN Human Rights Council as General Assembly Confirms 14 New Members
In a significant development, both Pakistan and India were elected to serve on the UN Human Rights Council, joining 12 other new members confirmed by the General Assembly.
UN Chief Voices Alarm Over Deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes, Welcomes Ceasefire
UN Secretary-General expresses deep concern over deadly border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan while welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
UN Urges Diplomacy As Pakistan–Afghanistan Ceasefire Takes Hold
UN Secretary-General expresses deep concern over deadly border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan while welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Iran Scraps IAEA Deal, UN Urges Diplomatic Engagement Amid Nuclear Tensions
New York: The United Nations has acknowledged receiving formal communications from three major powers regarding Iran’s stance on the expiration of Security Council Resolution 2231 and mounting tensions around the country’s nuclear commitments. Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General,
Migration And Survival In Sudan’s Forgotten War
As Sudan’s devastating civil conflict enters its second year, the humanitarian fallout continues to spill over its borders, triggering one of the largest refugee emergencies in Africa. Since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF),
UN Climate Report Warns Warming Could Reach 2.5°C This Century
Ten years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the world is still struggling to meet its climate promises. A new UN report warns that while global policies have helped slow the rate of warming, current efforts remain dangerously insufficient to prevent catastrophic temperature rise.
Reports filed by Prosper Heri
M23 Rebels Are Issuing Their Own ‘AFC-M23’ Passports Now
Investigation reveals that the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo has begun issuing its own passports branded as ‘AFC-M23,’ raising questions about legitimacy, sovereignty, and the group’s aspirations for state-like recognition in eastern Congo.
DRC: Renewed hope for lion conservation after new lion cub births at Virunga National Park
The article reviews an unprecedented development: the continued growth of wildlife in Virunga National Park in eastern DRC.
Ten lion cubs were born in this protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 2025 alone, sparking a glimmer of hope among environmental activists in eastern DRC. The United Nations recognizes that it is often difficult for member states to deal with both immediate crises such as conflicts and long-term crises such as biodiversity loss, and reiterated that it is working with the DRC government to address both issues.
Paris : l’ONU presse pour la fin des souffrances dans l’Est de la RDC
When the International Conference on Peace and Prosperity was held in Paris on October 30, 2025, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the urgency and necessity for the parties to the conflict to do everything possible to end the suffering endured by civilians in the east of the country.
À New York, la slameuse et photographe Do Nsoseme met en lumière la condition des femmes de l’Est de la RDC
Through art, this Congolese artist painted a picture of the situation of Congolese women in the DRC, particularly in the east of the country, at the United Nations headquarters in New York as part of the Through her lens exhibition.
In front of numerous dignitaries, this artist, photographer, and slam poet also sought to show the resilience of Congolese women on the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325.