This is the News in Brief from the United Nations.

In Ukraine, UN Chief reflects on importance of civil society

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the National University of Lviv in Ukraine on Thursday.

There, he reflected on the importance of civil society and academia in the development of modern democracies.

Mr. Guterres said that the school had made “very important contributions” to the Organization, specifically to the UN Charter as Louis Son, a co-author, had graduated from there.

The University has also contributed extensively to Holocaust research, and to the analysis of human rights violations and genocide.

The Secretary-General arrived at Lviv on Wednesday, and will go on to Odesa and Istanbul, Türkiye, over the following days.

While in the country, he will stop by one of the three Ukrainian ports participating in the framework of the Black Sea Initiative to export wheat grain.

Afghanistan: deadly attack in Kabul Mosque

Moving to Afghanistan, the UN Mission in the country, UNAMA, deplored Wednesday’s attack on a Mosque in Kabul.

An explosion ripped through a crowded mosque in the Afghan capital, claiming over 20 lives and injuring 40 others, according to media reports.

This is the latest in a disturbing series of bombings that have killed and injured more than 250 people in recent weeks.

According to UNAMA, it marks the highest monthly number of civilian casualties over the last year.

Amidst deteriorating security throughout the country, the UN called on the de facto Taliban authorities to take concrete steps to prevent all forms of terrorism in Afghanistan.

On Twitter, the UN Mission expressed its sympathies to the families of those killed, and called for more support for vulnerable communities.

Remembering Kofi Annan

Thursday marks four years since the passing of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, regarded by many as a guiding force for good.

Across the UN system, messages paid tribute to Mr. Annan, remembering him as an advocate for a better, fairer world.

Serving as UN Secretary-General from 1997 to 2005, Mr. Annan championed many significant initiatives.

From stronger human rights to global peacekeeping operations and in revitalizing the UN itself by creating the new role of deputy chief, an effective ethics office and zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, his legacy lives on.

Ana Carmo, UN News