Melissa Fleming
@melissafleming.un.org
I lead communications at the United Nations. I promote peace, human rights & a healthy planet and advocate for humane information ecosystems.
Author: A Hope More Powerful than the Sea.
Podcast host: Awake at Night.
Author: A Hope More Powerful than the Sea.
Podcast host: Awake at Night.
#Iran:
#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use against protesters.
“I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.”
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use against protesters.
“I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.”
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
January 12, 2026 at 8:17 PM
#Iran:
#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use against protesters.
“I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.”
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use against protesters.
“I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.”
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres regrets U.S. decision to withdraw from a number of UN entities.
“The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.
We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
“The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.
We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
January 8, 2026 at 6:32 PM
#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres regrets U.S. decision to withdraw from a number of UN entities.
“The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.
We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
“The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.
We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
Amid #Venezuela’s political upheaval, the UN mission remains constant:
🔹 keep humanitarian lifelines open
🔹 defend human rights
🔹 support Venezuelans at home and across the region.
news.un.org/en/story/202...
🔹 keep humanitarian lifelines open
🔹 defend human rights
🔹 support Venezuelans at home and across the region.
news.un.org/en/story/202...
January 7, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Amid #Venezuela’s political upheaval, the UN mission remains constant:
🔹 keep humanitarian lifelines open
🔹 defend human rights
🔹 support Venezuelans at home and across the region.
news.un.org/en/story/202...
🔹 keep humanitarian lifelines open
🔹 defend human rights
🔹 support Venezuelans at home and across the region.
news.un.org/en/story/202...
The #UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in #Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
January 3, 2026 at 3:31 PM
The #UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in #Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
www.un.org/sg/en/conten...
As many of us are gathering with loved ones for the holiday season, my thoughts are with the millions of children living in and fleeing conflict zones.
No child should ever experience violence anywhere, anytime.
The urgency for action has never been greater.
No child should ever experience violence anywhere, anytime.
The urgency for action has never been greater.
December 24, 2025 at 7:04 PM
As many of us are gathering with loved ones for the holiday season, my thoughts are with the millions of children living in and fleeing conflict zones.
No child should ever experience violence anywhere, anytime.
The urgency for action has never been greater.
No child should ever experience violence anywhere, anytime.
The urgency for action has never been greater.
Today, as we mark #HumanRightsDay, I think of those whose rights are being limited, violated and denied every day.
We cannot stay silent. We cannot afford any setbacks.
Human rights are non-negotiable.
They belong to each and every one of us.
We cannot stay silent. We cannot afford any setbacks.
Human rights are non-negotiable.
They belong to each and every one of us.
December 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Today, as we mark #HumanRightsDay, I think of those whose rights are being limited, violated and denied every day.
We cannot stay silent. We cannot afford any setbacks.
Human rights are non-negotiable.
They belong to each and every one of us.
We cannot stay silent. We cannot afford any setbacks.
Human rights are non-negotiable.
They belong to each and every one of us.
I was so sad to hear that Porter Andersen has died.
Porter was a sharp observer of the publishing industry, recognizing both the responsibilities and the power that publishers carry.
His voice will be truly missed, and we will proudly continue the important conversations that he inspired.
Porter was a sharp observer of the publishing industry, recognizing both the responsibilities and the power that publishers carry.
His voice will be truly missed, and we will proudly continue the important conversations that he inspired.
December 6, 2025 at 10:44 PM
I was so sad to hear that Porter Andersen has died.
Porter was a sharp observer of the publishing industry, recognizing both the responsibilities and the power that publishers carry.
His voice will be truly missed, and we will proudly continue the important conversations that he inspired.
Porter was a sharp observer of the publishing industry, recognizing both the responsibilities and the power that publishers carry.
His voice will be truly missed, and we will proudly continue the important conversations that he inspired.
As cyberstalking, gendered disinformation, and AI-driven deepfakes escalate, 1.8 billion women and girls chave no access to legal protection from digital abuse.
Adolescent girls face some of the greatest risks.
Stop digital abuse.
They need support, accountability, safety.
Adolescent girls face some of the greatest risks.
Stop digital abuse.
They need support, accountability, safety.
November 25, 2025 at 7:55 PM
As cyberstalking, gendered disinformation, and AI-driven deepfakes escalate, 1.8 billion women and girls chave no access to legal protection from digital abuse.
Adolescent girls face some of the greatest risks.
Stop digital abuse.
They need support, accountability, safety.
Adolescent girls face some of the greatest risks.
Stop digital abuse.
They need support, accountability, safety.
On Wednesday, at UN Headquarters in Geneva, I had the pleasure to meet this year’s Young Activist Summit laureates — Salvino, Rena, Dev, Aminata, and Marina.
These remarkable young changemakers are showing us all that a better world is already taking shape.
These remarkable young changemakers are showing us all that a better world is already taking shape.
November 20, 2025 at 2:25 AM
On Wednesday, at UN Headquarters in Geneva, I had the pleasure to meet this year’s Young Activist Summit laureates — Salvino, Rena, Dev, Aminata, and Marina.
These remarkable young changemakers are showing us all that a better world is already taking shape.
These remarkable young changemakers are showing us all that a better world is already taking shape.
The senseless #Sudan war has created the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis. Egypt has become the largest refuge for those escaping.
I met refugees at UNHCR Egypt. Safe here, but still shaken with trauma, broken dreams & new worries.
Impressed how UNHCR registers & supports them.
I met refugees at UNHCR Egypt. Safe here, but still shaken with trauma, broken dreams & new worries.
Impressed how UNHCR registers & supports them.
November 11, 2025 at 8:39 PM
The senseless #Sudan war has created the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis. Egypt has become the largest refuge for those escaping.
I met refugees at UNHCR Egypt. Safe here, but still shaken with trauma, broken dreams & new worries.
Impressed how UNHCR registers & supports them.
I met refugees at UNHCR Egypt. Safe here, but still shaken with trauma, broken dreams & new worries.
Impressed how UNHCR registers & supports them.
As we celebrate UN Day and our 80th anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to one of the most ambitious undertakings in human history:
The decision - despite our differences - to solve problems together.
To work sincerely, creatively & humbly.
For a better future for all.
The decision - despite our differences - to solve problems together.
To work sincerely, creatively & humbly.
For a better future for all.
October 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
As we celebrate UN Day and our 80th anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to one of the most ambitious undertakings in human history:
The decision - despite our differences - to solve problems together.
To work sincerely, creatively & humbly.
For a better future for all.
The decision - despite our differences - to solve problems together.
To work sincerely, creatively & humbly.
For a better future for all.
The International Justice Court delivered an Advisory Opinion concluding that Israel is required to:
"ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.”
"ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.”
Israel is obliged to let aid flow into Occupied Palestinian Territory, says World Court
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) says that Israel must uphold its responsibilities as the “occupying power” by ensuring aid can flow freely and by respecting the rights of the UN and other hum...
news.un.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:09 AM
The International Justice Court delivered an Advisory Opinion concluding that Israel is required to:
"ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.”
"ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.”
Very happy to be invited to speak at the
Publish Her Lounge at the @buchmesse.de on Women in Executive Leadership with a panel of incredible women!
We will discuss what true influence looks like, in publishing & beyond.
October 16th, 10 am CEST: womeninpublishing.org/events/frank...
Publish Her Lounge at the @buchmesse.de on Women in Executive Leadership with a panel of incredible women!
We will discuss what true influence looks like, in publishing & beyond.
October 16th, 10 am CEST: womeninpublishing.org/events/frank...
October 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Very happy to be invited to speak at the
Publish Her Lounge at the @buchmesse.de on Women in Executive Leadership with a panel of incredible women!
We will discuss what true influence looks like, in publishing & beyond.
October 16th, 10 am CEST: womeninpublishing.org/events/frank...
Publish Her Lounge at the @buchmesse.de on Women in Executive Leadership with a panel of incredible women!
We will discuss what true influence looks like, in publishing & beyond.
October 16th, 10 am CEST: womeninpublishing.org/events/frank...
Gaza’s health system is near collapse and is struggling to treat the nearly 42,000 people with life-changing war injuries.
This includes 10,000 kids.
The @who.int is appealing to bring in more medical supplies and assistive devices.
This includes 10,000 kids.
The @who.int is appealing to bring in more medical supplies and assistive devices.
October 4, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Gaza’s health system is near collapse and is struggling to treat the nearly 42,000 people with life-changing war injuries.
This includes 10,000 kids.
The @who.int is appealing to bring in more medical supplies and assistive devices.
This includes 10,000 kids.
The @who.int is appealing to bring in more medical supplies and assistive devices.
The 80th session of #UNGA is about to start at United Nations Headquarters in New York!
Tune in and watch the live on UN Web TV: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n...
Tune in and watch the live on UN Web TV: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n...
September 23, 2025 at 12:49 PM
The 80th session of #UNGA is about to start at United Nations Headquarters in New York!
Tune in and watch the live on UN Web TV: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n...
Tune in and watch the live on UN Web TV: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n...
As we gear up for the #UNGA, I got to interview my boss - UN Secretary-General António Guterres on what he expects from world leaders here - in “our house”, at UN Headquarters in New York, next week.
September 21, 2025 at 3:02 AM
As we gear up for the #UNGA, I got to interview my boss - UN Secretary-General António Guterres on what he expects from world leaders here - in “our house”, at UN Headquarters in New York, next week.
I am so proud of my fantastic UN Department of Global Communications team for all their hard work ahead of the the General Assembly.
As world leaders and change makers gather here in New York, we will be streaming, photographing, live blogging, interviewing, posting and hosting events and panels.
As world leaders and change makers gather here in New York, we will be streaming, photographing, live blogging, interviewing, posting and hosting events and panels.
September 19, 2025 at 8:20 PM
I am so proud of my fantastic UN Department of Global Communications team for all their hard work ahead of the the General Assembly.
As world leaders and change makers gather here in New York, we will be streaming, photographing, live blogging, interviewing, posting and hosting events and panels.
As world leaders and change makers gather here in New York, we will be streaming, photographing, live blogging, interviewing, posting and hosting events and panels.
Inspiring moment at UN Headquarters in New York today as the 80th session of the General Assembly opened under the theme “Better Together”.
September 10, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Inspiring moment at UN Headquarters in New York today as the 80th session of the General Assembly opened under the theme “Better Together”.
One of my latest guests on Awake At Night, Yacoub El Hillo, spent much of his career helping refugees & displaced people.
But, when cataclysmic war erupted in his home country, Sudan, he had to help his own family flee.
Find out more on his story: bit.ly/4mOLvNo
But, when cataclysmic war erupted in his home country, Sudan, he had to help his own family flee.
Find out more on his story: bit.ly/4mOLvNo
September 5, 2025 at 2:54 AM
One of my latest guests on Awake At Night, Yacoub El Hillo, spent much of his career helping refugees & displaced people.
But, when cataclysmic war erupted in his home country, Sudan, he had to help his own family flee.
Find out more on his story: bit.ly/4mOLvNo
But, when cataclysmic war erupted in his home country, Sudan, he had to help his own family flee.
Find out more on his story: bit.ly/4mOLvNo
Monday marked 8 years since over 700,000 Rohingya were forced by unimaginable violence & brutality to flee their homes in Myanmar.
Every year as we approach this tragic anniversary, I cannot stop thinking of the traumatized refugees I met in Cox’s Bazar, the biggest, most congested camp on earth.
Every year as we approach this tragic anniversary, I cannot stop thinking of the traumatized refugees I met in Cox’s Bazar, the biggest, most congested camp on earth.
August 25, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Monday marked 8 years since over 700,000 Rohingya were forced by unimaginable violence & brutality to flee their homes in Myanmar.
Every year as we approach this tragic anniversary, I cannot stop thinking of the traumatized refugees I met in Cox’s Bazar, the biggest, most congested camp on earth.
Every year as we approach this tragic anniversary, I cannot stop thinking of the traumatized refugees I met in Cox’s Bazar, the biggest, most congested camp on earth.
Famine confirmed for first time in #Gaza
@fao.org @unicef.org @wfp.org & @who.int call for an immediate & full-scale humanitarian response given the escalating hunger-related deaths, rapidly worsening levels of acute malnutrition & plummeting levels of food consumption.
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
@fao.org @unicef.org @wfp.org & @who.int call for an immediate & full-scale humanitarian response given the escalating hunger-related deaths, rapidly worsening levels of acute malnutrition & plummeting levels of food consumption.
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
Famine confirmed for first time in Gaza
FAO, UNICEF, WFP and WHO reiterate call for immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger and malnutrition.
www.fao.org
August 22, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Famine confirmed for first time in #Gaza
@fao.org @unicef.org @wfp.org & @who.int call for an immediate & full-scale humanitarian response given the escalating hunger-related deaths, rapidly worsening levels of acute malnutrition & plummeting levels of food consumption.
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
@fao.org @unicef.org @wfp.org & @who.int call for an immediate & full-scale humanitarian response given the escalating hunger-related deaths, rapidly worsening levels of acute malnutrition & plummeting levels of food consumption.
www.fao.org/newsroom/det...
Hundreds of thousands of people still trapped in Sudan's besieged city of El Fasher face starvation, as the city remains cut off from humanitarian access.
WFP is ready with trucks full of food aid to send into El Fasher but urgently needs guarantees of safe passage.
So many lives are at stake.
WFP is ready with trucks full of food aid to send into El Fasher but urgently needs guarantees of safe passage.
So many lives are at stake.
August 14, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Hundreds of thousands of people still trapped in Sudan's besieged city of El Fasher face starvation, as the city remains cut off from humanitarian access.
WFP is ready with trucks full of food aid to send into El Fasher but urgently needs guarantees of safe passage.
So many lives are at stake.
WFP is ready with trucks full of food aid to send into El Fasher but urgently needs guarantees of safe passage.
So many lives are at stake.
Shocking news that the Israeli military killed 5 @aljazeera.com journalists in #Gaza by targeting their tent.
More than 240 Palestinian journalists met the same terrible fate since the war began, silencing their voices.
Journalists are protected under international humanitarian law.
More than 240 Palestinian journalists met the same terrible fate since the war began, silencing their voices.
Journalists are protected under international humanitarian law.
August 11, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Shocking news that the Israeli military killed 5 @aljazeera.com journalists in #Gaza by targeting their tent.
More than 240 Palestinian journalists met the same terrible fate since the war began, silencing their voices.
Journalists are protected under international humanitarian law.
More than 240 Palestinian journalists met the same terrible fate since the war began, silencing their voices.
Journalists are protected under international humanitarian law.
@nytimes.com: Starvation has gripped #Gaza, which the United Nations says is on the brink of famine.
“I’ve worked in some of the harshest places you can imagine. I have never, ever seen this in my whole career.”
-Antoine Renard @wfp.org www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/w...
“I’ve worked in some of the harshest places you can imagine. I have never, ever seen this in my whole career.”
-Antoine Renard @wfp.org www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/w...
Israel, Facing Anger Over Starvation in Gaza, Tries to Shift the Focus
www.nytimes.com
August 6, 2025 at 4:59 PM
@nytimes.com: Starvation has gripped #Gaza, which the United Nations says is on the brink of famine.
“I’ve worked in some of the harshest places you can imagine. I have never, ever seen this in my whole career.”
-Antoine Renard @wfp.org www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/w...
“I’ve worked in some of the harshest places you can imagine. I have never, ever seen this in my whole career.”
-Antoine Renard @wfp.org www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/w...
Today, The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification issued a red alert:
“The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
“The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
July 29, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Today, The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification issued a red alert:
“The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...
“The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza.”
news.un.org/en/story/202...