YouSaid · the spoken record

Erna Solberg

lines on the record: 95
first: 2014-09-24
most recent: 2021-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Norway is seeking to advance this issue in the Security Council, in close cooperation with the countries in the region. President, In closing, I would like to commend the Secretary-General for the realistic assessment he presents in ‘Our Common Agenda’. We are given a choice between breakdown and breakthrough. I remain optimistic. We must take the crises we are now facing as our call to action. We must focus all there is to gain from acting together. There is a way forward. We have already charted our course; the 2030 agenda is our roadmap. Let's not hesitate. Let’s join forces and get started right away. Thank you.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The adoption of the resolution extending the mandate for delivering cross- border humanitarian aid into Syria was encouraging. It offers hope of finding a political solution to the long-lasting conflict. UN peace operations play a key role throughout the world. Norway is a strong supporter of the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative. This includes financial support to enhance the capacity of UN peace operations to carry out their mandate. Especially their mandate to facilitate political processes, protect civilians and implement the women, peace, and security agenda. Another challenge is maritime security and piracy. We need an integrated global response to make the oceans safe. Some 90 per cent of piracy incidents take place in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We need to protect and promote the framework for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation — first and foremost, the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Great power rivalry can threaten strategic stability. Dialogue and cooperation are essential. The extension of the New START Treaty is a welcome step forward. The international norm against the use of weapons of mass destruction must be upheld. The increased threat from chemical weapons must be countered. President, Durable peace is crucial to long-term security. In our work in the Security Council, we promote dialogue, partnerships, and preventive diplomacy. To remain relevant, the Council must respond to threats to international peace and security. It must not shy away from challenging situations.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We are now particularly concerned about the rights of women and girls, and people belonging to religious, ethnic, sexual and gender minorities. We fear for those who are at risk because of their work to advance fundamental freedoms. We will continue to support them, and the rest of the Afghan people. We will judge the Taliban by their actions, not but by their words. The composition of the interim government is discouraging. President, Global challenges have a major impact on international peace and security. Twice this year, the Security Council has discussed the security implications of climate change. To reach the SDGs, conflict prevention, peacekeeping and disarmament are vital. We must safeguard and strengthen the norms and structures that maintain peace. We must make sure that progress in this area is not reversed.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The decline in democracy and respect for human rights should be of concern to us all. We are seeing grave human rights violations in many parts of the world. In Venezuela. The atrocities and conflict in Tigray. The deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar, including for the Rohingyas. To mention a few. We count on the Security Council and regional organisations to play a proactive role. And we are alarmed and saddened by recent developments in Afghanistan. In the past two decades, Afghans have seen a significant progress in the human rights situation. Health care systems have been improved and millions of children have received an education. These hard-won gains must be protected.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“This will require job creation, openness, rules-based trade and fewer trade barriers. Free trade creates win-win solutions. Protectionism does not. President, Respect for human rights is essential to build prosperous and free societies. It is also the basis for equitable and stable societies. Everyone who believes in democracy must now defend its core values. On a personal note, I stand here as a Prime Minister who lost an election last week. After eight years, my Government will step down and hand over to a new team. I hope they will succeed in taking our country forward. I am mentioning this because orderly transitions cannot be taken for granted. And because democracy at work can help reduce the mistrust in and between countries. The kind of mistrust that the Secretary-General points to in ‘Our Common Agenda’.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We need to finance a sustainable recovery. We have an opportunity to do things right: We must align our efforts with our roadmap, the 2030 Agenda. We must invest in the green transition. We must invest in people, women and girls in particular. And we must fulfil the promise of the SDGs, to leave no one behind. We must secure the future welfare of a rapidly growing population. Domestic resource mobilisation is crucial to build back better and to reach the SDGs. Fair and effective tax systems are needed — not only to generate revenue, but also to build trust in government. The agreement reached in the OECD on a new framework for international tax reform is an important step forward. Without global trade and investments, we cannot solve the challenges we are facing.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In Africa, fewer than 1 in 20 people are fully vaccinated. In Europe, one in two are fully vaccinated. This inequity is clearly unfair. In some countries, the mindset seems to be that the pandemic is over — whilst others are facing huge waves of infection. The result is a disconnected world. It is unacceptable and dangerous. The truth is: The pandemic is not over, and it will not be over anywhere until it’s over everywhere. We need to accelerate the vaccination rollout across the world. Norway is proud to co-chair the ACT-Accelerator. It was set up to promote equitable access to tests, treatments, and vaccines. Public-private partnerships such as CEPI and Gavi are also part of the solution. Let us all agree: Financing pandemic preparedness is a sound investment — and we all benefit from the returns.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“But our ambition is even bolder: We call on all ocean and coastal states to make a similar commitment by 2030. President, The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us — yet again — that global problems require global solutions. It has also shown us what we can achieve together: effective vaccines developed in record time. We must not stop there: We need to reform and strengthen the global health architecture to prevent, detect, and respond to future threats. And we need a fully financed WHO playing a central, coordinating role. We must invest in health. We must build robust national health systems and ensure universal health coverage. There is a glaring inequity in vaccine distribution. Some countries have vaccinated their populations, and are on the path to recovery. For others, the lack of vaccines and weak health systems pose a serious problem.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We will also continue to partner with developing countries in their efforts to achieve climate-resilient and sustainable development. President, To tackle climate change, we urgently need to restore the health of the ocean. Healthy and productive oceans can help us achieve the SDGs. We know what has to be done. The High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy has presented an ambitious action agenda. This should form the basis for discussions on the oceans moving forward. Effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity must go hand in hand. Without healthy oceans, we all face an uncertain future. The Ocean Panel members have made a commitment to sustainably manage all of their ocean areas by 2025. That is one third of the world's exclusive economic zones. This is a bold target.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Together, we will work to limit temperature increase to 1.5°C, in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement. The transition to a low-emission society will require profound change. But it will also create opportunities for employment and growth. To ensure a fair and just transition, we must cut emissions — not jobs. We must invest in renewables and new technology. We must put a price on carbon. Investors and businesses will rise to the challenge once the right incentives are in place. Many countries have enhanced their targets. More countries, especially large economies, need to raise their ambition level ahead of COP26. We are doing our part. Norway’s new target is to cut emissions by at least 50 per cent —and towards 55 per cent by 2030.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“President, Excellencies, We are contending with three crises at the same time: a climate crisis, a health crisis, and an economic crisis. All of them call for a coordinated response. All of them underline why we need international cooperation. We need to remind ourselves of our collective strength. The United Nations was born out of crisis. Because crises have the potential to increase unity and resolve. We must harness the momentum created and take action. President, We know the path we need to take — and we have a plan: The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals are the roadmap to the world we want. Let me start with climate change. We are already living with the impacts. Just ask the many people who have witnessed devastating famine, floods and forest fires.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“President, COVID-19 is putting us all to the test. Information, research, treatment and vaccines must be shared in a way that leaves no-one behind. If not, we all stand to lose. I started by saying that the United Nations was born out of hope. While we can always do better, I find hope in the way we have come together in this race against time. We are united against a common enemy. We have been reminded of a simple fact: We are in this together. There is no stronger argument for our continued support for the United Nations. Thank you, and stay safe.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Our recommendations are based on the best advice from more than 150 international scientists and a wide network of business and NGOs. We will invite the international community to join this call for ocean action leading up to the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon next year. President, I would like to draw attention to the challenges seafarers are facing in this crisis. Around 500,000 seafarers currently await to disembark or embark ships and vessels globally. Almost 80 per cent of the world’s trade is transported by ship, including food, medical equipment and energy products. If the crisis persists, it can lead to major disruption of global trade, supply chains and the world economy. I encourage all Member States to designate seafarers as key workers and to implement the International Maritime Organisation's protocols for crew changes.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“A sustainable ocean economy holds benefits for health and society, as well as for the global economy and environment. Every dollar invested in key ocean actions yields 5 dollars in return, often more. Actions include increasing sustainable seafood production, decarbonising international shipping, scaling up offshore wind power and conserving and restoring mangroves. Responsible resource management increases the potential for economic growth. Two years ago, I convened the High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy, together with the president of Palau. The panel is comprised of fourteen distinguished members. On December 3rd we will present ways forward to better protect our ocean and release the enormous economic potential it holds.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“2020 remains the crucial year for countries to update and strengthen their national climate targets under the Paris Agreement. In February, Norway submitted an enhanced climate target for 2030. I encourage other countries to enhance their ambitions, especially the large economies. We must also give priority to further development of rules and cooperation under the Paris Agreement. Norway is actively speeding up the green shift in our economy, making it cheaper to be green, and more expensive to pollute. President, The oceans are a vital factor if we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 crisis has underlined the importance of the ocean economy. We need to build back not only better and greener, but also bluer.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The Panel will review current challenges and offer recommendations related to illicit financial flows. It is a common responsibility of all Member States to make sure there are no safe havens for the proceeds of crime, corruption or tax evasion. President, We need a healthy planet to fulfil the SDGs. Many Member States are facing climate related disasters — more frequent and more dangerous than ever before. The most vulnerable among us are hardest hit. The threat to small island states is existential. The people in the Sahel are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Yet they are among the world’s lowest emitters of CO2. It is our common obligation to invest in resilience, especially in the parts of the world most adversely affected by climate change.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We acknowledged this in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development. Funding sustainable development is more critical now than ever. The pandemic has exposed and compounded structural inequalities in all countries. Our response must focus on helping those furthest behind. The Addis Agenda highlights the importance of domestic resource mobilization in order to provide basic public goods and services. Yet public goods and services, such as health care and education, remain underfunded. We need to stop the drain on public resources. We must prevent corruption, tax evasion and other financial crime. To this end, Norway in its capacity as ECOSOC President launched a High- Level Panel on Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity — the FACTI panel — together with the President of the 74th General Assembly.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Increasing their opportunities and levelling the playing field pays great economic dividends. President, Eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our plan of action for people, for the planet and for prosperity. There is a danger that this pandemic may reverse years of progress on the SDGs. It has laid bare the weaknesses in our common systems. Extreme poverty is increasing, jobs are being lost at an unprecedented scale, and children are being deprived of their education. We have no alternative but to take decisive action now, and redouble our efforts to reach the sustainable development goals. In our continued quest to achieve these goals, national ownership and resource mobilization is crucial. Progress requires financing.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Denying women access to sexual and reproductive health services can lead to more maternal deaths, more teenage pregnancies and more child marriages. We must ensure that women and girls are protected. That they have access to health care. And that women have access to financial incentives for response and recovery. Norway has a long tradition of promoting women’s rights and gender equality. We know from our own experience that it is not just the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do. Gender equality is well worth the investments. If we are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality must be integrated in all our efforts. We must invest in girls and women. In their education, in their health, and in their participation in the labour market.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The pandemic is amplifying this negative trend. We have seen examples of the pandemic being used as a pretext to weaken democratic principles and human rights. The pandemic is an exam in practical governance for all states. The report card will be open for the world to see. We must ensure that human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and gender equality are at the core of our response and recovery efforts. Only then can we hope not only to soften the fall, but to build back better. President, I am shocked and saddened by the increase in violence against women and girls as a result of ongoing lockdowns across the world. Women are bearing the brunt of the pandemic in many societies. Women are on the front line as health care workers. At the same time, women’s own access to health care is heavily affected.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The Council should investigate any dispute or situation that might lead to international friction. And the Council should apply appropriate measures to stop aggression or prevent escalation of conflict. This is at the heart of the Security Council, and at the heart of the UN. Because there can be no development without peace. President, Human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles are the building blocks of just, peaceful and prosperous societies. Societies where citizens are protected and leaders are held accountable. Today, we are witnessing a different trend towards more authoritarianism and populism. Civil society, human rights defenders and media workers are increasingly coming under attack. The basic human rights of women are being undermined. Minorities are being targeted and vilified.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Second, we will build on the women, peace and security agenda and promote women’s participation in peace processes. Only an inclusive process can lead to sustainable peace for all. Third, Norway will focus on the protection of civilians, including children, based on international humanitarian and human rights law. We will give special priority to preventing and combating sexual violence in conflict. Fourth, Norway will bring climate-related security threats into the discussion. We must acknowledge that people living in conflict zones are among the most vulnerable to climate change, and that climate change in turn increases the risk of conflict. The Security Council has a primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Civilian as well as uniformed. You deserve our gratitude and respect. President, In June, Norway was elected as one of five incoming members of the UN Security Council. We are grateful for the strong vote of confidence from the Member States. We are preparing for this assignment fully aware that it is one of the most important and demanding tasks in international politics. Throughout our campaign, we strengthened bilateral bonds with all UN Member States. We pledged to listen and engage. To be open for dialogue with all countries. We will honour that commitment. In addressing country situations on the Security Council’s agenda, Norway will focus on four thematic areas in particular. First, we will use our experience from peace diplomacy to help fulfil the UN’s untapped potential to prevent and resolve conflicts and sustain peace.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“A world ruled by justice and respect for human rights. A world that acts decisively to reduce inequality, poverty and hunger. Acts to stem climate change. And acts to build resilience against pandemics and other global threats. We celebrate 75 years of the United Nations. In the next seventy-five years, how many new conflicts will emerge? How many new refugees will flee from destruction and persecution? How many girls will attend school? How many children will be vaccinated? Whatever old challenges remain and new challenges arise in the next 75 years, the UN must be at the centre of our coordinated efforts. This is why we continue to invest both financially and politically in this organization. I would like to pay tribute to the many deeply committed women and men who represent the United Nations across the globe.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, The United Nations was founded on hope — the hope for a better tomorrow in the aftermath of war. As we meet today, 75 years later, COVID-19 is putting us all to the test: Will we tackle the largest global challenge since the UN was established? Building on the lessons from other crises and infectious diseases, Norway continues our unwavering commitment to the UN and multilateral solutions. In response to the pandemic, we took the initiative to establish a UN COVID-19 response and recovery fund, and we are co-chairing the global effort on access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines — the ACT Accelerator. We stand firm in our conviction that global problems need global solutions. President, The goal of the UN is a world of peace and security.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Norway is therefore scaling up its support for climate change adaptation, resilience and food security in climate-vulnerable countries. This is an urgent task, and Norway will be an active partner in getting it done. Much has changed since Norway’s previous term on the Security Council in 2001 and 2002. But our commitment to solving common problems through the United Nations has not changed. We are a consistent partner at the United Nations. We will remain a strong supporter of a rules-based international order. Ours is and will continue to be an independent voice, and we will strive to find common ground. Norway is ready to serve again on the Security Council, and of course we hope for the support of all Member States.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As an ocean country close to the melting Arctic ice, we share a common concern and can feel the urgency of the crisis. We must invest in resilience. That makes sense in economic terms, too. Our forests, and especially the rainforests, have a vital role to play. For many years, Norway has championed emission reductions globally through our climate and forest initiative. We have continued to reduce deforestation by working with a number of countries, including in the Amazon. The initiative agreed on in Leticia by the Amazon countries has our full support. Norway will be working with all of the countries in the region — including Brazil, I hope — in order to reach a point where deforestation comes to a halt. But reducing future emissions is of little immediate help to those already affected.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Norway supports the call to appoint a special representative for climate and security, and we believe that the Security Council must address climate security issues. Hurricane Dorian has reminded us of the devastating effects of the climate crisis, and Norway will continue to support the call for graduated countries to be eligible for official development assistance if they are severely affected by natural disasters. Some of the countries experiencing the worst effects of climate change are among the world’s lowest emitters. The threat to small island States is existential. Climate-vulnerable countries such as Tuvalu, Dominica and the Seychelles should not bear the burden of adapting to this new reality alone. We are far apart geographically, but the oceans connect us.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“With close to 45 per cent of our new passenger cars now zero-emission vehicles, we are going from black to green in our passenger transport sector and we are also starting to reform our goods transport system. As a major shipping nation, we are working in the International Maritime Organization to reduce emissions from ships, and we are scaling up the construction of offshore floating wind developments. We must all do our part, and Norway will strengthen its nationally determined contribution by 2020.1 urge all other countries to do the same, because it is no longer possible to ignore the fact that climate change affects security. I am not talking about a scenario in the distant future. These security risks are already a reality for millions of people around the globe, and they are not going away.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In Paris, we made a commitment to delivering results and outlining new ambitions for significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2020. That is what Norway is doing. Almost 30 years ago, we introduced a carbon tax in Norway, including in our petrol sector. My Government’s budget proposal, to be presented next week, includes a 5 per cent increase in the tax on carbon emissions. With European Union emissions trading and our carbon tax, we are actively using market mechanisms to speed up the green shift in our economy. We are making it cheaper to be green and more expensive to pollute. The tax revenue will be used to reduce other taxes.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“At the same time, the oceans holds the key to achieving many of the SDGs. They are a vital source of food, energy, medicine and employment. If managed wisely, they offer huge potential for human development. Safeguarding the oceans is a shared responsibility and a matter of global urgency. That is why I initiated the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy two years ago. Next year, at the second United Nations Ocean Conference, we will present a to-do list for the oceans. In October, we will host the Our Ocean conference. Norway has also launched a development aid programme to combat marine litter. We believe that ocean-based climate action can be a key to achieving our commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We have consistently met the United Nations target of allocating 0.2 per cent of our gross national income to least-developed countries, and we have decided to increase that support further. If elected to the Security Council, we will strive to ensure that the oceans do not become a new area of conflict. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a legal framework for the oceans, ensuring predictability and stability and promoting peaceful international cooperation on the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans. It ensures freedom of navigation at sea. It is vital to ensure that all States fully implement it. The threats facing the oceans are unprecedented — loss of biodiversity, marine pollution, climate change and the overexploitation of marine resources are just some of the challenges we are seeing.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“National ownership is crucial to the achievement of the SDGs, as is the mobilization of national resources. Stimulating the private sector, boosting job creation, building fair and effective tax systems and curbing illicit financial flows and corruption are paramount for success. Norway is proud to hold the current presidency of the Economic and Social Council, and financing for development is the main priority for our presidency. At the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the pledge to leave no one behind. If we are to deliver on that commitment, development must be inclusive. We must reach the most vulnerable and marginalized. Norway is increasing its efforts to target those groups.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Norway has increased its humanitarian budget by more than 65 per cent since 2013, and we will maintain that high level of funding in the years to come. Security is closely linked to sustainable development. Conflict can reverse years of social and economic progress. Conflict prevention, peacekeeping and disarmament are vital if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sustainable development is crucial if we are to reduce insecurity and conflict. Looking ahead to 2030, we have made encouraging progress, especially in terms of access to education, health services and clean energy, but we are still not on track. As the Secretary-General has pointed out, we must step it up. Norway is a consistent partner in this endeavour, allocating 1 per cent of its gross national income to international development aid.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In recent years, we have seen an increase in the use of mines and in numbers of civilian casualties. The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention remains as relevant as ever. Norway currently holds the presidency of the Mine Ban Convention and we are also a major donor to mine action. The record numbers of internally displaced people around the world show no sign of decreasing. We need better strategies for addressing and reducing internal displacement and closer cooperation between the humanitarian and development sectors. Norway welcomes the forthcoming establishment of a high-level panel on internally displaced persons. We were one of the initiating countries, and the Secretary-General can count on our support.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The participation of women is a priority in all of Norway’s peace and security efforts, our work in mediation and peacekeeping, our humanitarian response and our peacebuilding efforts, and will remain a priority for us at the United Nations. Conflict and insecurity increase the need for humanitarian efforts. We are all responsible for supporting those in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, but we must do more. We must work to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and to strengthen protection efforts. The scale of sexual and gender- based violence in today’s humanitarian crises is totally unacceptable. These terrible crimes, which too often go unpunished, must be stopped. Norway is working actively with partner countries to that end.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Norway will continue to deploy high-end niche capacities on the ground, examples of which are our transport aircraft and specialized police team in Mali. We also provide staff officers and police advisers to the United Nations missions in South Sudan, Colombia and the Middle East, and will soon do so to the mission in Yemen. A strong relationship with the African Union (AU) is key to the success of United Nations peacekeeping in Africa. We should strengthen the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union and secure sustainable and predictable financing of United Nations-mandated AU peace support operations. Norway is a champion of women and peace and security. We will continue to push for a better gender balance at all levels and in all fields of peacekeeping activities.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“If we are elected, we will take that approach with us to the Security Council and put conflict resolution and peacebuilding high on the Council’s agenda. In a world where insecurity is increasing, United Nations peacekeeping must be adequate and relevant. Peacekeepers do the essential job of protecting civilians. Norway is an active supporter of the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative. We must develop innovative solutions to ensure that the United Nations has the quality and predictability it needs. One example is the rotational concept for military transport aircraft, which Norway initiated. By providing camp facilities, we also reduce costs for the United Nations and our rotation partners.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We welcome the progress made in talks between the United States and the Taliban and urge the parties to finalize an agreement, thereby opening the way for peace negotiations among Afghans. In our international peace efforts, we do not work alone. We need partnerships and cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations, with civil society and various interest groups. We know that the inclusion of women and minorities leads to stronger agreements, better implementation and greater legitimacy. Above all, the parties to a conflict must own the process. Norway is always impartial, but we are never value-neutral. We promote dialogue, listen to all parties and conduct pragmatic diplomacy.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Since the end of the Cold War, mediation and conflict resolution have been cornerstones of our foreign policy. At the request of the parties, we have been engaged in efforts to resolve conflicts all over the world, in Colombia, Venezuela, the Philippines and Afghanistan, on the African continent and in the Middle East. We always seek lasting solutions. There is so much to be gained if we succeed. That is why Norway is willing to take the political risk of engaging early and why we persist in our efforts over time. For example, we remain committed to a negotiated two-State solution between Israel and Palestine. As Chair of the International Donor Group for Palestine, Norway remains committed to strengthening the institutional foundation for a future Palestinian State. Norway also supports an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Terrorist propaganda, incitement and resources can move across borders, both real and virtual, and there is no single ideology, religion or belief behind them. Global security threats require global responses. Broad international cooperation is essential among States, international organizations, non-governmental partners and the private sector. We also need to work within our communities to prevent radicalization. We must prevent the spread of terrorist content online without undermining human rights or freedom of expression. Norway is committed to the Christchurch Call to Action. We too have experienced the deadly outcome of online radicalization. Creating durable peace is crucial to long-term security. Norway’s extensive experience in conflict resolution and peacebuilding guides our work in the United Nations.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Those partnerships must build on common interests and objectives, regardless of geography or tradition. Norway supports a more representative Security Council that better reflects global realities. That includes the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats for Africa. We need reforms that ensure greater legitimacy and lead to better results for more people. The Secretary-General has shown great leadership in reforming the United Nations, and Norway will continue to support the implementation of his reforms, both politically and financially. The consequences of instability affect us all. Areas of conflict and instability are breeding grounds for violent extremism and international terrorism, and those threats are not limited to the conflict areas themselves.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Norway is a firm supporter of a rules-based multilateral order. We are a consistent partner in efforts to promote sustainable development, peace, security and human rights. The world needs strong multilateral cooperation and institutions to tackle global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity and terrorism, and the United Nations needs to be strengthened so that we are better equipped to respond to the current challenges. Norway wants to take part in that responsibility. That is why we are a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period from 2021 to 2022. We are ready to serve and to build a more effective and transparent Council that will help us to solve our common challenges in a better way. We must all work to forge new partnerships.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Together with partners from many regions, Norway will support initiatives for sustainable oceans and forests. We will highlight the consequences of climate change and the links between security and sustainable development. We will promote reform of the Council to make it more transparent, representative and better equipped to deal with current global realities. Norway will continue to be a consistent partner of the United Nations. We will continue to seek common solutions to the challenges that we face in our shared future.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We consistently allocate 1 per cent of our gross national income to development aid. There is broad support for the United Nations and for our engagement in sustainable development and peace across the political spectrum. In 2021 it will have been 20 years since Norway previously held a seat on the Security Council. We are ready to serve again. If we are elected, we will work to make the Security Council more transparent, efficient and representative. We will work with other Member States, regardless of their size, wealth or geographical location, to find common solutions. We will draw on our experience in peace and reconciliation processes. As women’s rights and participation are crucial to lasting peace and stability, we will keep that issue high on our agenda.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Now we must translate that into action. Managing our oceans sustainably is crucial. Increased global funding is imperative and Norway will dig deep to contribute. We have no time to lose. That is why, earlier this week, I established the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, made up of Heads of State and Government from all continents. We aim to promote science-based decision-making in the fields of ocean economy and ocean management. We will cooperate closely with the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean and other ocean initiatives. We aim to present our report in 2020. For seven decades, Norway has been a consistent supporter of the United Nations and the rules-based multilateral order. We are one of the largest financial contributors to the United Nations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Fifty per cent of the world’s oxygen comes from the oceans. Thirty per cent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions are absorbed by the oceans. Our oceans offer us enormous renewable resources and represent a source of great promise and economic potential. Almost half of the world’s population already depends on the oceans for nutrition and employment, but in order to ensure a sustainable ocean economy, we must produce more from the oceans. However, the sustainability of our oceans is threatened. By 2050, they could contain more plastic than fish. Marine litter is one of the fastest growing environmental concerns. Since I started speaking, a further 200 tons of plastic have ended up in the sea. The United Nations Environment Assembly has taken a bold step and adopted a vision of zero discharge of plastic litter into the ocean.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“However, there are still more boys than girls who get an education. We have to put girls at the centre of our education efforts. But just going to school is not enough. That is why Norway has focused on teaching quality and learning outcomes. Ensuring quality education requires continued international financing, and the financing gap is considerable. It is therefore important to mobilize domestic resources and private funding, alongside official development assistance. Norway is doing its part. So far this year, we have allocated approximately $440 million to global education, and we will now increase our support to education efforts targeting girls, to nearly $40 million for the period 2018-2019. Clean and healthy oceans that are sustainably harvested are a prerequisite for reaching the SDGs.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Health is both a human right in itself and a prerequisite for development. Investing in national health systems is expensive, but failing to do so can prove even more costly. The World Health Organization is working to create a global action plan for a simpler health architecture. That is a response to an initiative launched by Ghana, Germany and Norway. The action plan will be presented in Berlin in October. Prevention saves lives, reduces human suffering and enhances economic and social development. Norway is proud to be hosting the first replenishment conference of the Global Financing Facility in Oslo on 6 November, and will contribute substantially. Progress on one SDG will stimulate progress on others. For example, child mortality rates fall when mothers have an education.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)