YouSaid · the spoken record

Burgstaller

lines on the record: 46
first: 2012-11-26
most recent: 2014-07-28
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-security-council

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

“In conclusion, the Nordic countries welcome the Security Council's increased attention to the issue of enhanced cooperation and partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations, and we stand ready to contribute by supporting regional capacity-building and through direct participation in international and regional peacekeeping efforts.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“One of the instruments of the European Common Security and Defence Policy is the EU Battlegroup concept, inspired by the successful conduct ofOperation Artemis in 2003, in support of the then United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the spring of 2015, the Nordic Battlegroup, in which Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden participate, will be on standby and capable of carrying out military crisis management operations should the EU member States decide to launch such an operation.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“We are already contributing to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and Sweden will soon make a substantial contribution, with an intelligence collection capability, in support of MINUSMA's all- sources information fusion unit. In the area of civilian personnel, we contribute to the majority of United Nations missions in Africa, including MINUSMA, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For more than a decade, the European Union has been engaged in civil and military crisis management and capacity-building in Africa, in partnership with the United Nations and regional partners.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“A strategic guidance framework police command meeting, to be co-hosted in Pretoria in October by the Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, the Swedish Police and the United Nations Police Division, will further the framework's development. The Nordic countries are strongly committed to peaceful conflict resolution in Africa. We are jointly engaged in several capacity-building programmes with the Eastern Africa Standby Force that include giving financial and advisory support, and we contribute to capacity-building within the African Union Commission and IGAD. The Nordic countries contribute troops, military observers and staff officers, as well as police and corrections officers and other civilian personnel, to both United Nations and EU peace operations across the continent.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“The Nordic countries continue to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the framework for women and peace and security is reflected in all aspects of peacekeeping and activities relating to it. The Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations, located in Sweden, is designed to support the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and related resolutions. Strengthening the rule of law has emerged as a central objective for United Nations peacekeeping operations, and has led to the expansion and increasing complexity of international police mandates and tasks in peacekeeping operations. The strategic guidance framework for international police peacekeeping being developed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, in close collaboration with Member States, is designed to provide an overarching policy architecture.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Well-structured partnerships are needed for the smooth transfer of regional operations to United Nations operations and Vice versa. We welcome the Secretary-General's June 11 announcement that he will be initiating work on a comprehensive review of United Nations peacekeeping (see S/PV.7196). The review should closely study how United Nations partnerships with regional organizations can be further developed, especially regarding their operational aspects. A ministerial event on the challenges of United Nations peacekeeping will be organized by Finland and Uruguay in cooperation with the International Peace Institute during the high- level week of the General Assembly in September. Effective peace operations require a comprehensive approach.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Over the years, we have seen that the international community lacks the capability to react quickly to early warning signals. South Sudan and the Central African Republic are recent examples. The early warning mechanisms ofthe African Union and regional economic communities, such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have the potential to improve this situation, and we hope that they can be further developed in collaboration with the United Nations. Although there are unarguably clear advantages of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, and between regional and subregional organizations, this also creates challenges, not least in the areas of command-and-control, joint planning and coordination.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“The Nordic countries fully agree with the conclusions of the concept note that was circulated prior to today's meeting (S/2014/478, annex) regarding the complementary roles of the regional economic communities, the African Union and the United Nations. Alongside the United Nations, other regional organizations such as the European Union (EU), as well as NATO, give important logistical and financial support and contribute to capacity-building. The Nordic countries would also like to commend the Latin American countries for their support to United Nations peacekeeping, in particular through their engagement in Haiti and their large contributions to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. Similarly, we welcome the engagement of the League of Arab States in conflict-management efforts in the Middle East, notably in Syria.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“A more results-oriented cooperation and a stronger African ability to deal with peace and security challenges on African soil will be of benefit to all. The Nordic countries commend the role played by African forces both in the framework of regional missions, such as the African Union Mission in Somalia, and in United Nations settings. More recently, in the Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo, African forces have again accepted to take on high levels of risk, and have achieved significant progress as a result. We also welcome the intention of the African Union to develop its civilian conflict- management capacities, and stand ready to support that endeavour.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“I thank you for providing this opportunity to discuss how the partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations can be further developed. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. In promoting peace and stability, enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is key, and the increased role of regional organizations in peacekeeping contributes to the efficient use of scarce resources. In Africa, the African Union is shouldering a heavy burden alongside the United Nations. We commend the progress made by the African States within the framework of the African peace and security architecture, bringing increased knowledge and ownership to conflict management on that continent.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Another issue that is reflected in the Secretary- General's report and which deserves more attention is sexual violence perpetrated against men and boys. The lack of national legislation, specialized services and the stigma associated with those violations are among the factors that prevent recognition of that violence as a crime. Effective measures to end impunity should be combined with multisectoral services for survivors of sexual violence, including their access to legal services and health services. The Nordic countries support the Secretary-General's call for survivors' access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services and welcome his acknowledgement of the United Nations particular responsibility in that regard.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“The number of internally displaced persons and refugees continues to rise to unprecedented levels. In his report, the Secretary-General points to sexual violence as a driver of displacement and highlights the increased risks faced by displaced women and girls, who make up the majority of displaced persons. To further assist in that regard, the United Nations should advance the deployment of women protection advisers and gender advisers in both peacekeeping and political missions, as well as in humanitarian operations. Across sectors and actors, the United Nations needs to remain vigilant about the need to address sexual violence in conflict by ensuring the highest standards and training of its personnel.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“We expect the Security Council to ensure that gender perspectives are consistently mainstreamed in country resolutions and in authorizations and renewals of mandates, as laid out in resolutions 1960 (2010) and 2106 (2013). We would like to highlight in particular the requirement that missions establish monitoring and reporting arrangements on sexual violence. The Nordic countries would also like to emphasize the importance of women's participation in the design of security sector reform (SSR) and in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes. We welcome the Secretary-General's focus on that in his report. Flawed SSR and DDR processes can lead to impunity and insecurity with widespread sexual violence, even after the end of a conflict.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“The role and influence of civil society in preventing and addressing sexual violence are essential and must be supported. Therefore, investments in gender equality and women's full enjoyment of human rights 4 not least in fragile States - must be seen as core to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We know that women's participation is essential for building sustainable peace. We need to ensure that women's rights must never be a marginalized side activity that takes place only after all the hard security issues have been dealt with. It is crucial to ensure that the women, peace and security agenda is duly reflected in all engagements relating to international peace and security.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“The Justice Rapid Response/UN-Women roster of sexual and gender- based violence justice experts has proven to be another important and effective tool to address crimes related to sexual and gender-based violence in conflict. Promoting gender equality and women's participation is critical if we are to ever tackle the causes of sexual Violence. We must always remember that women are not only victims; they are also a great resource for their communities and countries. A fundamental part of combatting sexual violence is that women will be actively involved in political decision-making and in the economic life in their societies, and that their voices are heard and respected. Women's input is key to finding the right solutions and putting an end to these crimes.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“As the Secretary-General points out in his report (S/2014/181), we have reached a stage where implementation is what counts. The responsibility lies with all of us and Member States must commit themselves to implementation. The burning question is: how do we do it? It is important to address both the causes and consequences of sexual violence. We need to work on deterring new crimes and we need to hold perpetrators accountable. While the primary responsibility for that lies with the States, the role of the International Criminal Court is also of crucial importance. The Nordic countries commend the work done by the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in strengthening the capacities of States to address such violence.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and, my own country, Sweden. First, let me thank the Secretary-General and the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Bangura, and Ms. Misaka of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security for their informative statements, and express the continued and strong support of the Nordic countries for their work against sexual violence in conflict. The appalling situation faced by survivors of sexual Violence calls for our urgent attention. Sexual violence in conflict must stop. A strong normative framework is in place, the Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security being the most prominent constituent, and we call on the full implementation of those resolutions.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“The Swedish Folke Bernadotte Academy and the Swedish National Defence College have produced a handbook on assisting international criminal investigations with very hands-on information to all those - including journalists - who are present in conflict environments on how to correctly identify, gather and forward information on possible international crimes to international criminal courts and tribunals. UNESCO and Reporters Without Borders have developed a practical guide for journalists in conflict zones. Sweden, together with the Swedish Reporters Without Borders, is in the process of translating this handbook to ensure its wider distribution. In closing, this debate today has underscored the difficult circumstances under which journalists operate, while providing the international community with vital information from conflict areas.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Nordic countries support a range of initiatives that are relevant to the topic of today's debate. Let me mention just a few. Norway, in partnership with Argentina, Austria, Indonesia and Uganda, has led a series of regional conferences on the theme "Reclaiming the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law". At the final global conference held in May this year, the protection of journalists was specifically underlined in the co-Chairs' recommendations.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“This encompasses the need to deal with issues such as corruption, organized crime and an effective framework for the rule of law. At the thirty-first International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 2011, the States parties agreed in a resolution on a four-year action plan to enhance the protection of journalists and the role of media workers. We must report on progress at the next Conference in 2015. Education is also needed in preventative actions and to underline causes of violence against journalists. For this purpose, we have a common responsibility to educate our armed forces on the protection of civilians and journalists under international humanitarian law and human rights law, and we must make sure that crimes against them are brought to justice.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Security Council must be clear and strong in its messages and resolutions that violations against civilians and journalists cannot be tolerated. We, the international community, must also put pressure on those who fail to respect the basic yet vital rules that apply. Journalists also play a crucial role in witnessing, gathering information, and reporting on violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. This is an essential element in ensuring that such crimes do not go unpunished. Neither should crimes against journalists themselves go unpunished. Promoting the safety of journalists and fighting impunity requires preventive actions to address the causes of violence against journalists and impunity.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Nordic countries welcome the first resolution on the safety of journalists adopted by the Human Rights Council in September 2012 (resolution 21/ 12). Many different forms of media play a key role in the exercise, promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Journalists, like everyone else, are entitled to the same rights online as they have offline, as affirmed by the Human Rights Council in its landmark resolution 20/8, "The promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet", adopted in July 2012. We, the international community, must demand and ensure that the protection under international humanitarian law given to journalists, as recognized war correspondents and as civilians, is fully respected and upheld.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In light of the worsening situation over the past decade, the Nordic countries very much welcome the creation of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, led by UNESCO and aiming at securing greater cooperation among United Nations organizations, Member States and other stakeholders in supporting the creation of a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers in conflict and non-conflict situations. We particularly appreciate the United Nations Plan's concrete implementation strategy for the global and national levels. The increasing violence across the world against journalists undermines the very foundation of open and democratic societies in which freedom of expression is a cornerstone.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The work ofjournalists in armed conflict - witnessing and reporting on violations and abuses of human rights and violations of humanitarian law - is in the international public interest. The presence of j ournalists often helps to prevent atrocities being committed. Yet, many journalists and media workers are persecuted during armed conflicts precisely because of their work. It is often said that truth is the first casualty of war; this sometimes translates into a deliberate targeting of journalists.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. At the outset, I should like to thank the United States for taking the initiative to hold an open debate on the protection of journalists in armed conflict. I should also like to thank the Deputy Secretary-General for his briefing and the distinguished journalists for sharing their valuable insights and experiences with us today. The Nordic countries greatly value the crucial role of journalists in enhancing the international community's understanding of conflict areas, and we are deeply committed to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, including the protection ofjournalists.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The elaboration of mandates in the Security Council cannot be delinked from the debates about budget in other forums, and this is essential in the context of ensuring a smooth transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and long-term development. In his report for the 2013 session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping (A/67/632), the Secretary-General emphasizes the need to ensure sustained international support in the transition phase. The Nordic countries believe that such support is crucial to reach the relevant end-states. Let me conclude by stressing that in all these efforts nothing is more important than the role of the host country. To reach the desired end-states in United Nations missions, broad national ownership is of vital importance. Good political leadership and accountability are essential for successful outcomes.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Finding pragmatic ways to operate in close coordination, building on each other's comparative advantages, is key. The joint ventures in the Liberian context between the United Nations police and bilateral partners is a useful example of how this can be done. Such an integrated approach also allows the Security Council to achieve its goals without overloading the peacekeeping missions with tasks others may be better equipped to carry out in the peacebuilding area. In this regard, we encourage closer cooperation between the Council and the country configurations of the Peacebuilding Commission. Finally, I would like to make a few comments on financing. Proper resourcing is important.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We commend the Secretariat and the civilian capacities team for making good progress in getting this new system for mobilizing civilian capabilities from both the global South and the global North up and running. Furthermore, we also encourage the Secretariat to continue its efforts to improve the gender balance of the mission staff, including in leadership positions. The United Nations must deliver as one, including in a mission setting where there needs to be a very close integration between the United Nations country team and the peacekeeping mission, especially on planning and implementing civilian tasks. There should be a stronger focus on coordination and coherence with other actors in the field, such as international financial institutions, regional organizations and bilateral partners.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“There is a need to train police and military personnel to operate in multidimensional settings to ensure that the United Nations will have the right person in the right place at the right time. Also, more effort should be directed at strengthening the peacekeepers' capacity to create an enabling environment for peacebuilding activities, which include such critical areas as security sector reform, the rule of law and human rights. The global focal point could be an important contributor to achieving these objectives. In addition to police and military personnel, missions also require stronger civilian capabilities. We fully support the Secretary-General's initiative to respond to the increasing demands for civilian personnel. In this context, the creation of CAPMATCH was a very important step forward.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. At the outset, I should like to thank Pakistan for taking this initiative to hold an open debate on the multidimensional approach to United Nations peacekeeping. The Nordic countries share the basic premises of the concept note distributed ahead of the meeting (S/2013/4, annex) and fully agree with the notion that a multidimensional approach is key to building lasting peace. I will focus my statement on three main issues related to the topic of today's debate: multidimensional operations, coordination and coherence, and financing. Multidimensional peacekeeping operations provide the basis for a strong link between peacekeeping and peacebuilding, but a multidimensional approach also puts new demands on the missions.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Zainab Hawa Bangura, and look forward to working closely with her, as well as with the United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict. In conclusion, 12 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we, the Nordic countries, renew our commitment to the equal right of women to determine the peaceful future of their societies. We recognize that full and effective participation of women and men alike enhances the legitimacy of peace processes, as well as the prospect for a durable and lasting peace. We have a collective responsibility to translate that awareness into further actions.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/66/811) on strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution and its annex I, entitled "Guidance for Effective Mediation". Both the report and the Guidance highlight the importance of the role of women. We call on the Secretary-General to nominate women as chief mediators and special envoys and as members of mediation teams. Let me finish by commending UN-Women for its crucial work in leading and coordinating the United Nations system work on women and peace and security. We commend the work of the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallstrom. We also welcome the appointment of her successor, Ms.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“It is of particular importance to support women's full and effective participation in post-conflict constitutional and electoral processes, including through special measures and security arrangements. Special attention should also be paid during times of mission drawdown. That of course requires everyone to do their part. As committed Member States, we commit to supporting women's active participation and to fostering a gender perspective in all our peace and security efforts. That includes promoting women's inclusion in peace processes and ensuring that personnel and troops are adequately trained to take women's rights and perspectives fully into account.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Not only women, but whole families and communities will benefit; as will national institutions, the overall security situation and the rule of law, which is strengthened through, for example, measures to address impunity for human rights violations, including sexual violence. Women and men must have full and equal opportunity to participate in all political processes linked to conflict resolution and the promotion of stability, peace and security. That includes conflict prevention, mediation processes at all levels, including contact groups and informal consultations, as well as formal negotiation, peace-agreement implementation mechanisms and donor conferences.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“This year, through a series of meetings with women's rights advocates from several countries on the Council's agenda, the Security Council has had an opportunity, before renewing mission mandates, to hear directly from women who are working for peace and security in their respective countries. We are encouraged by the steps taken by the Council in its country-specific work to address the concerns brought forward by those women advocates. The incorporation of a gender perspective in peace and security efforts is not only necessary, but effective and strategically opportune.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“The Nordic countries support civil society, in particular women's organizations that tirelessly work to prevent and solve conflicts, build peace and stability and defend human rights, while often putting themselves at great personal risk in difficult conditions. Their work contributes to more sustainable and legitimate peace. They deserve our full political and financial support, as well as physical protection. The Nordic countries work with numerous civil society organizations from many different countries and we plan to do so in the future. The implementation and review of our own national action plans has greatly benefitted from our close cooperation with civil society.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We are also grateful for the report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/732) and fully support its recommendations. The Nordic countries echo the concern about the lack of implementation, as shown by the information collected and analyzed while using the indicators. We call for renewed urgency and greater consistency in implementing the resolutions on women and peace and security, all of which were unanimously adopted and are thus binding and relevant to all Member States. Not providing protection for women in conflict constitutes serious neglect; not tapping the resources of women in building peace is seriously wasteful.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. I would like to begin by thanking the Indian presidency for organizing this debate. I also thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General Michelle Bachelet and Under-Secretary-General Herve Ladsous for their valuable remarks at the beginning of this meeting. I also wish to express special thanks for the valuable insights of Ms. Bineta Diop on behalf of civil society. The full implementation of all Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security is a priority for the Nordic countries. The issues at stake are central to the core mandate of the Security Council, namely, the maintenance of peace and security. We welcome the presidential statement adopted by the Council on 31 October (S/PRST/2012/23).”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We call on the Council to start implementing the two presidential notes, S/2006/507 and its update S/2010/507, and the innovations contained therein, in a more systematic manner. In that light, we strongly encourage the Council to continue holding annual open debates on its working methods.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The Council should now go further and systematically link country-specific situations and horizontal themes. That is important both from an operational point of view and a normative one. The Nordic countries welcome the significant progress achieved in enhancing due process both for listing and delisting procedures of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities. We recommend that those fair and clear procedures be extended to other sanctions regimes also. While the mandate of the Ombudsperson has been strengthened, we suggest it be extended for an unlimited period. Much has been done to improve the work and the working methods of the Council, but much remains to be done.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We welcome the use of horizon-scanning and encourage the Council to further develop and regularize the practice. Enhanced cooperation with other United Nations bodies and partner organizations, including the Bretton Woods institutions and regional and subregional organizations, is essential. For example, the Council should regularly seek the advice of the chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission configurations by inviting them to participate in relevant Council meetings, including in connection with mission mandate renewals. In addition, troop- and police-contributing countries should be more closely engaged at all stages of decision-making about peacekeeping operations. The Council has made good progress in developing cross-cutting thematic issues, for example, women and peace and security.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The quality of open debates could be further improved by ensuring that outcome documents reflect input from all participating countries. Concept papers could direct the focus of the debates to the questions on which the Council would like to consult the larger membership. We also welcome the discussion on the order of speakers. We welcome the Council's increasing use of videoconferences for briefings from the ground, and we encourage the Council to develop the concept further. The Council should continue to actively seek ways to improve its ability to prevent conflict and to solve long-term conflicts on its agenda. We encourage the Council to put special emphasis on prevention and to find new, innovative ways to tackle emerging conflicts at an early stage.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, the Finnish workshop, which celebrates 10 years this year, aims at giving new members of the Council an in-depth orientation to the practice, procedures and working methods of the Council. The reports from those workshops are distributed to all United Nations Members as official documents of the Council. Efficiency in the Council's work is important. Conflicts today are more complex, and the Council's agenda is increasingly stretched. Therefore, we welcome the note issued by the President of the Council in June (S/2012/402). The agreement to change the periodicity of mandate renewals is positive in that regard. We also welcome the ongoing discussion on penholders and the appointment of chairs to the subsidiary bodies.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Interactive wrap- up sessions at the end of each presidency enhance information-sharing and openness. We encourage Council members to consider organizing such briefings on a regular basis. Making the Council's annual report more analytical and forward-looking would also enhance transparency. A closer connection between the monthly reporting and the annual report is encouraged. It is also important to share regular updates on the scheduling of meetings of the subsidiary bodies in order for the wider membership to stay better informed about the matters they address. The Nordic countries are eager to contribute to a culture of transparency. In that regard, we fully support the work of Security Council Report, which provides valuable insight and analysis about Council activities to the wider membership.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The Council has also held consultations on how to improve the management of the Council's programmes and sessions. Those are all positive developments. That momentum has not only applied to the inner workings of the Council. The draft resolution (A/66/L.42/Rev.2) introduced to the General Assembly by the so-called group of five small nations (8-5) at the sixty-sixth session fostered a thorough discussion on central aspects of working methods. The 8-5 countries deserve much credit for their dedication and long- term commitment. We look forward to their continued contribution to this debate. The key aspect of any discussion on working methods is transparency. We would therefore like to underscore the need for regular, informative briefings to non-members of the Council.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Let me first of all thank India for organizing this important and timely open debate. The working methods of the Council affect not only Council members, but the United Nations membership as a whole. Therefore, we much appreciate this opportunity to discuss the issue. There have been improvements in the Council's working methods over the past years. We note that since the last open debate on this topic (see S/PV.6672), in November 2011, there has been increased attention to this matter. The Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions has intensified its work under the excellent stewardship of Portugal.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870Resumption1 (2012) · source