“We are gathered here to answer a moral call to action.” These were the opening words of Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Norwegian prime minister, in her keynote address to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo 10 years ago. The Cairo Conference answered the call b…
Many parts of the developing world, in particular in Asia but also in sub-Saharan Africa, have experienced high rates of economic growth. That should make us optimistic, but not complacent. Despite some positive developments, overall progress in the fight against hunger has been moderate. Sub-Sahar…
Norway, as co-Chair of the International Contact Group on Somalia, welcomes this opportunity to address the Council on the situation in Somalia, and we thank the Special Representative for his briefing. Let me take this opportunity to emphasize our full support for his efforts to bring about positiv…
I am grateful for this opportunity to participate in the Council’s discussions concerning Burundi in my capacity as Chair of the country-specific meetings on Burundi in the Peacebuilding Commission.
The Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) (S/2007/68…
Let me first express Norway’s appreciation for the President’s timely initiative to hold this debate now. We believe it is important to build on the progress made over the past year on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council. The two reports…
Since the debate on peacebuilding that the Security Council had in January, the Peacebuilding Commission has made considerable progress, as pointed out in its annual report, including in its Burundi-specific configuration, which I have the pleasure of chairing.
Bearing in mind the Security Council’…
Norway fully associates itself with the content of the statement delivered by the representative of Portugal on behalf of the European Union. That statement raises a number of issues that are of vital concern if the Afghan Government and international community are to succeed in their joint efforts …
Allow me to begin by expressing Norway’s continuing support and full recognition of the achievements and the high standards of the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, as reflected in the Tribunals’ well-reasoned judgements and the annual reports before us. We would…
The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission was a concrete expression of the international community’s commitment to improve and expand its efforts in the area of peacebuilding. The achievements of the Peacebuilding Commission have already been substantial, despite the brief period of its exis…
The rights of indigenous peoples are of key importance to Norway. We welcome the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which we believe will help promote the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide. The Declaration sets a standard of achievem…
Norway welcomes endeavours to increase the involvement of the Security Council in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. A strong commitment by the Security Council is needed to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive involvement of the international community in preventing and resolving confl…
My Government strongly supports the “Delivering as one” report. We look forward to a process that will ensure a timely follow-up of the set of recommendations. We appreciate this opportunity for a first discussion of the report of the High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence.
We are…
Today’s discussion — like the subsequent discussion in the General Assembly on 6 February — is an important occasion to highlight the importance of peacebuilding. We must maintain and, if possible, further increase the momentum behind our peacebuilding efforts. While our focus at all times must be o…
Norway remains a strong supporter of the humanitarian work of the United Nations. We support the reform agenda and the efforts made to strengthen the humanitarian response system. A lot has been done in this regard. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
Norway would like th…
It is widely acknowledged that sport can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding. Sport and physical education can present opportunities for solidarity and cooperation in order to promote tolerance, a culture of peace, social and gender equality, adequate resources for the special…
Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) has led to progress. However, much more can and should be done at all levels.
In order to gain a clearer understanding of how resolution 1325 (2000) translates into change on the ground, a review team made up of representatives from the Netherlands, the Unite…
I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.2, entitled “Declaration of the high-level meeting of the sixty-first session of the General Assembly on the midterm
comprehensive global review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2…
Norway is following the dramatic situation in and around Gaza with deep concern. The situation is very serious. All parties must exercise the utmost restraint to prevent the situation
from getting completely out of control. The abduction of the Israeli soldier and the killing of the young Israeli s…
Norway welcomes the adoption of this historic resolution. We join others in expressing our gratitude to you, Mr. President, and to our two Co-Chairs, Ambassador Kumalo from South Africa and Ambassador Arias from Panama, for the tireless efforts and dedication in bringing our long process of consulta…
Like others, I too would like to welcome the presence of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tom Koenigs and to thank him for his briefing. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his extensive report on Afghanistan (S/2006/145).
There have been several achievements in Afgh…
