UN Summit in New York: We must actively defend international cooperation and international law

The General Assembly High-level Week is taking place against a very difficult backdrop. The wars in Ukraine and Palestine are continuing unabated. The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe. A number of countries have cut their funding to the UN, which, as a result, is having to lay off staff and reduce its activities. At the same time, polarisation is on the rise in many parts of the world.

Important meeting place

'This is a critical summit for the UN. The world is contending with major challenges, but the willingness to come together to find common solutions is in decline. We must use the UN's 80th anniversary to bring renewed impetus to international cooperation based on international law,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Prime Minister pointed to the crucial role the UN has played since its establishment in 1945.

'During the 80 years since it was founded, the UN has helped to prevent wars and international crises, defined fundamental rights for everyone across the globe, and provided humanitarian and international development assistance that has saved millions of lives. The UN is essential to maintaining a rules-based world order based on international law. Now we must ensure that the UN can play a key role in the years to come as well,' said Mr Støre.

UN reform

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is leading Norway's delegation to this year's high-level week at the UN. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Minister of International Development Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, and Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen are also taking part.

As one of the UN's strongest political supporters and largest donors, Norway has significant credibility as a participant in the discussions on UN reform.

'It is crucial that the UN adapts in pace with new challenges. Countries in the Global South must be better represented, and UN efforts must be made more effective and efficient and brought more in line with the needs of the member countries,' said Mr Støre.

The major cuts in UN funding will also be an important topic of discussion during this year's high-level week, as will the climate and environmental crisis, and the wars in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, Myanmar and in various other parts of the world.

Supporting international law

Actively defending international law will be a priority for Norway this year too, particularly in the meetings on the war in Ukraine and on the two-state solution in the Middle East.

'The attacks on civilians in Ukraine are brutal and completely unacceptable. Russia must cease its aggression immediately and respect Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. This is also a critical time for Palestine. Norway is now working with a growing number of countries to save and implement the two-state solution. International law must apply everywhere, without exception,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Global health

Global health has been a priority area for Norway for many decades. During the high-level week, world leaders will adopt a new political declaration on non-communicable diseases and mental health at a high-level meeting on this issue.

'It is crucial for the world and for Norway that we continue to make progress in the area of global health. Non-communicable diseases and mental health represent a major challenge worldwide, including in Norway. International cooperation is needed to find effective solutions to global problems such as these,' said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

Climate change in focus

The high-level week is important as preparation for, and as a forum for discussions ahead of, the 30th UN climate conference (COP30) to be held in Brazil in November. Last summer, Norway submitted its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035.

'The impacts of climate change will continue to increase in severity if we fail to take decisive action - and this is precisely what the present Government is doing. The UN Secretary-General is convening a meeting of world leaders where they are to present their new NDCs. Norway's new NDC is one of few climate targets that is seen as being consistent with the 1.5-degree goal. Norway will therefore be in a strong position to call on other countries to present targets that, collectively, will keep the Paris Agreement target within reach,' said Minister of Climate and Environment Bjelland Eriksen.

Norway's participation at high-level week meetings

The four Government ministers will participate in the official opening of the General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday 23 September. The Prime Minister will also take part in the high-level meeting to mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, where Gro Harlem Brundtland gave the closing address. In recent years, gender equality and women's rights have been under severe pressure worldwide, and the meeting will be an important opportunity to reaffirm Norway's strong engagement in this area.

Both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will be participating in important meetings on Palestine and the two-state solution. As a G20 guest country, Norway will be represented at the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting by the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of International Development will be participating in various events including meetings on promoting peace and mobilising increased humanitarian support for Sudan.

A daily report (Norwegian only) summarising highlights from the programme will be published each day of the high-level week on the government website regjeringen.no. Many of the General Assembly meetings will also be streamed online and will be accessible to everyone.