Chair, Excellences, ladies and gentlemen,
There is an urgent need to adapt UN peacekeeping to contemporary challenges. Action for Peacekeeping is therefore a most welcome initiative.
Advancing political solutions is quite rightly placed at the heart of this initiative. Women should be included, and that regional organisations should play a key role. Norway supports enhanced cooperation between the UN and the African Union. We are confident that a way will be found to establish a system for UN financing of AU-led peace support operations.
Norway is a strong supporter of performance standards and mechanisms for accountability for all mission personnel. Peacekeepers must know what to deliver.
And host countries must know what to expect. Constructive engagement from host countries is key to mission success.
The Secretary-General’s initiative is also a call for innovative solutions. The multinational rotational concept for a military transport aircraft in Mali is one example.
I am pleased to announce that the Norwegian Government is ready to extend this scheme for two more years – from 2020 to the end of 2022.
The example of Liberia has been mentioned, and may serve as a reminder of the positive role that UN peacekeeping operations can play in assisting a country make the difficult transition from conflict to peace. Norway is pleased to have contributed to that process through the service of Norwegian police advisers throughout the UN’s Mission in Liberia.
In conclusion,
With this initiative, the Secretary General has asked us member states to step up our efforts and commitments towards UN peacekeeping. Now we must all respond.
Norway, together with Ethiopia and South Korea, stands ready to continue to host discussions here in New York on how we can contribute to ensure that UN peace operations remain fit for purpose. Thank you.