Co-Chairs,
As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (or ACT) group I have the pleasure to align with the statement delivered earlier by (Switzerland).
I also wanted to take this opportunity to add a few points in my national capacity.
We look forward this session to building on the work undertaken last session. Especially in the cluster dealing with the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General and other executive heads.
This process is a vital component in improving the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council.
This session, it is vital that we consolidate the historic gains made. It is a crucial year in that respect. We are at the same point now as when we passed the historic resolution 69/321 in 2015.
The decisions we take this session will pave the way for the next selection and appointment process.
We must maintain the progress we’ve made in terms of greater transparency and inclusivity. And ensure that these steps forward are upheld as the next process begins. Even in the case of an incumbent candidate.
Co-Chairs,
Thank you also for highlighting in your letter the issues of streamlining and rationalising the GAs agenda.
As current President of ECOSOC, Norway has a keen interest in this subject. Ambassador Juul has been working closely with the President of the General Assembly through monthly meetings, to avoid overlaps and duplication where possible. But there is certainly more work to be done including through the working group. Especially as we enter the Decade for Action and Delivery.
Co-Chairs,
For Norway, transparency and accountability is at the heart of all we do.
And in this respect, we also welcome discussions on the conduct of UN elections and campaigns.
We’ve made good progress in past years on the subject, but we know also that we can go further.
For our part- guided by the principles of transparency and accountability- Norway has voluntarily committed to publishing all costs related to our campaign for a seat in the Security Council for the period of 2021-2022.
With the information easily accessible on the Foreign Ministry’s website and updated twice a year.
We made this commitment from the outset of our campaign because Norway believes that greater transparency will ultimately benefit all Member States, and strengthen the UN election process as a whole.
We hope that this will also inspire other candidates.
Co-chairs,
This year turns 75. And Norway is proud to have been a consistent partner since its founding.
We must all work to bolster the Secretary-General’s efforts to mark the 75th anniversary. Especially through the inclusion and participation of all stakeholders in the work of the UN, particularly civil society and youth. This is an aspect we should keep in mind also in our deliberations here this session.
Co-chairs,
In closing, we have full faith in your able leadership to guide us through constructive discussions on GA revitalisation this year, and we look forward to working with all delegations.
Thank you.