The global challenges we face are disproportionately affecting Africa.
We thank Gabon, as well as Ghana, and Kenya for their efforts to place the impacts on Africa higher on the Security Council’s agenda.
For example in May, this Council discussed the sharp rise in acute food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition. A topic that was also discussed at the African Union yesterday.
And the climate crisis is increasingly evident in this Council’s work- affecting livelihoods, human security, people's futures- and multiplying risks of further conflict and driving displacement.
Next month’s meeting among world leaders in Sharm El Sheikh is a critical moment. Norway stands firmly by our commitments to double our funding to climate finance.
The links to security are clear: Over half of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change are also affected by armed conflict.
There can no longer be any doubt that climate-related security risks must be integrated in our efforts for peace, in Africa and beyond.
The shared goal of the African Union and the UN is to prevent, mitigate, and resolve conflicts. Combining the AU’s situational awareness with the mandates, tools, and technical capacity of the UN, improves conflict resolution and mediation.
We must do more of this.
The trilateral mechanism in Sudan is an example of effective partnerships between UN envoys, AU representatives, and sub-regional organisations.
These partnerships should be further developed, and could serve as a model for effective cooperation and coordination in other conflict situations as well.
There is no peace without women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership- as was recognised in the conclusions from the PSC’s open session on women, peace and security last week.
We applaud the AU’s continued work to strengthen the implementation of the agenda.
Including through the active use of the Panel of the Wise, FemWise Africa, the network of African women mediators- as well as joint partnerships with civil society on the ground.
Since 2002, the AU has assumed greater responsibility for maintaining peace and security in Africa, including through peace support operations.
The AU’s ability and willingness to mount counter-terrorism and peace enforcement missions are increasingly important in rapidly changing conflict dynamics.
Especially given that such operations fall outside the scope and borders of traditional UN peacekeeping operations.
Let me be clear: the AU has made progress on a number of fronts.
It has taken significant steps to ensure that the Peace Fund is now operational.
It has also made advances on the AU Compliance Framework project with OHCHR: drawing up a code of conduct, developing disciplinary processes, and beginning to roll them out in existing missions.
The AU Transition Mission in Somalia, and the G5 Sahel Joint Force are examples where the compliance frameworks are being tested and implemented.
And Norway is pleased to support these efforts.
We back the Secretary-General’s call for a UN support office for the G5 Sahel Joint Force.
Norway believes this Council should not shy away from serious discussions on predictable, sustainable, and flexible funding- including for AU-led and regional missions.
Peace and stability are the most important building blocks to realize the ambition of economic and social progress in Africa.
And African countries hold the critical experience and insights.
Cooperation with Africa is paramount dealing with security issues on the continent. This is why the Security Council must also reflect the geopolitical realities of today.
Norway supports efforts to expand the Council, and increase the number of permanent and non-permanent seats for Africa.