President, Secretary General
Thank you for convening this briefing on the UN80 initiative.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries: Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and my own country Norway.
We welcome the Secretary General’s initiative to review the UN system at this very challenging time. We agree that the UN needs to reform to stay relevant and strong for the next 80 years. For the Nordic and Baltic countries, a functioning and streamlined multilateral system, with the UN at its core, is more important than ever. The UN is, and will remain, the principal multilateral forum where all states have a seat at the table and come together to tackle complex global challenges.
We thank you, Secretary General, for your leadership. We need a strong and effective UN that will help us to implement the Pact for the Future, Agenda 2030 and to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.
I would like to make four points of importance to the Nordic and Baltic countries in this process.
Firstly,
The Nordic and Baltic countries stand ready to engage and to support the Secretary General in the UN80 process. Now is the time to be ambitious, concrete and bold.
We need you, Secretary General, to take decisions within your jurisdiction to show the membership some early wins and a high level of ambition related to efficiency gains. We look forward to innovative proposals, including those that leverage modern technologies, as well as clear guidance for the work that will take somewhat longer to finish.
Secondly,
The reform process must uphold and secure the rules-based international order and the global leadership role of this organization, as outlined in the Charter, and based on the balance of its three pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Only the UN has the mandate, legitimacy and infrastructure to play this role.
Thirdly,
It is crucial for the Nordic and Baltic countries that the UN80 process is conducted in full transparency. Active engagement between the UN and its Member States will be key to building a stronger UN fit for purpose – a more effective, cost-efficient and responsive UN. This is also the time for increased dialogue and solidarity across regions.
We are in this together. The UN is indispensable to end conflicts and poverty, address climate change, and protect and promote human rights. The Nordic and Baltic countries will therefore engage with countries in all regions. We will look beyond our traditional groups to build support for the necessary reforms.
Fourth, and finally,
The relevance of the UN system is determined by its impact and results. UN80 must strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver for people at country-level. Let us use this opportunity to stand together and craft a UN which is stronger, more effective and fit for the realities of today’s world, as well as for tomorrow’s. All members must honor their commitments, in full and on time.
Let me conclude by asking you, Secretary-General, about the current liquidity crisis in relation to the UN80 reform, considering that all member states do not honor their commitments as they should.
Thank you.