Chair,
Allow me to highlight a few core messages that are relevant to all three work-streams, based on a constructive dialogue on UN reform with a cross-regional group of member states.
Norway also aligned with the joint Nordic statement delivered by Sweden and with the group-statement delivered by Canada.
First, we re-affirm our strong commitment to an effective, inclusive, and representative UN, and to a global order based on international law and the UN Charter.
We must protect the UN as the leading forum for shaping global norms and policies in response to global challenges and we must deliver on the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda.
Second, UN80 as a process must be guided by a shared vision for the UN, with a clear purpose to the reforms.
Such a vision, underpinned by some guiding principles, will be key, for both the Secretariat and the member states throughout this process.
Efficiency cannot be a vision, but a tool. And the need to address immediate liquidity requirements should not be conflated with transformational reform.
Third, we call on the Secretary-General – as the Chief Administrative Officer – to demonstrate courageous leadership and to proceed in a principled, strategic, and forward-looking manner.
We call on him to put forward evidence-based reform proposals that serve the long-term interests of a more agile, responsive and impactful UN.
Such proposals should reflect lessons learned and an assessment of past reforms, which fell short in implementation. We therefore took positive notice of USG Ryder raising this aspect in his introduction, especially with regard to post 2005 reforms.
Fourth, the reform must safeguard the core mandates across the three pillars: Peace and Security, Development, and Human Rights.
And they must strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver impact on the ground and ensuring that UN Country Teams are tailored to the needs and demands of each country and Delivers as One under the leadership of the Resident Coordinators.
We stand ready to engage with the Secretary-General and Member States from all regions to achieve a stronger and more effective United Nations that delivers for people, planet and future generations.