Chair,
Multilateralism is under pressure, as are the norms that underpin it. We need to defend the multilateral system and the rules-based multilateral order which we have all benefitted from.
The 2030 Agenda requires transformative change. It paves the way for new and strategic partnerships. And it provides an opportunity to make the UN Development system better fit for purpose. We therefore need to move towards implementation of the UN Development System reforms without any delay.
The prime responsibility for implementing the 2030 Agenda rests with member states. The UN development system has, however, an important role in supporting national governments in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
We need a UN Development System that is results-oriented, strategic, coordinated and focused. A system that does “the right things” in «the right place». The Resident Coordinator system will be key to ensuring that the UN assists host countries in a coherent, integrated and efficient manner in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Funding itself can be a driver – or an impediment - for change. Core resources remain crucial, especially to fund normative functions and policy advice. Likewise, we need more use of other flexible funding modalities such as a funding compact, as well as inter-agency funding mechanisms that provide incentives for UN entities to work together. We must also understand the linkages between security and sustainable development.
Chair,
The Norwegian level of development assistance – currently at 1 per cent of gross national income – continues to enjoy broad political and popular support in Norway.
Norway is proud to be among the top contributors to the UN development system. For seven decades, Norway has been a consistent partner of the United Nations.
Norway will continue to be a main provider of core funding to the system. The Government in its budget intend to increase Norwegian support to UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UN-Women and WFP. Burden sharing is an important multilateral principle, and we encourage other member states to increase their core contributions to ensure that the organization can deliver on its mandate.
The Norwegian Parliament is yet to finalize the budget for 2019. All the following figures are hence subject to parliamentary approval. In this context, Norway is pleased to present some of our tentative voluntary core contributions for 2019:
- UNDP: approximately USD 65 million in core support (545 million NOK), plus USD 7 million (60 million NOK) in flexible thematic support.
- UNICEF: approximately USD 53 million in core support (440 million NOK), plus USD 8,3 million (70 million NOK) in flexible thematic support.
- UNFPA: approximately USD 64 million in core support (530 million NOK).
- UNHCR: approximately USD 46 million (380 million NOK).
- WFP: approximately USD 36 million (300 million NOK).
- UNRWA: at least USD 15 million (125 million NOK).
- UNAIDS: approximately USD 16 million (130 million NOK).
- UN Women: approximately USD 12 million (100 million NOK).
Norway will in 2019 contribute substantially to the Special Purpose Trust Fund for the Reinvigorated Resident Coordinator System and the Joint Fund for the 2030 Agenda.
We will also continue to provide substantial support for humanitarian and human rights purposes, including to OCHA and the Central Emergency Trust Fund (CERF), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This autumn we signed a four-year agreement with CERF, totalling approximately 200 million USD (1.68 billion Norwegian kroner).
Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls will continue to be at the core of our development policy.
As in previous years, Norway will provide global and country-specific non-core funding to individual organizations, mainly in the form of softly earmarked contributions. A substantial part of these will go to inter-agency pooled funds and joint programmes, such as the Peacebuilding Fund, in line with the integrated approaches called for in the 2030 Agenda.
Finally, Norway provides substantial funding to global thematic funds and initiatives for education and health, where the UN is actively engaged and benefits financially.
Chair,
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the UN development actors for the work they are doing every single day. Let me assure you once again that Norway is, and will continue to be, a strong and consistent partner - for our common future.
I thank you.