I deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway.
The UN’s ability to create effective partnerships with regional and subregional organizations is important for the prevention of and effective response to violent conflicts.
The ongoing reforms in the UN and in the AU can further improve our ability to address contemporary challenges to international peace and security.
Regional actors are often the first to experience early warning signs of conflict and can have a key role in prevention.
They can also be essential partners to the UN in ensuring the implementation of peace agreements, countering terrorism, preventing violent extremism and addressing migration issues.
Partnerships with regional organizations are, quite rightly, given priority in the Secretary-General’s initiative “Action for peacekeeping”. Mandates for UN peace operations must be tailor-made to conditions on the ground, taking into account the importance of such partnerships. The ever stronger partnership between the UN and the African Union, including sub-regional organizations, is very positive.
The Nordic countries welcome and support efforts of the UN and the AU to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the area of peace and security and the implementation of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030. African leadership and ownership are essential, as are partnerships. By joining forces, the AU and the UN can provide more efficient and coherent support to member countries’ efforts to sustain peace and build resilient and prosperous nations.
It is encouraging to see how relations between the UN and the African Union are maturing and growing stronger. Within less than two years, the institutions have signed and embarked upon the implementation of two important framework agreements.
We will actively support the establishment of an open-ended "Group of friends of the UN-AU partnership” in Addis Abeba. The purpose is to provide member states’ support and backing for further joint UN-AU efforts for sustainable development, conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy and mediation, including enhanced cooperation between AU’s Peace and Security Council and the Security Council.
The Nordic countries remain committed in continuing our substantial support to AU and UN cooperation.
The cooperation between the UN and ASEAN remains essential in maintaining peace and security as well as preventing conflicts and achieving sustainable development in that region.
It is inspiring to see how members of the UN family and ASEAN work closely together in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ASEAN’s Community Vision 2025.
The Nordic countries are consistent partners in the efforts by the UN to further deepen existing arrangements with regional and sub-regional organizations and seek new opportunities for our common future. In order to realize the full potential of the AU-UN partnership, additional financial and political support is needed. We therefore welcome the ongoing work to enable access to assessed UN contributions.
Thank you.