President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.
The Nordic countries welcome the timely theme of this Open Debate. Amidst global geopolitical turmoil, our collective reaffirmation of the international rule of law is of key importance.
We often quote the Charter in this room, to remind each other that the UN was founded to save us from ‘the scourge of war’. One of the key objectives of the UN since its establishment is to uphold international rule of law. In the less frequently cited part of the preamble, the UN was set up ‘to establish conditions, under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law, can be maintained’. The Charter also reaffirmed the faith in fundamental human rights, and in the dignity and worth of the human person. The founders of the UN understood that rule of law is integral to maintaining international peace and stability.
The Charter itself lays out the central tenets which have governed international relations since WWII. These core rules of international law have at times been tested, even violated. In recent years they have been challenged perhaps more than in decades. However, the vast global majority of States, including the Nordic countries, continue to abide by them, to respect them, and to call upon all Member States to do the same. Prohibition of the use of force against territorial integrity and political independence of any state, and the commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes, in conformity with international law, hold existential value. Not only for small States, but for all.
Stability and predictability allow all countries and their citizens to concentrate on the peaceful pursuit of wealth and happiness, rather than in preparing for potential aggression and other lawless action by others.
One proof of the universal acceptance of the Charter is the high number of regional organizations and arrangements with their founding instruments mirroring key norms and principles of the UN. Not only did our nations make the sovereign decision to adhere to the Charter when joining the UN, but most of us have also reaffirmed the same commitment at regional level.
The Nordic countries also underline the central importance of international courts and tribunals in resolving disputes and upholding international law. They are there to be used. The Nordic countries reiterate their firm and unequivocal support to the ICJ and the ICC. Our support is also reflected in our presentation of a Nordic candidate for the ICC judicial election in December 2026; Judge Mette Lyster Knudsen.
In closing, the Nordic countries reiterate that rule of law is not optional luxury, it is a prerequisite for peace and stability and for the protection of human rights. For the same reason, also strengthening the rule of law at national level is important. Compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, also strengthens States’ international standing, as reliable and trustworthy partners.
I thank you.