STATEMENT
79th World Health Assembly, 18 - 23 May 2026
Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services
Item 20.1 - Reform of the global health architecture and the UN80 initiative
Norway’s National Statement
Thank you chair.
Norway supports the proposal for a joint process to support reform of global health architecture.
We hope for this exercise to provide bold recommendations on best ways to avoid gaps and fragmentation, strengthen coherence and provide coordinated support on country level.
We need a strong global health ecosystem that will support national priorities and the transition to domestic financing, as well as promote global public goods for health.
Norway’s objective is that WHO should emerge with a strengthened and central role in a reformed global health architecture.
We reiterate the importance of building on existing analyses, reform initiatives and UN80. The declining trends in financing for global health, also call for increased engagement with multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. It is not only a question of alignment, but how we can do better with less.
Strong political leadership is essential to build consensus on shared objectives and translate them into concrete measures – across regions and institutions. Further follow-up will necessarily depend on the respective mandates, governance structures and timelines of different organizations, boards and initiatives.
Finally; inclusiveness is central to the process and all stakeholders should have meaningful opportunities to contribute, including civil society, affected communities, youth and other stakeholders.
We urge all involved parties to engage in a constructive and collaborative approach, mindful of own interests and roles.