STATEMENT
International Organisation for Migration
37th Session of the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance
27-28 October 2025
Item 5 - Institutional and administrative matters
Statement of Norway delivered by Mr Svenn Wroldsen
Check against delivery
27.10.2026
Chair,
Norway acknowledges the significant reduction in IOM’s income for 2025 and the challenging context this creates. We appreciate the information provided on the revised 2025 budget and the proposal for 2026, and the steps taken to make the new budget structure more accessible, in line with the budget reform. We would, however, welcome further clarifications, particularly as to how the reduced budget will impact IOM’s strategic objectives, and how the organization is seeking to prioritize its resources. We would also appreciate an update on the amounts or pledges received so far to the Resilience Fund, in light of its foreseen role in closing the gap of needed financing of core structures.
We note that the external audit report unfortunately was not published in time for us to sufficiently engage in its content ahead of the SCPF. We would again strongly encourage the timely publishing of all relevant documents ahead of governance body meetings.
Norway appreciates the forthcoming update on the IOM headquarters building. We also appreciate the sustained discussions on this topic over the past months, including IOM’s efforts to account for alternatives to the ongoing building project. For Norway, the key factor continues to be that IOM must choose the option that is most cost effective for the organization in the long term. We find that IOM has presented a clear case for the building project remaining the most cost-effective option. . Evt: We note a number of changes to the staff regulations, including a weakening of the language concerning probationary periods and age on appointment. Other changes include adding indebtedness to third parties under regulation 9.8. Norway would appreciate an elaborated rationale for undertaking these changes.
I thank you