Statement by Ambassador Tormod C. Endresen, Permanent Representative of Norway
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Thank you Chair,
Norway stands with Ukraine. I therefore express my support to the statements of the Netherlands on behalf of Group B, and Moldova on behalf of CEBS. We thank the Secretariat for the report in document A/65/7; and support the decision paragraph as proposed.
Chair, colleagues
As we speak, Russia tries to break Ukraine’s resilience with waves of missile attacks, often directed towards civilian infrastructure. As when they attacked Ukraine’s largest hospital for children this month, or as when they systematically target energy infrastructure prior to harsh Ukrainian winter.
Against this backdrop, I am glad that Norway and many other countries have further stepped up our supply of arms to help Ukraine to defend their country. As the brave Ukrainians - we shall not give up.
When it comes to the Innovation and Creativity Sector, and the IPR system, Russia’s war has devastating effects. The people of Ukraine are paying the price, in economic terms, but most of all in human suffering.
It is heartening, therefore, to hear from Director General Tang and the Secretariat, that the IP ecosystem in Ukraine is not broken. Indeed, in parts it is very much still standing, and we thank WIPO for its efforts to this end.
Our support to Ukraine is about the Ukrainians’ evident right to determine their own future. It is also about defending the principles on which Europe's peace is based. But this is not a European issue. Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and hence of the core tenants of the UN Charter.
A threat to these principles is a threat to us all.