Thank you, Mr. Chair,
Norway joins others in welcoming Special Representative of the Chairperson in Office for Climate Security Kerstin Stendahl to the Permanent Council. We thank you for your diligent efforts to develop further the important climate and security agenda in the OSCE.
Mr. Chair,
Climate change does not only cause extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. Its manifestations threaten to slowly, but surely, undermine the web of institutions which contribute to the prosperity, security, and equality of our societies.
Allow me to make three points in this regard.
First, continued efforts must be made to fight climate change itself. Norway is committed to leveraging technological innovation, international cooperation, and cooperating with all sectors of society to make the green transition, a fair one. We appreciated the discussion on technological advancements at the Chair’s Forum in Prague in September, and welcome the priority given to this topic by the incoming Swiss Chair.
Second, as the effects of climate change are already noticed worldwide, informed responses to the risks they pose are crucial. In Norway, our total defense concept recognizes the security risks stemming from the changing climate. They are consistently included in planning and preparations to face the most likely scenarios.
Third, women are often at the forefront of bridging divides in their communities and have know-how of needs and priorities. It is therefore also critical that women participate in a meaningful way at all levels and in decisions on conflict prevention, management and resolution in relation to natural resource management and environmental peacebuilding.
Mr. Chair,
The OSCE, with its comprehensive approach to security, has a unique mandate to effectively address the security risks stemming from climate change.
Norway remains committed to cooperating internationally to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change - the biggest global challenge of our time.
I thank you.