Bilde av Aukrust og direktøren i UNFPA
Minister for International Development Åsmund Aukrust and Executive Director i UNFPA, Diene Keita. Credit: MFA

The minister underlined the increasingly challenging international context: 

‘We are facing one of the most challenging battles of values of our time. When the rights and health assistance provided to women and sexual minorities are weakened, the poorest are hit first and hardest’, said Aukrust. 

He also expressed concern about the global pushback on SRHR. 

′Sexual and reproductive health and rights are being challenged in many countries. The expansion of the Global Gag Rule, the America First Health Strategy, and the broader political trends we are witnessing are deeply worrying. It is crucial that global health institutions like UNFPA are supported in protecting hard-won progress   on norms and rights and in delivery of services’, said Aukrust. 

Norway Reaffirms Strong Support for UNFPA 

Against this backdrop, the Minister reiterated Norway’s strong support for UNFPA: 

‘Norway is a steadfast supporter of UNFPA, both politically and financially. UNFPA is a key partner in safeguarding the rights of women, girls, sexual minorities and other marginalized groups, including in humanitarian settings. At a time when SRHR is under mounting pressure globally, our partnership matters more than ever.’ 

The Turning Point Project 

The meeting was part of Norway’s efforts to engage partners globally in Project Turning Point and to shape a development policy adapted to a new reality. 

‘We are seeing profound geopolitical changes and a sharpened global security climate. This means that the decline in global development assistance will be long-term. Norway will maintain its high level of aid at one percent of GNI, but we must reassess our goals and channels to ensure our policy remains relevant and effective’, Aukrust said. 

Dialogue on UNFPA’s Role and Future Priorities 

During the consultation, the minister and Keita discussed UN reform and system-wide developments.  They also reviewed UNFPA’s role in delivering essential sexual and reproductive health services and prevention and response to gender-based violence, including in humanitarian crises. UNFPA presented key results and outlined how the organization is adapting to financial pressures, including the consequences of reduced U.S. support. 

‘Preserving and strengthening the UN as a norm-setting arena remains a priority, especially in the areas of gender equality, inclusion and diversity, SRHR and the human rights of LGBT+ persons’, Aukrust added.