‘The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East will dominate the discussions at many of the meetings this week. Climate change, the greatest challenge of our time, can only be addressed through cross-border cooperation, and we must work together with the other countries who have come to New York to discuss how we can reduce emissions and better protect our planet. We will also work to ensure the safe and responsible use and development of artificial intelligence. This is another major challenge that no country can solve on its own,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

International cooperation

World leaders are gathering for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical rivalries, declining trust in multilateral institutions, and at a time where we are seeing setbacks for democracy and gender equality in many parts of the world. International cooperation faces further challenges due to war and conflict, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in Israel and Palestine, and the conflict between the US and Iran. The UN will also be selecting the next Secretary-General before the end of the year.  Norway will work to strengthen international cooperation and support reforms designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the UN. All of these issues will be on the agenda during this year’s High-level Week.

‘At a time when international cooperation is under pressure, it is important to meet, listen to each other and work together to find solutions. We will work to promote respect for international law and human rights, strengthen the UN and build a multilateral system that delivers results,’ said Mr  Støre.

Norway’s delegation will be led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust and Minister of Climate and the Environment Sigrun Aasland will also be taking part.

Norway’s efforts during the UN General Assembly High-level Week will be based on five main priorities. 

International law, peace and security

Multilateral cooperation and respect for international law are vital for Norway’s security, economy and welfare.

‘When international law is challenged, we must respond with more international cooperation, not less. Norway will be a strong voice in support of the UN Charter, human rights and international humanitarian law. During this year’s General Assembly, we will work to build consensus among countries on the common set of rules that are essential for preventing conflict, protecting civilians and preserving international peace and security,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Human rights

Due to its mandate and unique position, the UN has a special responsibility to contribute to progress in the areas of democracy, anti-corruption, good governance and human rights. There has long been a failure to comply with international human rights obligations, especially in countries that have been moving away from democracy.

During the high-level week, Norway will highlight the importance of gender equality, protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, combating gender-based violence, defending the rights of LGBT+ people, and safeguarding human rights defenders, freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

UN reform

The UN is facing an acute funding crisis. Norway supports the ongoing reform process initiated by the current Secretary-General and will contribute to efforts to make the UN more effective, relevant and better equipped to address global challenges.

‘The world needs a strong and relevant UN. We must ensure that the organisation retains its core responsibilities relating to development, peace and security, and human rights, and at the same time implement reforms that enable the UN to deliver better results in a new era,’ said Mr Eide.

International development, inequality reduction and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

During the high-level week, Norway will also promote efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and discuss how this work can produce better results.

‘Reform means change. This also applies to our own development policy. That is why the Government has launched a project to adapt Norwegian development policy to a new reality and will be presenting a new white paper on topic.  Job creation is one of the most effective ways of combating poverty and inequality. The high-level week provides an important opportunity to discuss the path forward with countries and partners from around the world,’ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

Climate and environmental issues and the oceans

As a growing number of countries reduce their development assistance and international cooperation is facing new obstacles, it is increasingly important to consolidate support for the climate and environment agenda.

‘We need concrete solutions that both reduce emissions and promote development. Norway will highlight the need for increased climate finance, more rapid scale-up of clean energy solutions and intensified efforts to protect the oceans and biodiversity,’ said Minister of Climate and Environment Sigrun Aasland.

Norway’s participation at high-level week meetings

The four Government ministers will participate in the official opening of the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday 22 September. The Prime Minister will chair the annual meeting of the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) and participate in the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, as a sign of Norway’s strong support for Ukraine. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be participating in important meetings on Palestine and the two-state solution and is also expected to deliver Norway’s main address to the UN General Assembly. The Minister of International Development will participate in three high-level meetings: on the UN Declaration on the Right to Development,  on sea-level rise, and on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. A number of bilateral meetings with leaders and government ministers from the UN’s 193 member states are also planned.

Follow the meetings online

A daily report (Norwegian only) summarising highlights from the programme will be published each day of the high-level week on the government website regjeringen.no.  Many of the General Assembly meetings will also be streamed online and will be accessible to everyone.