Check against delivery

Let me first recognize the leadership of Brazil and President Lula personally for reducing deforestation in the Amazon to the lowest level in a decade, and for taking the initiative to create the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). – Leadership matters!

I have just announced Norway’s conditional investment in the TFFF:

To provide up to 3 billion US dollars over 10 years, provided that 10 billion dollars is mobilized by the end of 2026, and that our share of the sponsor capital does not exceed 20 %.

It is now critical that more sponsors sign up in the coming year.

We must also double down on proven solutions to halt deforestation. Some key points;

  • Scaling up carbon markets for REDD+ and other results-based finance.
  • Supporting the commodity industry’s transition to sustainable agriculture.
  • Concerted action against illegal activities and crimes that affect the environment.
  • Tackling forest fires. We will join Brazil’s call to action.
  • Norway also supports the Congo Pact with up to 250 million dollars for 2026-30.
  • Finally, we must protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples:
  • Tropical forest countries have launched ambitious goals to expand tenure rights for indigenous peoples.
  • In support of this goal, a group of 37 donors are pledging 1,8 billion dollars from 2026 to 2030.

The next few years are critical. We have extended Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative until 2035. We are in it for the long haul.

Friends,

Forests and the ocean play a crucial role in regulating the climate system, ensuring biodiversity, and providing food and livelihoods.

We work with our partners in the Ocean Panel with a goal of 100 % sustainable ocean management through integrated plans to build sustainable ocean economies, and to help realize the ocean’s potential. Ocean-based climate solutions can close the emissions gap in 2050 for a 1.5°C pathway, by up to 35 %. As former PM Ardern said, we really need an ocean-based COP next time.

With the world’s second longest coastline, Norway has unique experience in ocean-based solutions such as offshore wind; green shipping; carbon capture, utilization and storage; hydrogen, and electric mobility. We also work on developing nature-based solutions, such as restoration of blue forests. 

We will continue to pursue such solutions, including knowledge and experience-sharing in collaborative partnerships.

We strongly encourage all to unite and keep our promises to land the International Maritime Organization legal framework which will ensure a just and equitable transition to net-zero emissions in shipping.

We also remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver an effective Global Plastic Pollution Treaty next year.

Lastly,

Biodiversity, sustainable ocean management and climate change must be tackled in an integrated and synergistic way. Nature-based solutions are key to implement both the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.

Thank you.