Honorable Ministers, distinguished colleagues,

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to South Africa for its leadership during its G20 Presidency, and for the warm hospitality you have shown us here in Skukuza.

It is in everyone's interest that the world we live in is based on universally agreed rules. All violations of international law are unacceptable – always, and everywhere. There is no room for double standards. We strongly defend international law, whether it be in Africa, in Palestine, or regarding Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.

Moving to the topic at hand,

Norway welcomes South Africa’s commitment to advancing anti-corruption efforts as part of its G20 presidency.

I would like to commend South Africa for openly sharing its experience with State Capture and grand corruption. Such transparency builds trust and demonstrates strong commitment to combating corruption.

The High Level Principles, the reports and compendia that this Working Group has developed, informed by valuable contributions from international knowledge partners and civil society organisations, are of significant value to Norway and will inform our policy development in the future.

Chair,

We value the Presidency’s emphasis on integrity and inclusive participation in the fight against corruption.

In Norway, integrity is embedded in how the public sector is organised - through clear duties for public servants and ethical guidelines safeguarding impartiality.

To build and safeguard integrity in our governments and public institutions, government leaders and politicians must lead by example. This also requires national frameworks that hold us to the highest standards. It means ensuring a free and independent media, enabling meaningful participation by civil society, and providing strong protection for whistleblowers.

Mobilising inclusive participation is essential to preventing and combating corruption. Platforms such as the Open Government Partnership - demonstrate how governments and civil society can jointly deliver reforms that strengthen integrity and transparency.

Corruption impacts people in different ways, with women and girls often bearing the greatest burden. Addressing the gendered impacts of corruption is essential.

We must work together to make progress. This is why Norway, together with Albania, Ghana, and Mongolia, have tabled a resolution on strengthening transparency in political financing at the upcoming UNCAC COSP in Doha. Without such transparency, we risk corruption, foreign interference, and undue influence—threats to democracy and public trust. This resolution is timely and necessary, and we urge all countries to support its adoption.

Chair,

Corruption undermines trust. In Norway, we are fortunate to have a high level of trust in our public institutions – built on openness and integrity, values that are essential to preventing and combating corruption.

A transparent public sector ensures accountability and forms the foundation of a well-functioning welfare state.

Anticorruption is not only key to economic growth—it is fundamental to sustainable development. This is why Norway is increasing international support for governance, revenue mobilization, and anticorruption—from 53 million dollars this year to 63 million dollars next year.

Having observed the G20 both from the outside—and as a guest country for the past two years—we have come to recognize the value of the G20 in setting global priorities and leading international efforts to combat corruption.

We strongly encourage the G20 to maintain and reinforce its focus on anti-corruption in the years ahead.

As a guest country to the G20, we extend our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the anticorruption working group and for including us as an equal partner both under the Brazilian Presidency, and under the South African Presidency this year.  Norway truly appreciates having been invited to the participate in this historic first G20 in Africa.

I thank you.