President of the General Conference, Director-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to address this General Conference on behalf of Norway.

Let me begin by commending UNESCO for its steadfast dedication to peace, cooperation and progress – especially in a time when the world needs it the most.

We all win, when we live in a world with universally agreed rules.

There’s no room for double standards.

Norway is a strong defender of international law - whether in Sudan, in Palestine, or in Ukraine, where brave Ukrainians continue to resist Russia’s illegal war of aggression.

An inclusive and just multilateral system based on international law is a core interest for Norway.

International cooperation is not a nice-to-have – it’s an essential. Something we must preserve, protect and never take for granted.

Norway sees the UN system as indispensable. And we see UNESCO as one of its strongest pillars.

Peace cannot be sustained by treaties or negotiations alone.

It must be built through education, culture, science, and communication.

Building blocks that foster mutual understanding. Counter ignorance. And give way to common solutions.

Let’s be clear:

Science is crucial.

Climate change, threats to our oceans, pandemics, fast-evolving technology; the challenges we face, know no borders.

Therefore: We must advance open science. Reliable information must guide our choices. Knowledge must be accessible to all.

Without trust in scientific truth - there will be no common ground for solving the pressing issues of our time.

As we know:

Education holds a unique power. It gives opportunity and creates equality.

Norway believes education is the foundation for a fairer and more peaceful future.

Where generations are equipped with knowledge – but also instilled with values of respect, tolerance and shared responsibility to care for one another.

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Excellencies,

In times of crisis, we need more culture, not less. Culture defines who we are as a society. Gives us a sense of belonging. Makes us more resilient.

Without culture and identity, there is nothing to defend.

Norway urges UNESCO to prioritize a human rights-based approach:

Promoting cultural rights for all. Cultural and natural heritage. Indigenous languages. Artistic freedom. And a diversity of cultural expressions.

Norway strongly supports UNESCO’s global priorities: gender equality and Africa.

These priorities are not add-ons. They are central to our collective mission - and key to UNESCO's efforts to achieve the SDGs.

A sustainable future can’t be built if we leave behind half of the population or entire regions.

Yet, progress in all these areas hinges on another fundamental:  freedom of expression, safety of journalists and media freedom. 

Without access to reliable information - without opportunity to speak freely, exchange ideas and hold power accountable - education falters, science is silenced, and peace is weakened.

Defending freedom of expression - offline and online –  while countering disinformation and hate speech – must remain at the heart of UNESCO’s work.

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In the United Nations’ 80th year, we must renew and strengthen our institutions.

To prevail, reform is needed. Norway is concerned that this general conference will not decide on a budget, only a budget ceiling.

Resources are limited. The need to prioritize is essential.  Voluntary contributions will play an increasingly vital role.

We underline the importance of quality financing with limited earmarking.

This is crucial to ensure that our partnerships are results-oriented - and is contributing directly to UNESCO’s strategic objectives.

Norway supports the Secretary General’s UN80 Initiative. We expect UNESCO to fully engage in reform efforts. We also reaffirm our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, and the Sevilla Commitment.

These commitments are important as we engage in UN80.

We will work with Member States from all regions to find solutions and support for necessary reforms.

Norway will continue to be a strong supporter of UNESCO and its mandate in the challenging times ahead.

In this spirit, Norway presents its candidacy for the Executive Board.

If elected, we will be a constructive, dedicated and reliable member of the Board. Our goal is to make the organization stronger, more effective, resilient, and impactful.

We will continue to champion multilateralism, education for all, open science, freedom of expression, and inclusion.

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Excellencies,

80 years ago, UNESCO was founded on the conviction that we build our strongest defences of peace in the minds of men and women.

To continue this work has perhaps never been more important.

Norway remains steadfast in our belief that through UNESCO, through cooperation, and through a world order based on international law, we can build a more peaceful, a more inclusive, and a more sustainable future for all.

Thank you.