Defending international law more important than ever

The UN General Assembly high-level week is taking place in New York from 22–30 September. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is leading Norway’s delegation. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, and Acting Minister of Climate and Environment Tore Onshuus Sandvik will also be taking part. Peace and security will be dominant themes this year, as major and protracted crises continue to undermine stability in many parts of the world. The situation in Ukraine and in the Middle East, as well as in Sudan, Myanmar and Afghanistan, will be high on the agenda.

‘We are living in a turbulent world, with war in Europe, and war in the Middle East. In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the war in Gaza, we must stand firm in defence of international law. If we are to counter the polarisation we are seeing across the world, it is vital that everyone adheres to a common set of rules. This is also of crucial importance to Norway’s own security,’ Mr Støre said.

Defence of human rights

Defending human rights is a priority for Norway. This year’s Trygve Lie Symposium, chaired by Foreign Minister Eide, will focus on freedom of expression and protection of journalists in conflict zones.

‘Norway will be a predictable and consistent partner, with a clear, principled message about the importance of supporting the multilateral system. I look forward to chairing the symposium on the protection of journalists. Protecting journalists is essential to safeguarding freedom of expression and information,’ Mr Eide said.

Financing for development

Wars, humanitarian crises, rising food insecurity and inadequate progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals have all affected the international mood in the lead-up to this year’s high-level week. The UN plays a key role both in humanitarian action and in development efforts, and Norway channels a large proportion of its aid budget through UN organisations.

‘Norway is a major humanitarian donor and a key supporter of international development cooperation. At the same time, we also need to mobilise financing from other sources and help countries to increase their own tax revenues. This is why I have put financing for development high on Norway’s agenda,’ said Minister of International Development Tvinnereim.

Loss and damage

The climate crisis and the fight to protect the environment and biodiversity are also key topics for world leaders as they gather in New York. This year, discussions will focus on ocean-related issues and the work to put in place a global agreement on combating plastic pollution. The links between climate change, conflict, peace and development will also be highlighted.

‘The impacts of climate change and the resulting loss and damage are being seen throughout the world. These issues will feature prominently during the UN General Assembly. I will work in particular to promote Norway’s priorities ahead of the World Biodiversity Summit in Colombia and the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku,’ said Acting Minister of Climate and Environment Tore O. Sandvik.

Norway’s participation at high-level week meetings

The Prime Minister will be participating, together with other heads of state and government, in the Summit of the Future, which will kick off the high-level week. The Summit is being convened by the UN Secretary-General and seeks among other things to secure continued support for multilateral cooperation aimed at finding solutions to the greatest challenges facing the world today.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be speaking at the High-level Meeting on Sea Level Rise, while the Minister of International Development will be representing Norway at the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). In addition, the G20 will for the first time be holding a Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which will focus on reform of the multilateral system. All UN member states have been invited to attend.

A daily report 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.