Multilateral and regional cooperation  

The multilateral system and the international law and principles underpinning it, are under pressure and international cooperation and common solutions are being challenged. Norway works closely with many African countries on multilateral issues. Norway seeks to expand and increase cooperation on strengthening and protecting multilateralism and the principles that underlie it.

In order to preserve its legitimacy and respect, international law must be implemented universally and consistently. Norway’s clearly stated view is that all states must comply with the same rules, and that all violations of international law are unacceptable, no matter where they occur. Whether in Ukraine or Palestine, Norway has been unequivocal in its criticism of violations of international law, regardless of who is responsible.

African countries are underrepresented in multilateral forums. The demands for influence and reform have increased. African countries are especially concerned about not being in the driving seat during discussions on issues of major importance to the continent, such as those involving peace and security, climate, trade and taxation. Reforms can give greater legitimacy to the multilateral system and multilateral solutions, which is in Norway’s interest as well.

Major international agreements such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda are examples of ways in which the multilateral system serves as an important arena for addressing global challenges. Further development of well-established cooperation between Norway and several African countries may help to advance common solutions through multilateral mechanisms. Multilateral institutions are crucial as partners in development cooperation efforts. Norway attaches importance to ensuring close dialogue with relevant African countries on the initiatives being implemented.

There has been a growing tendency to seek political cooperation in regional forums or various intergovernmental organisations rather than in the UN. African representation has increased in for example BRICS+, while the AU has been made a permanent member of the G201. Intraregional cooperation and dialogue with like-minded partners give African countries the opportunity to advance their political and economic interests with greater influence. For Norway, a dilemma arises if such forums undermine multilateral cooperation and become arenas for promoting authoritarian ideologies and dividing the world into blocs. One aim of Norway’s cooperation with African countries is to ensure that these forums complement and support rather than duplicate the role of, or weaken, the multilateral system based on international law.

A well-functioning multilateral system and the successful implementation of common solutions can only be achieved if regional and sub-regional organisations function effectively and there is a balanced distribution of tasks and cooperation with the UN and other multilateral organisations.

Norway supported the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which was established in 1963, and has continued as an active partner of the African Union (AU) since it succeeded the OAU in 2002. Norway also supports sub-regional organisations and the AU’s Agenda 2063, Africa’s development framework for the continent. After several years of progress in terms of strengthening their architecture, the organisations are experiencing persistent challenges in obtaining funding and achieving consensus between the member countries. It is in our common interest that strong African intergovernmental organisations contribute to address challenges and promote growth and development on the continent.

Norway has a strategic interest in participation and engagement in African-led meetings and initiatives, and in supporting African countries as the host countries for multilateral forums, including the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi.

Objective: Strengthened cooperation on reforming and promoting the multilateral system and international law

Priorities for strengthening cooperation in this area:

Political dialogue and cooperation: Norway will increase the use of multilateral consultations with African countries. Norway will work together with African countries to pursue multilateral solutions to common challenges that can win broad support in a world contending with heightened tensions. Emphasis will be placed on building cross-regional cooperation with African countries in multilateral forums involving international law, democracy, human rights, humanitarian issues and sustainable development.

Reform: Norway will strengthen efforts to promote reform and refine working methods in multilateral organisations in order to increase African representation and influence. This includes increased representation and influence for African countries in the UN Security Council. Norway will also work to enable African leadership in cases involving African issues. Furthermore, Norway will seek to promote the strengthening of the role of the UN’s African headquarters in Nairobi as a platform for dialogue and discussions on multilateral issues.

Regional architecture: Norway will continue its close cooperation with the AU and sub-regional organisations, with emphasis on implementation of the AU’s normative framework. An additional focus will on support to expanding UN-AU cooperation, including between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace & Security Council.