SDG Summit

Check against delivery

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Our common task it to set the world on a path to sustainable development.

This is my main priority as Prime Minister of Norway and as Co-chair of the UN Secretary-General’s group of SDG Advocates.

We know what we need to do.

The 2030 Agenda and its SDGs is our roadmap.

Forty-seven countries presented their Voluntary National Reviews here in July.

These reviews help us see where we are not on track.

Unfortunately, the pace of our collective efforts is not fast enough.

We must make 2020 the start of a decade of delivery.

The National Reviews identified both challenges and opportunities. 

First: climate change has the potential to undermine all our progress.

If we fail to address global warming, we will face irreversible setbacks.

Small island developing states and the world’s least developed countries are the most vulnerable.

Second: Young people and their innovative ideas are a great asset to the SDG campaign.

The 2030 Agenda is for us all, but it matters the most to those who are young.

What’s more, youth participation in decision-making leads to better decisions.

Third: Inclusiveness and good governance are key factors, along with sustainable health systems and quality education for all.

Fourth: The financing gap is huge, particularly in low-income countries.

There is considerable scope for improving tax systems in many countries.

This will increase domestic financing.

And if this income is redistributed fairly, people will have better opportunities to fulfill their potential.

In my view, tax is key to quality education for all.

My country, Norway, also has work to do in order to achieve all of the SDGs.

However, we have come a long way.

This is largely because we have a well-functioning and equitable tax system.

People can see that this gives them services they benefit from.

Norway will continue to assist countries that want to expand their tax base with a view to reaching the SDGs.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We are all in this together, and it is only by working together that we can achieve the goals we have set ourselves.

Thank you.