Norway calls for reforms and resources to strengthen the UN
Norway today called for the strengthening of the United Nations to enable the Organization to serve the world effectively, noting that Member States have failed to ensure sufficient reform of the world body and equip it with the required resources to carry out its mandates.
“We define noble objectives, only to undercut them in the budgeting process. We keep on asking the UN to do more with less. If that is what we want, we must give the Secretary-General greater flexibility,” said Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister in his statement to the General Assembly’s annual general debate.
“In a time of major geopolitical change, the UN system must reflect new economic and political realities. As the Secretary-General reminded us here on Wednesday – with power comes responsibility,” said Mr. Eide.
It is the responsibility of Member States to ensure greater system-wide coherence of the UN, he said, noting that at times, the vision of a UN that “delivers as one” is undermined by its membership’s own interference and insistence on “pet projects, earmarking of funds, and cross-cutting, awkward and at times internally conflicting financial reporting requirements.
“Fragmentation does not begin at the UN. It is a reflection of the priorities and actions of Member States.”
He voiced regret for what he said was the abuse of the general debate to promote “extreme views and unfounded allegations.
“This only serves to incite conflict rather than bridge differences. We will not give up the authority of our presence in this hall, but rather confront such attitudes from this podium. The purpose of the general debate is to draw attention to current challenges, express and share our views and lay the basis for constructive dialogue,” said Mr. Eide.
Norway will, in partnership with other countries, launch a new energy initiative later this year, whose purpose will be boost sustainable electricity generation and accelerate the transition towards energy efficiency, he announced.
New funding will promote incentives in the energy sector in partner countries, which will in turn attract fresh capital for energy projects.
Carsten Staur, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Ambassador Carsten Staur told the Assembly that his country supported the UN-led campaign for transitioning to a green economy and announced that Denmark and Poland are working to strengthen the green growth agenda to contribute to the global objective of sustainable development.
Doru Costea, State Secretary for Global Affairs of Romania
“Indeed, the entire system of economic and financial governance needs to be revised, and budgets – including that of the United Nations – need to be kept under a strict control,” said Doru Costea, Romania’s State Secretary for Global Affairs.
“Reforms are needed that observe comprehensively governance principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as wise use of available resources. This is the only option. A country without equal dignified citizens can never be rich.”
Alexandru Cujba, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova
“The most appropriate methods of communication, consultation and cooperation during the [UN] reform process should be developed in close interaction with other actors like the private sector, civil society, academics, that play a more visible role in shaping the modern world,” said Alexandru Cujba, Moldova’s Ambassador to the United Nations.
Antonella Mularoni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of San Marino
A strong UN was needed for “coordinated action in our economic, environmental and food policies at all levels – both globally and regionally,” said Antonella Mularoni, San Marino’s Minister for Foreign and Political Affairs, in her contribution to the general debate.