By Bjørn Jahnsen / Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Philippines
(Exclusive to Envoys&Expats)
ON June 17, Norway successfully won a nonpermanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UN-SC) for 2021 to 2022.
We are happy that we won one of the five seats. It has been 20 years since our country took a seat in the SC, which was from 2001 to 2002, and will do so again on January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2022.
We live in unprecedented times marked by intense and complex crises. As an example, no country can tackle the coronavirus crisis alone. And, it does little good for Norway to keep the spread of the pandemic under control if new waves of infection continue to come from abroad. Global issues, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 situation, is a good illustration of why our country always has been a staunch supporter of the UN.
This year, we also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Norway and the Philippines were both founding members of the UN in 1945, which was motivated by a desire to prevent future conflicts and armed confrontations.
‘Small country, big heart’
NORWAY is a strong supporter of the multilateral system, and the major part of our assistance to the Philippines comes through the UN system. Our foreign policy supporting peace and security, human rights, the rule of law, and development are at the forefront, and these issues will be key in our tenure in the SC.
There is a broad consensus in our country to provide at least 1 percent of our gross national income to international development aid and official development assistance. In 2019, Norway’s total ODA was about $4 billion, and about a quarter of this was provided through multilateral organizations like the UN and other regional platforms. Indeed, we are a small country with a big heart.
Regarding our response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Norway has increased its support for vaccine development, as it allocated $250 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations for vaccine-development work.
It has likewise co-funded some of the UN-led initiatives against Covid-19 in the Bangsamoro region and the rest of Mindanao, with a particular focus on women affected by the conflict. Our country has expertise and experience from many years of engagement in peace and reconciliation efforts around the world, that we will inform the SC about of our contributions.
All for peace
FOR 19 years, Norway has been the third-party facilitator of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the communist movement. Since 2010, we have also been engaged in the Bangsamoro peace process. This reflects our commitment to peace processes and reconciliation efforts worldwide.
Norway will cooperate closely with all members of the SC in promoting the protection of civilians, including children, as well as encouraging women’s role and participation in international peace and security work.
Lastly, my country will work to ensure that the SC devotes more attention on climate change’s effects to international peace and security.
Image credits: Embassy of Norway