Joint Nordic Statement at the Ambassadorial Level Meeting on the Pact for the Future

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Excellencies, Colleagues,

-I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark. 

-We join others in thanking the co-facilitators Germany and Namibia for their tremendous efforts in drafting a REV2 including the chapeau. We believe that it maintains a sufficient level of ambition and is well structured and action-oriented.

- Expectations and stakes are high for us to deliver a document that provides clear political guidance. For the Nordic countries it is important that, the Summit will showcase our collective commitments to an inclusive, equitable and effective multilateral system fit for the future.

- To this point,

- We welcome the clear and concise draft chapeau. It eloquently captures a sense of urgency, hopefulness and resoluteness fit for our leaders.

-We commend the focus on our unwavering commitment to international law and the UN Charter. We also commend the focus on peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and gender equality, and our efforts to address the existential crisis of climate change.

- The chapeau should allow our constituents to feel confidence and trust in a multilateral system that will truly serve them. This also means holding ourselves accountable by agreeing to a high level follow-up meeting in September 2028 of the Pact, while keeping in mind that the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations will have their own review processes.

- On the five chapters:

- We thank the co-facilitators for maintaining an important balance between the three pillars of the UN, as well as all three dimensions of sustainable development. Acknowledging the interlinkages between crises and opportunities for sustainable development is important, and we would like to see strengthened language on addressing the need for tackling climate change. Not only is it critical for delivering on the 2030 Agenda but also to the livelihood of future generations. In addition, halting and restoring environmental degradation is key for a healthy planet, and as such should also be acknowledged.

- A well-functioning multilateral system is a core objective of the Summit of the Future. We must stay true to this ambition. Part of this is ensuring that the international financial architecture is more efficient and fit for purpose to address the challenges of the 21st century. Reform efforts by the UN and the IFIs should be mutually reinforcing to build trust in the multilateral system.  

- Demonstrating strong commitments on human rights, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights across the chapters will be key to moving forward. We support the continued inclusion of language on strengthening the human rights pillar of the UN in REV2.

- Peace is intrinsically linked to sustainable development and human rights. Underlining the importance of an adequate, sustainable, flexible and predictable financing for peacebuilding is crucial. We will continue to support the link to the New Agenda for Peace, including proposals on preventive diplomacy and national prevention strategies.

- Delivering on the visions and commitments of the Pact for all, including those furthest behind requires strong partnerships. We appreciate the continued emphasis on inclusivity and a multistakeholder approach, engaging civil society along every step of the way.

-To conclude,

- The Nordic Countries have complete trust in the co-facilitators in shepherding us through this last stretch of negotiations – carefully balancing at times diverging views while maintaining an eye on the “bigger picture”. We look forward to engaging constructively to deliver a pact that sparks hope and catalyses positive change.

Thank you.