Joint Nordic Statement at the interactive dialogue with the UNFPA Executive Director

Madam Executive Director, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark. In addition to the statement delivered by Germany, we, the Nordic countries, take this opportunity to emphasize our commitment to supporting the work of the UNFPA.

Madam Executive Director, the growing polarization and pushback against sexual and reproductive health and rights that you mention in your opening statement, are a regrettable backdrop to our dialogue today and a cause for concern. The barriers to progress also mentioned by you are further escalated by intersecting challenges and crisis, such as the ongoing impact of the Covid-19-pandemic, climate change and the persistence of violent conflicts and war.

All these challenges have one thing in common: They disproportionately impact women and girls.

In the face of these challenges, the UNFPA has a vital mandate encompassing important aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and women and girls’ empowerment. This is evident by the results achieved by the UNFPA in reducing maternal and infant mortality, preventing unintended pregnancies, and combatting gender-based violence in all its forms.  

This important work must continue.

Madam Executive Director, we support UNFPAs continued investments in high-impact and evidence-based solutions. It is crucial to keep investing in expanding the midwifery workforce, access to modern contraception and action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harmful practices.

We encourage UNFPA to continue to do so with a gender transformative approach as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2022-2025.

The 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development next year is a significant milestone that should reinvigorate the work of all Member States to implement the ICPD Programme of Action as well as fulfil commitments made at the Nairobi Summit in 2019.

We, the Nordic countries, will do so, and we will continue to support the UNFPA in creating a world where all people, regardless of gender or background, can exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

We are looking forward to reconfirming our commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action during the ICPD30 processes and we are looking forward to receiving more information on commemorating this important  landmark.