Joint Nordic statement at Security Council open debate on public-private humanitarian partnerships
Check Against Delivery
Madam President, members of
the Security Council, distinguished briefers,
On behalf of the Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland,
Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark – I would like to thank Albania for convening this open debate, and for the opportunity to advance the
Security Council’s discussions on public-private partnership solutions and their role in addressing humanitarian needs in the context of international peace and security.
Let me also thank all the briefers for their valuable insights.
We would like to focus on the
following: 1) the private sector as an invaluable actor to save lives, 2) the private
sector as a key source of innovation, and 3) the need for strengthened coordination
among all actors, including the private sector, in addressing current and future humanitarian needs.
Firstly,
in a world where humanitarian needs are fast outpacing funding available for
life-saving aid, there is an urgent need for all actors to step up. Based on the
principles of solidarity and responsibility sharing, we have, in recent years
seen an increase in private sector funding to humanitarian emergencies. This trend
is a welcome and much needed development.
The
Nordic countries have a long tradition of providing humanitarian relief and are
frequently among the top humanitarian contributors globally. However, we can all
do more to create synergies and further collaborate with the private sector. The
Back Sea Grain Initiative is an example where public and private sectors came
together to avoid a further deterioration of the global food crisis. We deplore
Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and call on Russia to resume the Initiative.
Secondly,
the private sector creates 90% of job opportunities in the developing world,
and thereby provides an essential pathway to self-reliance. Businesses bring expertise
and resources to build local markets that can provide sustainable access to goods and
services. Further developing local economies benefits and empowers communities
and reduces dependency on humanitarian aid. The
private sector is helping to further innovate in several key areas of
humanitarian action, from logistics and shelter to communications and information
technology. This Council has often discussed the digital transformation of
peacekeeping, which, to a large extent, is inspired by the technological
advances available within the private sector. Technological advances in the
private sector hold a similar promise for humanitarian actors.
Third, the growing complexity
of today’s humanitarian emergencies is so vast that an adequate response is
impossible without the coordinated action of all relevant actors, including the
private sector. We need to ensure that we have an inclusive humanitarian architecture
in place that enables the meaningful participation of the private sector. Our
programming and operating models should, where relevant, streamline private
sector engagement across sectors, and provide openness and predictability on opportunities
for collaboration. This is especially important in the context of the
commitment of the Nordic countries to develop localized solutions, which truly
engage and empower communities for the benefit of peace and stability.
Thank you