Joint Nordic Statement at the UNSC Open Debate on the role of African States in global security

Check Against Delivery

Chair, Excellences, distinguished delegates,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark.

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Chair, we want to congratulate you for convening this very timely debate. The importance of engaging African states and their peoples in addressing global security and development challenges is unquestionable. For global progress. For regional stability. And for reform in the multilateral system. 

Earlier this month Denmark hosted African and Nordic delegations from 32 states as well as the African Union to discuss how we can form lasting and enduring partnerships. On transforming institutions of global governance. On peace and security. And on sustainable development and growth opportunities.

During two days of lively discussions, participating ministers agreed that the global peace and security landscape is changing. And they pointed to the new and interlocking threats which have emerged. Conflict dynamics are growing ever more complex. As also recognized in the Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace. But ministers also agreed that much can be done to remedy these challenges. 

As those discussions are also of relevance for our debate today, allow me to highlight four points:

First, the UN, and indeed the UN peace operations, continue to serve as a key tool for international peace and security. For more than 75 years, UN peacekeeping operations have supported the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts. Reflections on the future of UN peace operations are called for in order to adapt to changing dynamics. Troop- and police-contributing countries, including many African countries, as well as host countries, have a particularly important role in these deliberations. 

Second, the centrality of peacebuilding for achieving sustainable peace and development must be recognized. This necessitates strengthening the Peacebuilding Commission and its advisory; convening and bridging roles. The Commission’s potential to become a key entry point to enhance cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations should be supported, including with a view to strengthening national and regional conflict prevention frameworks and peace infrastructures. We underline the importance of local ownership and the essential role of the whole of society, including women and youth, in contributing to peacebuilding.

Third, there is an undeniable need for the United Nations’ to step up its cooperation with regional organizations, in particular the African Union in line with Chapter VIII [eight] of the Charter. 
The Nordic countries commend the leadership shown by the African Union and its sub-regional organizations in promoting peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development in Africa. In particular, as “first responders” in the region. We urge this development to continue and the United Nations to support it.

The recent adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2719 is a welcome step in this direction. Towards adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for African Union peace support operations. Now, we must ensure its swift and effective implementation. We remain engaged in the ongoing discussions on where resolution 2719 can potentially be put to use.

Fourth, fundamental reforms of the International Financial Architecture and the UN Security Council is needed. African States have a far more important role to play than is currently possible due to the underrepresentation we observe today, including in this Council. Redressing this historical injustice towards the African continent must be a priority.

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Chair, 

We hope that today’s debate will serve to further underline the increasing importance of African States in today’s global political landscape and in dealing with the pressing challenges of peace and security on the African continent and beyond.

I thank you.