Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and to be thankful. One of the things I am grateful for this year, is the many indications that the global economy continues to recover. Economic growth is key to achieving the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals, a top political priority for Norway.
The goals spell out shared global ambitions in a number of areas, including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, health, nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation, and the need for climate action.
To me, the adoption in 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was a defining moment -- for the people of the world and for the planet itself. Norway pushed hard for ambitious goals two years ago, and we continue to push for timely implementation of these goals. Time is ticking toward the 2030 deadline.
As with a potluck dinner, success depends on what everyone brings to the table. Norway is committed to contribute, both financially and through leadership.
In its recent budget proposal for 2018, the Norwegian government is setting aside more money than ever for international development. Priority is given to education, health, climate change, renewable energy, and job creation, areas we know promote long-term development, growth and stability. Also high on the list of priorities are humanitarian assistance and support to fragile or conflict-ridden areas of the world.
A word that pops up in all of these areas is gender. That should come as no surprise. The effect of empowering women has been demonstrated in many countries, including my own. Integrating women in the labor market has probably contributed more to Norway’s wealth than have our extensive oil and gas industries put together. Redressing gender disparities, whether in developing or developed countries, is quite simply smart economics.
The high ambitions for 2030 will not be achieved through increased aid budgets alone. To make the SDGs a reality, need to work through partnerships, including with the private sector, and to mobilize capital flows beyond aid budgets for the benefit of development. It’s important to work with developing countries when they seek to explore and exploit their own resources. It’s important to make sure that revenues generated domestically stay within the country and are spent in a way that benefits the population.
The 2030 Agenda cannot be achieved without properly addressing climate change. The livelihoods of current and future generations are at stake. People in all regions of the world, especially those living in small island development states, will be affected.
Many already feel the effects. Climate change aggravates poverty. It contributes to creating or reinforcing humanitarian crises. And it increases the risk of conflicts and mass migration.
As a maritime nation, Norway is particularly concerned about taking good care of the world’s oceans and their ability to provide food security and livelihoods for the world’s population. Ensuring their sound management and sustainable use is a vital part of our work to achieve the SDGs. Here we continue to work closely with the United States and other nations.
Progress toward success in 2030 is gauged through Voluntary National Reviews. The aim is to share experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned. I am proud to say that Norway was among the first countries to present such a review.
The SDGs challenge us all. National efforts must be combined and coordinated with regional and global initiatives.
I can assure you that Norway will continue to push, and to contribute.
Happy Thanksgiving!