Minister Aukrust’s remarks at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

(Check against delivery)

President, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Spain and the UN secretariate for their tireless efforts in bringing us to this important moment.

The Compromiso de Sevilla sends a clear and timely message: the global community remains steadfast in its commitment to financing the Sustainable Development Goals and upholding international cooperation, despite the prevailing global uncertainties.

Over a year ago, Norway took on the role of co-facilitator for the outcome document, recognizing the urgent need to advance the financing for development agenda amidst shrinking aid and rising global challenges.

I extend my sincere thanks to fellow co-facilitators Nepal, Mexico and Zambia, to the entire UN membership, civil society and a diverse range of stakeholders.

In a time marked by profound global challenges, reaching consensus on an ambitious and action-oriented document was far from guaranteed.

Yet, through constructive dialogue and shared commitments, we have succeeded.

President,

This process has shown the value of the UN as an universal institution and a vital meeting place for all member states.

The Norwegian Government is deeply committed to an effective, inclusive representative UN, and a global order based on international law and the UN Charter. We welcome the Secretary General’s UN80 Initiative, and encourage strategic, evidence-based reform proposals. Norway stands ready to engage with the Secretary-General and Member States from all regions to achieve a stronger and more efficient United Nations.

Excellencies,

We are gathered here in Seville with one shared purpose: Financing a future that is fair, sustainable, and inclusive.

To millions of people, this is not just a technical debate. It is about basic rights: Access to education, health care, clean water, and decent livelihoods. It is about dignity, equality, and opportunity.

As global Official Development Assistance - ODA - is under pressure, it is ever more important than ever to identify additional financing sources and ensure all resources are used effectively.

This is why this conference matters.

International development cooperation remains important for reducing poverty. The Norwegian government is committed to maintaining ODA at one percent.

We also actively participate in efforts to reform the development cooperation architecture. We need a more open, inclusive system based on equal partnerships, which can bring contributions from both traditional and non-traditional providers.

However, ODA alone is not enough.

Ladies and gentlemen : How do we spell Financing for Development?

F – F – D?  – yes indeed.

But also: T – A – X.

Norway knows a thing or two about tax. Our progressive tax system has served the Norwegian people well.

This is why we support building national tax, public finance, and statistical systems in other countries. Since the 2015 Addis conference, we have doubled this support. And we will increase this support in the years to come.

Norway is also actively engaged in ongoing international tax negotiations.

Furter, I would like to stress the importance of gender equality and realizing the rights of women and girls. It is not only a self-evident matter of justice. Increasing the proportion of women in the workforce has contributed to Norway's economic growth.

Gender equality is a catalyst for prosperity and development – in all countries.

To mobilize domestic resources and attract private capital, countries must pursue legal reform and treat anti-corruption as a cross-cutting priority, as emphasized in the Compromiso de Sevilla.

Transparency, integrity, and accountability must underpin our fight against illicit financial flows. Norway will also intensify efforts to mobilize private capital for development financing.

We also support the continued reforms of the Multilateral Development Banks, and the need to broaden and enhance the voice and representation of low-income countries in global economic governance.

If effectively implemented, the Compromiso de Sevilla can lay the foundation for better debt restructuring and transparency, which is key to preventing future crises.  Norway welcomes the request to the UN Secretary General to convene a working group, with the IMF and the World Bank, on guiding principles for responsible sovereign borrowing and lending.

President,

The Compromiso de Sevilla is an important milestone. But the future will judge us by how we carry it forward. Let us work together to achieve the world we promised in 2015.

Thank you.