Minister Aukrust’s remarks at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD)
Speech/statement | Date: 07/04/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in the UN Headquarters in New York from 7 to 11 April 2025 focuses on ‘Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages’.
(Check against delivery)
Distinguished colleagues, friends,
Polarization is again shaking the foundation we have built our common sense of belonging on.
It seems that the world is drifting apart. And I am deeply concerned for how this divide threatens development progress.
Most of the historic progress that we have achieved, was achieved by working together.
And most of the problems we are facing today can only be solved if we continue to work together. Dialogue and diplomacy matter even more during hard times. We need to keep the conversation going.
The topic for this year’s world health day - healthy beginnings, hopeful futures - is one such conversation starter.
Norway values our membership in WHO and our close partnership. We stand with WHO, and partners present here today, on the side of science.
Our policies align with international frameworks such as the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda.
And it is our responsibility as governments to promote and advance these goals.
We embrace WHO’s evidence-based norms and standards. We support the work for sexual and reproductive health and rights both domestically and globally.
Protecting women’s and girl’s rights to make choices about their own bodies is a key priority in our foreign and development policy. We are committed to strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights globally, both financially and politically.
SRHR is not only important for the individual and the family, but also for developing sustainable and peaceful societies at large.
Everyone should have access to comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality health services. Our efforts must therefore pay particular attention to those that are hardest to reach
Friends,
let us work together to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights are recognized, prioritized, and implemented. These services must be accessible, affordable, and safe for all.
We must commit to addressing the social determinants of health. Ensuring access to build inclusive and resilient health systems is key. A visible commitment requires action by all sectors and civil society.
So, let us join forces to create a world where all individuals can access the health services they need, make informed decisions about their health and bodies, and live healthy, fulfilling lives in peace and dignity.
Thank you.
