Minister Aukrust’s remarks at the World Social Summit

Speech/statement | Date: 05/11/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ByMinister of International Development Åsmund Grøver Aukrust

Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust's remarks at The second World Summit for Social Development is being held in Doha, Qatar.

Your Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,

The World Social Summit is a chance to strengthen our shared commitment to social justice - at a time when solidarity and trust are being tested. This Summit provides an opportunity to recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration and to accelerate collective action towards the 2030 Agenda.

Thirty years ago, world leaders set out a clear goal: to end poverty, promote full employment, and build inclusive, just societies. These ambitions are just as important today.

But our world has changed. Power is shifting. Democracies are under pressure. Inequality is widening. Climate and environmental challenges are accelerating. Technology is transforming how we live and work. And we are seeing an increasing number of conflicts on all continents.

In testing times, we must hold firm to what we agree on. We must push to achieve the 2030-agenda, and secure sustainable development for all - leaving no one behind. Respect for human rights, women's rights, and international law is crucial for any chance of success.

We need to maintain global solidarity. We must seek partnerships and uphold the political commitment to move forward together as we promised in 2015.

We cannot succeed without the support and guidance of an efficient and functional multilateral system. Therefore, Norway remains deeply committed to both supporting the UN Secretary General's UN 80 initiative and reforming the UN so that it can deliver better for people and for the planet.

Reducing inequality is central to Norwegian development policy. Societies that are more equal are better able to sustain peace. Good governance involves fair and effective taxation, fighting corruption and tackling illegal financial flows. This enables countries to mobilize their own resources, distribute them fairly, and build sustainable welfare systems.

Norway is actively engaged in the UN process on international tax cooperation.

The Pact for the Future recognizes that while digital technologies have great potential to advance sustainable development, they also risk deepening existing inequalities. We must work together to bridge the digital divide.

The Decent Work Agenda continues to play a central role. Its four pillars - full employment, social protection, social dialogue, and rights at work - are not abstract ideals. They are the foundations of stable societies.

Dear Friends, no country can achieve its full potential without the full participation of women in the labour market.
This drives economic growth.
It gives women greater financial independence.
And it creates stable societies.

This progress does not come by chance. It reflects deliberate choices. In Norway, we have made it possible for both women and men to have a career and to take care for their families. We have done so by passing strong laws, investing smartly, and cooperating closely with employers, trade unions, and civil society.

Policies such as paid parental leave, flexible working hours, and affordable childcare have changed our economy and strengthened our society. And we know that the right of women to decide over their own bodies is fundamental - not only for health and dignity, but for their full participation in political, economic, and social life.

We cannot ignore the deep challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict. These are structural barriers to progress. They demand a response that unites development, peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.

Norway remains fully committed to development cooperation. We will continue our focus on long-term partnerships, strengthening national capacities, and tackling inequality at its root. Development cooperation works best where there is strong national ownership.

Today, many countries are giving less development aid. We therefore face a critical question: How can aid remain effective, inclusive, and based on human rights?

Let us ensure that equality, justice, and compassion continue to guide our collective path forward.

Thank you.