Vestre's speech during the World Health Assembly

President,

Director General

Excellencies,

Dear friends

This assembly is an exceptional opportunity for us, collectively, to demonstrate the importance of WHO as the leading normative and technical organization on health matters, and as a convening and coordinating body for global health.

Challenging geopolitical and financial times are nothing new, but this year’s turmoil has profoundly shaken the global health landscape. WHO, as the central actor in this landscape, needs to emerge from this crisis reformed and resilient, more transparent and accountable.

Norway therefore welcomes the bold, revised organizational structure and a more realistic program budget.

Now, we as Member States need to do our part. We must ensure sustainable financing, including by increasing assessed contributions.

We appreciate WHOs active role in health emergencies and humanitarian crises. We strongly condemn the unacceptable trend of attacks on health facilities and health workers, such as those seen in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. International law must be respected.

We join others in celebrating the Pandemic Agreement. The adoption of the agreement represents a crucial step towards a safer and more equitable world.

Let us show, both during this Assembly and beyond, that we, collectively, can make meaningful steps towards better health for all.