Statement on "Our Common Agenda" - promoting peace, international law, and digital cooperation

Mr. Vice President,

Thank you for convening today’s debate on the proposals in Our Common Agenda Report aimed at promoting peace, international law, and digital cooperation.

The main challenge to multilateralism and international cooperation is not lack of instruments and commitments but too often lack of implementation and non-compliance. We do therefore welcome all attempts to reverse this trend.

Iceland supports fuller use of human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review, to assist UN member states in implementing their commitments, combat discrimination, and proactively support the participation of marginalized groups.

The Treaty Body System plays an essential role in promoting and protecting human rights and should, as other human rights mechanisms, be put on more sustainable financial

Those seeking to represent the broader UN membership or regional groups should be transparent and open about their policies and priorities. This is particularly important for prospective candidates for the Human Rights Council membership, highlighting their commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Digital cooperation anchored in international law and human rights is the key to a more open, free, and secure digital future for all. All discussions about the future of digital cooperation need to be based on an inclusive and transparent multistakeholder approach, drawing on exiting UN workstreams. Bridging the digital divide so that no one is left behind must be an integral part of this work.

We appreciate the call for a more preventative and strategic approach to promoting peace and avoiding conflicts as underlined in highlighted in the New Agenda for Peace. We also welcome a firm commitment to the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peace processes and sustaining peace.

Finally, Mr. Vice President,

We need to deliver on our commitment to instill new life into the discussions on Security Council reform, including the use of the veto.

Thank you