Statement: General Debate - High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Johannsdottir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
General Debate
22 July, 2025
Madame/Mr. Chair, Excellencies,
This forum brings us together at a critical time, a time of profound global transformation, of rising catastrophic and existential risks, many caused by the choices we make.
This is a time when effective global cooperation is more important than ever.
Iceland has been and remains fully committed to implementing Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development both nationally and internationally. The SDGs have been integrated into government policy, with a particular emphasis on building a peaceful and just society, free from fear and violence.
Iceland welcomes this year´s draft ministerial declaration, which will be both timely and essential.
Madame/Mr. Chair, Excellencies,
Iceland places added emphasis on two of the SDGs mentioned in the draft declaration. Namely, Goal number 5 on Gender Equality and Goal number14 on Life Below Water. These two specific sustainable development goals are of significant importance to Iceland, formulating both our foreign and national government policy.
Gender equality is intrinsically linked to sustainable development. It is vital to the realization of human rights for all – an aim wholly unreachable if women and girls are left out of the equation. It remains a fact that too many women experience gender-based violence and lack bodily autonomy. Women also continue to carry an unfair burden of unpaid domestic and care work, both inside and outside the home. We must remind ourselves that gender equality is not only the smart thing to do because of its profound positive effect on society and the economy – it is an absolute moral imperative.
On life below water, Iceland attaches vital importance and prioritises its actions. We note the positive meeting on the oceans at Nice earlier this year, and echo the outcome of that meeting. Enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources is essential and should be done by implementing international law as reflected in the UNCLOS, the constitution and fundamental legal framework of the oceans. Iceland looks forward to a constructive BBNJ prep comm session in August and notes its commitment to the process and support for its ratification and implementation. Redoubling of our commitments to UNCLOS and the BBNJ Agreement will provide us with necessary tools to achieve our common objectives.
Madame/Mr. Chair, Excellencies,
Finally, Iceland reiterates its full commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to continuously strengthen our efforts to enhance progress for the SDGs. Furthermore, we align ourselves with the goals and objectives of this Forum and reaffirm our support and trust in your leadership, Madame/Mr. Chair.
Thank you.