Joint Nordic Statement: United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law
Joint Nordic Statement delivered by Ms. Sari Mäkelä, Legal Advisor,
Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations
81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly: Sixth Committee
Agenda item 77: United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study,
Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law
22 October 2026
Mme./Mr. Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
The Nordic countries would like to thank the Secretary-General for his latest report (A/81/417), which covers the activities in the implementation of the Programme of Assistance in 2026, as well as the activities planned for 2027 and the related administrative and financial implications. We have taken note with concern of the reported liquidity situation of the Organization and its impact on the implementation of activities under the Programme.
The Nordic countries continue to be strong supporters of an international order based on the rule of law. Rules-based multilateral cooperation is indispensable for tackling global problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty and conflicts, and it can yield positive results in addressing pressing global issues. At a time when respect for international law is being challenged in many respects, continued efforts to strengthen knowledge and understanding of international law are more important than ever.
International law provides the framework through which States cooperate. We believe that the strength of the rules-based international order depends largely on the professionalism, expertise and commitment of those acting on behalf of States. By investing in education and the development of legal expertise, we invest in a future where international law is understood, respected and relied upon as a foundation for peace, cooperation and justice.
Mme./Mr. Chair,
Through the Programme of Assistance, generations of government lawyers, judges and diplomats from all around the globe have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the body of law that governs our interconnected world. The Nordic countries welcome the continued efforts to ensure the diversity of the pool of lecturers and commend the strong gender balance among participants. The International Law Fellowship Programme as well as the Regional Courses have been instrumental in providing international law training for young lawyers. The courses contribute not only to individual professional development but also to strengthening the institutions that uphold the international rule of law.
Since its founding in 1965, the Programme of Assistance has made a significant contribution to the goals of the United Nations by providing scholars and practitioners with access to high-quality international law training and other resources on international law. We commend the active and continued engagement of the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs in pursuing its mandate regarding the Programme of Assistance. It has been a vital tool for the global dissemination of international law. We would also like to commend the whole Advisory Committee for its work.
The Nordic countries applaud the continuous development of the Audiovisual Library of International Law. Since 2008, it has provided high-quality training to an unlimited number of individuals and institutions around the globe, free of charge. We welcome the efforts of the Codification Division to continue the development of material produced and provided by the Audiovisual Library in order to better service persons and organizations in areas with limited internet connection. The continued efforts to improve accessibility, including through the provision of transcripts for newly published lectures, are a highly welcome development.
In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming how information is created, distributed and consumed, the Audiovisual Library stands out as a trusted and authoritative source of knowledge on international law. By providing reliable and freely accessible resources produced by leading experts, the Library helps ensure that high-quality legal information remains available to all.
The Nordic countries salute the Member States that have made voluntary contributions to the Programme and encourage all States to consider making such contributions in the future, to sustain continued operations and development of the Programme. We would like to express our continued support for the Programme of Assistance.
Thank you, Mme./Mr. Chair.