National Statement of Iceland 
222nd Session of the Executive Board of UNESCO

Delivered by H.E. Ms Audbjörg Halldórsdóttir, Permanent Delegate of Iceland

Ms Chairperson of the Executive Board,
Ms Director-General,
Ms President of the General Conference,
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,    

We meet at a time when multilateralism is being tested as rarely before and the world is faced with increasingly serious security concerns. This is not business as usual. The world feels more polarized than ever and UNESCO is not immune.  

We must strive to keep UNESCO a place where dialogue continues even when consensus is difficult – a house where every Member State, regardless of size or power, has a voice. For small states like Iceland, this is not merely an aspiration; it is fundamental. 

The withdrawal of the United States from UNESCO and the growing reluctance of countries to provide adequate funding to multilateral organizations have significant implications for UNESCO‘s ability to deliver on its mandate. But most of all, it affects the lives and future of millions of people around the globe. 

The Organization faces a serious budgetary challenge at a time when its mission is becoming more urgent. It is clear that a rethink and a long-term prioritization exercise are necessary so that UNESCO remains highly impactful. And while voluntary funding is projected to increase, it is also important it allows UNESCO to work flexibly.    

Integrity and good governance, including solid control mechanisms, provide the foundation on which trust in the Organization is built. This is especially important in the current environment. Iceland supports efforts to make UNESCO’s budget more transparent and strategically focused for the future. 

UNESCO, and Member States, must confront the budgetary challenges head-on, prioritize effectively, and make the Organization fit for the future.

Here, Iceland emphasises the following: 

• Human rights for all, which must remain non-negotiable guiding principles across all our programmes.  
• UNESCO’s global priorities, gender equality and priority Africa, and the priority groups, SIDS and youth.  
• Education as the cornerstone of peace, equality and sustainable development, and we urge that education-financing remain high on our collective agenda. 
• Freedom of expression and safety of journalists,  scientists and artists,   which is essential for healthy democracies and open societies. 
• Science and ethics of new technologies, including AI governance, open science, the ocean and climate change - areas where UNESCO can set global standards. Here, a strong, well financed and functionally autonomous IOC is essential.  

Let us underscore the importance of policies grounded in science, facts and evidence, rather than personal belief, ideology or short-term political interest. Science denial cannot and should not be entertained within UNESCO. 

Colleagues, 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of UNESCO and the UN Charter, whose founding principles continue to guide us today. This milestone is a chance not only to renew our commitment to peace and multilateralism, but also to ensure UNESCO remains strong, resilient and better equipped to serve future generations.

In today’s turbulent environment, it is vital to reaffirm the indivisibility of human rights and the fundamental importance of gender equality, and  the rights of LGBTQI+ persons and minorities. These are not only prerequisites for sustainable development but also core to UNESCO’s mandate.

But principles must be matched with action and we must ensure that UNESCO can continue its’ work to advance human rights and gender equality in a transformative manner. 

This is not the time to retreat from rights-based policies nor the respect for international law. On the contrary, when human rights are under pressure globally, UNESCO must stand strong as a defender of universal values, ensuring that no voice is left unheard and no group is left behind. 

Exellencies,

We commend UNESCO‘s emergency programs and the support provided under difficult circumstances in conflict areas around the world, and we encourage Member States to support the Organization’s continued ability to deliver. 

Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. The Kremlin shows no willingness for peace but has instead intensified its brutal attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, and has abducted tens of thousands of children. This must stop.  Iceland stands with Ukraine, and its pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

The devastation in Gaza is horrific. There is no justification for the brutality Hamas carried out in its terrorist attack on October 7, which Iceland has consistently condemned. But nothing can justify the collective punishment of Palestinians which has since ensued, with war crimes and crimes against humanity  being witnessed in broad day light. We hope that the US peace plan proposal for Gaza will bring about an urgently needed ceasefire, full humanitarian access and the immediate release of all hostages. We urge all parties to seize this opportunity for peace.

The situation in Afghanistan, and in particular the intolerable oppression of Afghan women and girls, must remain high on our agenda. The worsening, widespread and systemic gender persecution by the Taliban must be unequivocally condemned and accountability pursued. We must continue to support UNESCO‘s vital work in education and skills development, with a strong focus on women and girls. 

Colleagues,

Global challenges will affect us all.  We must not sacrifice the future for the short-term gains of the present. Investing in human rights for all, education, culture, science, freedom of expression and a healthy planet provides the foundation for peace and prosperity. 

Member States must work together to keep UNESCO as a platform for constructive dialogue and rights-based policymaking, and firmly rooted in science. Our cooperation must rest on shared values of democracy, openness, equality, and respect for cultural diversity. These are not abstract ideals but essential foundations for building a better future. 

Iceland reaffirms its strong support to UNESCO’s mandate and will continue to advocate for dialogue, cooperation, and solutions that unite rather than divide.  We stand ready to work with all delegations to ensure this session advances our shared goals  – a world of peace, dignity, and opportunity for all.