Announcement

Peace, security, and combatting the climate crisis all require multilateral solutions: UN Deputy Chief

11 October 2023
A UN official in a patterned dress stands next to an official in Iceland next to a window.
Caption: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed meets with President of Iceland Guðni Th. Jóhannesson during her recent visit to the country. The two leaders discussed the Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace as a key input for the 2024 Summit of the Future.
Photo: © UN

The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, concluded her three-day visit to Iceland yesterday. During her visit, Ms. Mohammed held a number of bilateral meetings with senior Government officials, including President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir.

In her engagements, Ms. Mohammed highlighted the role of Iceland - as well as the wider group of small States - in advancing multilateral solutions to key issues facing the world including climate change, global peace and security, and the need to reform the international financing architecture to better service people and the planet. She also exchanged views on these issues with parliamentarians and young people.

The deputy UN chief visits a glacier in Iceland, with rocky terrain and ice in the background.
Caption: Deputy UN Chief Amina Mohammed visits Langjökull glacier - the second largest in Iceland - to highlight climate change. "With less than two months until #COP28, we need action for those on the frontlines," Ms. Mohammed said in a social media post.
Photo: © UN

Ms. Mohammed visited areas affected by the climate crisis, including Iceland’s second largest (and fast melting) glacier, Langjökull, and the Ice Cave. With less than two months until COP28 (28th Conference of Parties), she called for action for those on the frontlines.

Earlier today, the Deputy Secretary-General attended the Imagine Forum: Nordic Solidarity for Peace event. She stressed that the rise of conflicts and unsettling developments of the last few days should not be a reason for the international community to give up but rather stepping up to restore peace.

UN deputy chief stands with parliamentarians in Iceland, in front of a colorful bright painting.
Caption: "Multilateralism, solidarity and determination can help us secure a future of dignity and peace. Grateful to exchange with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Iceland," Ms. Mohammed said in a social media post.
Photo: © UN

Ms. Mohammed outlined that creating a peaceful future for all requires doubling down on sustainable development and reinvigorating multilateralism. Among other things, she underscored the need to end the wars across regions and on nature, which is exacerbating conflicts and challenges.

Ms. Mohammed left yesterday to Marrakech, Morocco, for the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This excerpt is adapted from the UN Spokesperson's Noon Briefing on Tuesday, 10 October.