State Secretary Kravik’s remarks at the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting

Honorable Ministers, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

I would first like to extend my sincere thanks to Brazil for graciously hosting us here in Natal.

Before I turn to the substance of this meeting, let me briefly address the geopolitical backdrop against which this meeting is being held. Norway aligns itself with all previous speakers who have condemned in the strongest terms Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s war is not only a blatant violation of the fundamental principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including the prohibition of the use of force, territorial integrity and sovereignty, but it also risks upsetting the current world order on which we all are reliant.

When it comes to the Middle East, Norway continues to stress the importance of a cease-fire, in both Gaza and Lebanon, respect for international law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and the establishment of a free and sovereign Palestinian state, which is an integral part of the two state solution which Norway continues to support, including through recognition of Palestinian statehood earlier this year. We have repeatedly stated that Israel’s indiscriminate and disproportionate use of military force in Gaza represent clear violations of international humanitarian law.

Both the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East challenge the fundamental tenets of the current world order and require us to intensify our efforts to preserve respect for international law and the multilateral system. All violations of international law are unacceptable. There is no room for double standards in international law.

Turning to the topic at hand, Norway commends Brazil's leadership in integrating the Anti-Corruption Working Group’s efforts with the broader G20 agenda. We appreciate Brazil’s emphasis during its presidency on advancing anti-corruption measures and promoting integrity as key drivers for building fairer, sustainable and inclusive societies.  

The Ministerial Declaration appropriately acknowledges that corruption remains a significant obstacle to development, as it hampers economic growth, market competition, income from tax revenue, foreign and national investments, productivity, and inclusion.

The issue of anti-corruption and sustainable development is also crucial for the upcoming Fourth Financing for Development Conference, which Norway is co-facilitating with Mexico, Nepal, and Zambia. Norway is optimistic that the financing for development conference will drastically increase financing for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and set the direction for post-2030 initiatives. To succeed, we must jointly increase our efforts in curbing corruption, preventing tax avoidance and -evasion, disrupting illicit financial flows, and return assets more effectively.

As corruption undermines good governance and hinders sustainable development it remains an existential threat to democracy and security. Grand corruption flourishes where there are inadequate checks on the exercise of state executive power or undue private influence on the government.

Effective anti-corruption work requires transparency, integrity, inclusiveness, and accountability. It demands empowering journalists and civil society to investigate and expose wrongdoing without fear of retribution, including lawsuits being used to intimidate and mute activists and investigative journalists.  Civil society organizations and independent journalists can help prevent, detect, investigate cases of transnational corruption and advocate for appropriate policy responses. The work of civil society and independent journalism require our steadfast collective support and protection, also when they report stories and incidents that are critical to government policies. It is imperative that we commit to upholding human rights, under all circumstances, including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom to petition one’s own government without fear of retribution.  

An independent and transparent Judiciary is also essential to ensure that corrupt actors are held accountable, breaking the vicious cycle of impunity, and that victims of corruption receive due reparation.

While 190 states are signatories to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the implementation of its provisions must be significantly improved, and existing laws must be enforced. Norway supports ongoing efforts to strengthening the UNCAC’s Implementation Review Mechanism to become more effective, inclusive and transparent.

Chair,

As a guest country I should like again to reiterate our sincerest appreciation to Bazil for inviting us to this forum, and for your instance on progressing important anti-corruption issues during your tenure. With the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration, we hope the Leaders' Declaration will underscore the vitality of effectively preventing and combating corruption as a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Finally, I should want to take this opportunity to convey to our colleagues and friends from South Africa our full support as they prepare to take over the baton from Brazil and chair the next iteration of the G20.