Statement delivered by Ms. Gudrun Thorbjornsdottir,
Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations
Second Committee: 14th Plenary Meeting – item 18: Sustainable Development
14 October, 2025

Thank you Chair and good afternoon colleagues.

Iceland remains fully committed to the 2030 Agenda and to accelerating progress towards its achievement. We firmly believe that every country, regardless of size, can make a meaningful contribution.  

Madame Chair,

At the 2025 UN Climate Summit, Iceland presented its proposal for its updated NDCs, including a target of 50-55% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, across sectors such as domestic transport, buildings, agriculture, small industry and waste.

Additionally, we aim to reduce emissions in the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry sector by an amount equivalent to 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2035. These targets are designed to be both ambitious and implementable, ensuring high standards and the necessary means to achieve them.

However, meeting national targets is just one piece of the puzzle.

Climate action is also central to Iceland‘s international development cooperation and it remains a strategic priority in both our bilateral and multilateral efforts.

Madame Chair,

I would like to highlight four of Iceland’s priorities for sustainable development:

First, the health of our oceans. It is essential for the well-being of our planet, our food security and biodiversity. Reducing plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems is of utmost importance and it is a global responsibility that requires coordinated international action.

Second, land restoration. Since the early 20th century, Iceland has invested in land restoration and sustainable land management. We strongly support the UNCCD and proudly co-chair the Group of Friends on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought with Namibia. 

Third, renewable energy. This has been central to Iceland’s own development and in our development cooperation we promote a just and inclusive energy transition that ensures equitable access to clean and affordable energy for all.

Four, gender equality. Women and girls are powerful agents of change, including for advancing climate resilience, transforming food systems and managing natural resources. The SDGs cannot be achieved without inclusive solutions, and this should be reflected more strongly in the resolutions of the Second Committee.

Madame Chair,

Lastly, Iceland would like to emphasise that this session of the Second Committee should reflect the outcomes of recent intergovernmental processes and agreed sustainable development norms. 

I thank you.