The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Deputy Commissioner-General, Leni Stenseth, visited Oslo on 13 Februaryto hold the Agency’s first High-Level Consultation with Norway, aimed at further strengthening this long-standing partnership.
During her mission, the Deputy Commissioner-General and Norway’s State Secretary, Erling Rimestad, discussed new avenues of cooperation in support of Palestine refugees.
Ms. Stenseth noted: “UNRWA is struggling to continue delivering high-quality education, health and social services in a very challenging political, operational and financial context. As we move forward in the Agency’s efforts to modernize operations and become more efficient, we need political will and collective efforts to ensure that UNRWA is adequately resourced to deliver on its mandate. The flexible funding provided by Norway has made a significant impact on our capacity to tackle financial challenges. I hope Norway will remain a strong ally of UNRWA and supporter of the human development of Palestine refugees.”
Concerns about financial situation
State Secretary Erling Rimestad added: “I am deeply concerned about UNRWA’s financial situation. Ensuring that UNRWA has enough funding to provide education, food and health services is important for stability in the Middle East. Norway will continue to be a strong supporter of UNRWA, and we are in the process of transferring this year’s allocation. We will also continue efforts to mobilise funding from other donors.”
The meeting was followed by High-Level talks with Norwegian officials to exchange views on how to improve cooperation. Discussions focused on the Agency’s current situation and its vision for the future ahead of its 75th commemoration and the importance of multi-annual flexible funding. Ms. Stenseth also presented the Agency’s Strategic Plan (2023-2028) and shared some of its key reforms and modernisation initiatives, including on digitalization, oversight measures and sustainable funding reforms.
On 15 February, the Deputy Commissioner-General will take part in a discussion on UNRWA’s political and financial challenges co-hosted by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and the Chr. Michelsens Institute (CMI).
