  
  
WT/MIN(22)/ST/43  
12 June 2022 
(22-4477) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT B Y H.E.  MR EIVIND VAD PETERSSON  
STATE SECRETARY  
NORWAY  
It is in the darkest hours that we most appreciate the light. It is in times of lawlessness that we best 
understand the importance of rule of law. It is when international law is broken that we recognise 
the true value of a rules -based world order.  
 
Russi a's violent attack on Ukraine shows a blatant disregard for international law and institutions. 
This senseless war is causing suffering far beyond the borders of Ukraine. The most vulnerable are 
being hit the hardest.  
 
Russia 's aggression demonstrates the  importance of respecting and protecting a world order based 
on cooperation and common rules. The WTO is an integral part of this order. This conference is an 
opportunity to remind ourselves of -- and recommit to -- the values and principles underpinning t his 
organisation.  
 
The global food security situation has deteriorated significantly over the past months. An already 
challenging situation has been further compounded by Russia 's war against Ukraine.  
 
None of us are completely self -sufficient, and none o f us rely exclusively on imports to cover our 
domestic food security needs. A well -functioning trading system plays an important role in 
contributing to food security. But countries also need to maintain an adequate level of domestic 
production. It is alwa ys a matter of finding the right balance. The current situation shows us just 
how delicate that balance is.  
 
MC12 provides an opportunity to exchange views on how we - the members - can respond most 
efficiently to the current food crisis, and to send a st rong signal that food security is high on our 
agenda.  
 
Many countries are still struggling with the COVID -19 pandemic and its consequences. COVID -19 
has been a litmus test for international cooperation and solidarity, including here in the WTO. We 
should all acknowledge that there are lessons to be learned.  
 
MC12 offers us an opportunity as WTO members to send a strong message. Not only about our 
common resolve to meet the challenges related to the current pandemic, but also about being better 
prepared for future health crises. This should include addressing t he role of intellectual property 
rights. My government is ready to support a compromise on patents on vaccines.  
 
We are closer to an agreement on fisheries subsidies than ever before. While the draft text is not all 
that we hoped for, it will discipline me mbers. This agreement will assist the global community in 
ensuring that our oceans and our marine resources are healthy and sustainable. Without an 
agreement, there will certainly be less discipline.  
 
This is not an agreement about fish. It is about peopl e. All the people who depend on marine 
resources for their livelihood and as a source of food. It is about future generations. We must not 
waste this opportunity.  
 WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 43 
 
- 2 - 
 
  Agriculture is important to virtually all WTO members. Our sensitivities in this area are w ell known. 
In Norway, the growing season is short, the climate is difficult, and our farmland is both limited and 
scattered in small patches.  
 
Support for, and protection of, our agricultural sector remains crucial to safeguard non -trade 
concerns such as domestic food security, rural development, and environmental concerns.  
 
We will, however, always engage constructively with other members. We are ready to work on the 
basis of a balanced work programme that does not prejudge the outcome of negotiations.  
 
Norway might not be a major power. But we have an open economy, highly dependent on 
international trade. Safeguarding the rules -based multilateral trading system is therefore Norway 's 
primary trade policy priority. And the best way to safeguard the multilat eral trading system is to 
ensure that it delivers and stays relevant.  
 
Our first task is to make sure that the organisation functions efficiently. Restoring a fully functional 
dispute settlement system is fundamental and should be our first priority. We a lso need to improve 
the WTO 's monitoring and deliberative functions. This includes enhancing transparency and 
improving the work of WTO committees.  
 
Furthermore, we need to strengthen the WTO 's negotiating function so we can better respond to the 
economic  and trade realities of the 21st century. Social and economic development. Environmental 
sustainability including climate change. Women 's economic empowerment. The digital economy.  
 
Addressing global challenges requires global cooperation.  
 
A stable world order requires common rules that are implemented and respected.  
 
It is within our power, as members, to deliver results here at MC12. On food security. On the WTO 's 
response to the pandemic. And on fisheries subsidies. As well as launching a work programme on 
agriculture and a collaborative effort to reform the WTO.  
 
The alternative to the rule of law is not an option. We need an efficient and relevant WTO now more 
than ever.  
 
__________  
 