The Government of Norway is very pleased to be able to support this conference. Drawing on the best of both worlds is essential if we are to have any hope of meeting the numerous international challenges facing us. The theme of this conference is a highly relevant one. Today, the concept and practice of traditional national sovereignty is under attack from many directions.
International cooperation is essential to safeguard national interests.
This is not an entirely new development. The United Nations was created because states saw that they could only pursue their own interests through common efforts and international cooperation. In today s globalized world, this need is stronger than ever. However, it will always be the responsibility of member countries, the Security Council and the Secretary-General to equip the organization with the resolve, skills and resources it needs to deal effectively with threats to peace and security. This means that we must get better at recognizing potential threats to peace and security at an early stage, and respond quickly to fast-breaking emergencies and crises.