Silje Hjemdal, Grunde Almeland, Anne Kristine Linnestad and Linda Monsen Merkesdal took part in the annual hearing at the United Nations in New York on 12 and 13 February 2026, organised by the IPU in cooperation with the UN.

The overarching theme of this year’s hearing was UN reform and the “Pact for the Future”. Particular attention was given to the role of parliaments and parliamentarians within the UN system, as well as how to create a more effective multilateral system.

The hearing was opened by the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former Foreign Minister. In her address she emphasised that although multilateralism and the UN are under considerable pressure in today’s challenging global situation, they remain the best alternative available. The UN is facing financial difficulties due to reduced or delayed contributions, while at the same time the Security Council is failing to stop ongoing conflicts. It was pointed out that it is hard to imagine any of the five veto powers relinquishing their veto in a possible reform of the Council.

The UN to elect a new Secretary‑General

This year, the UN will elect a new Secretary‑General, and many have argued that it is time for a woman to take on this role. Silje Hjemdal asked what qualifications the new Secretary‑General should possess. New Zealand’s UN Ambassador responded that the position requires a combination of top‑level diplomatic skills and the ability to lead a large international organisation administratively. Above all, it is important that the candidate has a clear plan for adapting the organisation to the current global situation.

Bilateral meeting with Canada

The delegation met with their Canadian counterparts for a bilateral meeting in the UN building. Canada, which had requested the meeting, spoke about its efforts to strengthen its orientation towards Europe, particularly the Baltic region and the Nordic countries. While Canadian business remains closely tied to the United States, efforts are being made to diversify. Canada views Norway as a country with which it shares many international perspectives, such as on human rights, climate policy and respect for international law.

Nordic visit to Texas

Together with the other Nordic IPU delegations, the Storting delegation visited Texas ahead of the hearing. They met with politicians from the Texas State Legislature, visited Lockheed Martin to see F‑35 production, and were given a tour of NASA.

About the Inter‑Parliamentary Union

The IPU works to promote peace, democracy, cooperation and human rights across all regions of the world. It is committed to mobilising parliamentary support for the work of the United Nations. More than 180 national parliaments are members of the IPU. The organisation was established in 1889.

The Stortings's Delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union