Statement: Humanitarian Diplomacy - Realising Hope in the Middle East Crises

Statement by H.E. Ms. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir,
the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
"Humanitarian Diplomacy: Realising Hope in the Middle East Crises"
High-level event during the High-level week of the 80th Session of the General Assembly
24 September, 2025





Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, 

As we meet here today, the world is facing the highest number of conflicts and displacement in decades. This makes it ever more important to put protection, access, and dignity at the heart of multilateral humanitarian action. 

Humanitarian diplomacy is the means to achieve this. It is the practice of ensuring that civilians are protected, that aid reaches those in need, and that international humanitarian law is respected. It requires dialogue with all parties, insistence on safe passage, and principled engagement guided by humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. 

It is plain to see where we have to do better, because the cost is measured in lives: in Palestine; in Sudan; in Syria; in Yemen. These tragedies remind us that humanitarian norms must not be compromised. 

Today I want to reaffirm that protection of civilians is not optional, and humanitarian access should be non-negotiable. We should also commit to ensuring predictable, multi-year financing that allows agencies to plan and sustain core services. Protecting health and education in emergencies should not be considered secondary but as important investments in long-term peace and stability.  

And finally, to achieve our aims, we must elevate the role of women, youth, and local responders, who are indispensable to effective humanitarian action and for peace.  
For its part, Iceland has sought to match words with deeds. We have increased core contributions to UN humanitarian agencies, including to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees and sustained partnerships with OCHA, WFP and UNHCR.  

Excellencies, humanitarian diplomacy is not a substitute for political solutions. But it creates the breathing space in which human life can be preserved while political processes take root.  

Let us work together and navigate these challenges by using this critical tool at our disposal.  

Thank you.