**Draft Opening Speech for Norway - UN Women**

**Introduction (30 seconds)**

Honorable Chair, esteemed delegates, and distinguished guests, good morning.

Today, as the delegate of Norway, I rise to address a deeply troubling issue: the ongoing and systematic
violations of women’s rights in conflict zones across the Middle East and Africa. In these regions, women
bear the brunt of war, facing violence, displacement, and exploitation. It is a moral and collective
imperative for this committee to act decisively.

**Problem Statement (1 minute)**

In Yemen, over 70% of displaced women lack access to basic healthcare and legal protection. In the
Democratic Republic of Congo, sexual violence has been weaponized against women for decades, with
limited accountability. Refugee camps, meant to be sanctuaries, often become sites of further abuse and
neglect for women and girls. These atrocities are not only violations of basic human rights but also
barriers to long-term peace and stability.

As a nation deeply committed to gender equality and humanitarian efforts, Norway recognizes that
these injustices transcend borders and demand unified global action. Women’s rights are not a privilege;
they are fundamental human rights.

**Proposed Solutions (1–2 minutes)**

To address these issues, Norway proposes a three-pronged approach:

1. **Strengthening Humanitarian Aid**: Increase funding for shelters, healthcare, and education
programs tailored to women and girls in conflict zones. Norway is ready to contribute financially and
collaborate with international partners to expand these initiatives.
2. **Empowering Women in Peacebuilding**: Advocate for the inclusion of women in peace
negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Women’s voices must be heard in shaping the
future of their communities.

3. **Enhancing Legal Protections**: Establish an international task force to monitor and enforce
compliance with international laws protecting women in conflict zones. This task force would work with
local governments and NGOs to ensure accountability for gender-based violence.

Norway believes that these solutions, combined with international cooperation, can create a framework
to safeguard the dignity and rights of women in conflict zones.

**Conclusion (30 seconds)**

Delegates, the challenges are immense, but so is our resolve. Empowering women is not only a
humanitarian priority but also a pathway to lasting peace and development. As the delegate of Norway, I
urge this committee to unite in action and ensure that the voices of women in conflict zones are heard,
protected, and uplifted.

Together, we can transform this vision into reality. Thank you.

### **Country Recommendation: Representing UN Women on Women’s Rights Violations in MEA

#### **Best Country to Represent: Norway**

- **Why Norway?**

- A global leader in promoting women’s rights and gender equality.

- Strong advocate for humanitarian aid and peace-building efforts.

- Actively funds programs in MEA conflict zones to empower women and support victims of gender-
based violence.

#### **Alternative Options**

1. **Sweden**: Known for its feminist foreign policy and commitment to women's rights in conflict
zones.

2. **South Africa**: A regional leader in Africa, actively engaged in resolving regional conflicts and
advocating for human rights.

3. **Turkey**: Strategically involved in Middle Eastern conflicts, with a focus on refugee issues, including
women’s rights.

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### **Speechwriting Tips**

#### **Structure Your Speech Like This:**

1. **Introduction (30 seconds)**

- Greet the committee:

- *"Honorable Chair, esteemed delegates, and distinguished guests, good morning/afternoon."*

- State your country and the issue:

- *"Today, as the delegate of Norway, I stand to address the pressing violations of women’s rights in
MEA conflict zones."*

- Hook the audience:

- Use a compelling fact or statistic:

*"In Yemen alone, over 70% of displaced women lack access to basic healthcare and legal
protection."*
2. **Problem Statement (1 minute)**

- Highlight the core issues:

- Gender-based violence, lack of education, and exploitation in refugee camps.

- Relate to your country’s perspective:

*"As a nation committed to gender equality, Norway recognizes that these atrocities not only hinder
individual lives but also destabilize entire regions."*

3. **Proposed Solutions (1–2 minutes)**

- Suggest actionable steps:

- Increased funding for women’s shelters and education programs.

- Implementation of women-led peace negotiations.

- Stricter monitoring of international humanitarian laws.

- Tie your solutions to international cooperation:

- *"Norway calls upon the international community to establish a task force ensuring the safety and
dignity of women in conflict zones."*

4. **Conclusion (30 seconds)**

- Reiterate your stance and invite collaboration:

- *"In the face of these grave challenges, let us remember that empowering women empowers
nations. Norway is ready to work hand in hand with all delegates to build a future of equality and
peace."*

- End with a powerful closing:

- *"Together, we can ensure that the voices of women in conflict zones are heard and their rights
protected."*

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### **Tips for Delivering the Speech**

1. **Be Confident:** Speak slowly and clearly, making eye contact with the audience.

2. **Stay Calm:** If you forget a part, pause, take a breath, and continue.

3. **Use Body Language:** Gesture naturally to emphasize key points.

4. **Practice:** Rehearse your speech multiple times to gain confidence.

5. **Adapt:** Be prepared to modify your speech based on what other delegates say.

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Would you like help drafting your opening speech or researching Norway’s policies further? 😊