Photo by Grant Ritchie/ Unsplash / 23 Feb 2021 Statement prepared for delivery at the closing session of the Fifth UN Environment Assembly Minister Rotevatn, Excellencies, distinguished Ambassadors, Observers, partners and friends, It has been a complex, uncertain and at times difficult journey – but here we are – at the conclusion of the first-ever virtual UN Environment Assembly. Excellencies, I salute you for continuing to raise a strong voice for a planet in crisis. I salute you for recognizing that we cannot afford to wait any longer to make peace with nature. I salute you for the inspirational messages calling on us all to recover from the pandemic with a clear view to creating a more just and sustainable world.