Statement by H.E. Ms. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir,
the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
"We the Peoples at UNGA80: LGBTI Youth and the Future"
LGBTI Core Group Side Event
during the High-level week of the 80th Session of the General Assembly
23 September, 2025

Dear colleagues, friends, 

I am very pleased to join this meeting of the LGBTI Core Group. Iceland is a proud member of the Group.

And I am particularly pleased that the focus is on LGBTI youth, and the challenges they face.
It pains me to hear stories of how young people are increasingly being harassed and discriminated against just because of who they are – stories of discrimination, verbal and physical violence. 

This backlash is a global phenomenon. And even if Iceland has made great strides in securing LGBTI rights, we are not immune.

What is especially concerning is that the backlash is increasingly driven by some young people - those who should be pushing the boundaries for more rights, not fewer.

So, what can we do?

Domestically, we need to be firmly focused on developing and implementing legislation, frameworks and actions that advance LGBTI rights in all areas of society. 

In Iceland, we are, for example, updating education materials, increasing support for trans and intersex children and their families, strengthening inclusion in schools and universities, and improving data collection.

It is also crucial to respond to the systematic disinformation campaigns which are targeting LGBTI individuals and their rights, aiming to stigmatize, marginalize and incite violence.  

Globally, we need to stand up for our values and continue to promote the rights of LGBTI persons, even if the tide may seem to be turning against us. 

As a member of the Human Rights Council, Iceland places particular emphasis on the advancement of LGBTI rights. 

I welcome the recent renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI, and I am very pleased to have Graem Reid with us here today!

We also support human rights defenders and organizations in developing countries including through ILGA World and Outright International.  

LGBTI rights are human rights, and we all have the responsibility to protect and promote them. 

I take this responsibility very seriously and assure you that Iceland will continue to be a committed member of this group.

Thank you.