Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations

Smart Solutions for a Safer Future
Using AI to End Female Genital Multilation
4 December 2025

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,

Thank you for joining us at his event today that is dedicated to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Iceland is proud to have supported UNFPA’s and UNICEF’s Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation since its establishment. Both agencies are key multilateral development partners for Iceland, and we have long championed the elimination of harmful practices, including FGM, child marriage, as well as efforts to end fistula. This work aligns with Iceland’s broader commitment to ensuring women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthening essential health services, and promoting women’s bodily autonomy as a foundation for participation, opportunity and human rights.

We are encouraged by the progress that the Joint Programme has showcased over the years, and it is important to note that the progress to date has been made possible through strong cooperation with national governments, whose leadership, policy reforms, and community engagement efforts remain crucial to sustaining and accelerating change.

Yet despite progress, the challenge remains immense. Millions of girls continue to face the risk of harmful practices, and significant gaps in resources, data, and service delivery persist. Meeting global commitments will require renewed urgency and sustained investment.

We also stand at a pivotal moment for technology. Artificial intelligence and digital tools offer new ways to strengthen prevention, improve data driven decision-making, expand community engagement, and counter disinformation. At the same time, AI brings risks such as digital harassment and backlash against gender equality.

This dialogue is an opportunity to explore how AI can be a force for change, to highlight promising practices and strengthen partnerships. Together we can promote innovation that accelerates impact, advances equality and help build a future where every girl is free from the threat of FGM.