BLADE

Norway outlines Africa Policy

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently released a document entitled, “The Platform for an Integrated Africa Policy”.  The document presents an overview of Norwegian cooperation with Africa, and provides a basis for implementing concrete measures.

The Platform underscores Norway’s desire to develop its foreign policy dialogue with African countries on issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, human rights and health.

Imams and rabbis in Paris to promote peace

The Third World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace kicked off yesterday in Paris.  The event is hosted by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and aims to bolster peace in the Middle East.  

The congress is expected to draw 85 participants, including 45 Palestinian imams, Israeli rabbis and Christians.  Religious leaders and experts from nearly two dozen countries are also expected.

Outcomes are expected to include the adoption of a final declaration and the setting up of a monitoring group to support initiatives promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue.

Umoja Music Festival in Mozambique supported by Norway

(Photo: UD Intra)

Umoja is a cultural exchange programme involving young artists from Mozambique, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Norway. The main objectives of the programme are to support art and culture in society, develop cultural institutions, and develop individuals.

As many as 100 000 people made their way to downtown Maputo for the concert that was produced for television, and will be broadcasted by SABC in several African countries. Well-known African artists Timbila Muzimba, Malaika, Dama do Bling and others performed.

President of Mali opens Timbuktu Manuscripts Photographic Exhibition and Book Launch

Amila de Saram Larssen

President of the Republic of Mali, Amadou Toumani Touré launched the book, "The Hidden Treasures of Timbuktu" by John O. Hunwick & Alida Jay Boye, photos by Joseph Hunwick, in Oslo yesterday. The book launch was accompanied by an exhibition of photographs from the book. The event was part of Oslo´s annual International Week.

A Better World: International Week soon to kick off in Oslo

International Week takes place annually in Norway and serves as a platform for the dissemination of information on the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  This year, the event is hosted in the capital, Oslo, from October 17-24. 

International Week is organized by the United Nations Association of Norway, Norad, and the City of Oslo and features seminars, debates, films, concerts, a fashion show, art exhibition, and other activities specially geared towards children and youth.

Click here for a detailed schedule of events (in Norwegian).

Key documents in formulation of Norwegian development policy

Amila de Saram Larssen

In light of Norway just having reached its goal of allocating 1% of GNI to development activities, I thought it an opportune moment to catalog some of the major policy documents pertaining to the realization of this goal.

Norway's development policies are not to be found in any one specific piece of legislation.  Instead, a series of White Papers and presentations to the Parliament have shaped the country's development agenda. 

Focus on Guatemala

Jan Speed and Amila de Saram Larssen

Lars Vaagen, Norway's ambassador to Guatemala, speaks about Norway's development cooperation with Guatemala, and in particular, about projects supporting the Maya people.

Protection of cultural and natural heritage linked to economic development

 

By Amila de Saram Larssen 

BLADE recently interviewed Inger Heldal (pictured left) of the International Section of the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) on the subject of cultural heritage and development.  Among the topics discussed was Africa 2009, a programme, funded in part by NORAD, to increase the national capacity for management and conservation of immovable heritage resources in Sub-Saharan Africa.   

 

The protection of cultural heritage is an important issue on the development agenda, in no small part due to the potential revenue generated by tourism at heritage sites.  The economic benefits of cultural heritage resources are easily realized by developed nations with stable economies and developed infrastructure. Developing nations, however, face many difficulties. The protection of cultural heritage is often seen as a luxury as scarce governmental resources are needed for basic services. 

 

Click below to hear excerpts from the interview.