natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
For Norway’s part, our NATO membership has compensated for the lack of symmetry between Norway and its larger neighbour, Russia.
For Norway’s part, our NATO membership has compensated for the lack of symmetry between Norway and its larger neighbour, Russia.
It has made it easier to cooperate with Moscow.
It has made it easier to cooperate with Moscow.
Having a robust and predictable defence does not prevent cooperation – it enables it.
Having a robust and predictable defence does not prevent cooperation – it enables it.
But in addition to security policy in the classical sense, stability in the Arctic is also based on cross-border cooperation and a whole range of other factors.
But in addition to security policy in the classical sense, stability in the Arctic is also based on cross-border cooperation and a whole range of other factors.
The commitment of Norway, Canada, Russia, Denmark and the US to the Law of the Sea is preventing a race for resources.
The commitment of Norway, Canada, Russia, Denmark and the US to the Law of the Sea is preventing a race for resources.
Overlapping claims to the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean will be settled within the established legal framework.
Overlapping claims to the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean will be settled within the established legal framework.
Clear borders make cooperation easier, and conflict less likely.
Clear borders make cooperation easier, and conflict less likely.
This highlights the crucial importance of international law for peace, stability and economic growth.
This highlights the crucial importance of international law for peace, stability and economic growth.
And it is a good example of the way in which adherence to agreed principles benefit small countries and great powers alike.
And it is a good example of the way in which adherence to agreed principles benefit small countries and great powers alike.
In other regions of the world too, all parties to maritime and other territorial disputes should see that it is in their interest to follow the Arctic example.
In other regions of the world too, all parties to maritime and other territorial disputes should see that it is in their interest to follow the Arctic example.
In addition to a legal framework that all Arctic stakeholders adhere to, we also depend on well-functioning political institutions to address Arctic issues.
In addition to a legal framework that all Arctic stakeholders adhere to, we also depend on well-functioning political institutions to address Arctic issues.
The Council produces groundbreaking reports on the Arctic.
The Council produces groundbreaking reports on the Arctic.
New challenges, such as oil pollution and the need for search and rescue cooperation, have been met through the conclusion of legally binding agreements between the Arctic states.
New challenges, such as oil pollution and the need for search and rescue cooperation, have been met through the conclusion of legally binding agreements between the Arctic states.
At a time where political contacts between Russia and European countries have been reduced, cooperation in the Arctic Council is even more important.
At a time where political contacts between Russia and European countries have been reduced, cooperation in the Arctic Council is even more important.
The Arctic states have shown that they are able to find new solutions in response to new challenges.
The Arctic states have shown that they are able to find new solutions in response to new challenges.
As emerging economies in Asia seek to develop similar structures of regional cooperation to those that have served European peace and prosperity so well, they are looking not only to the EU, but also to the Arctic Council.
As emerging economies in Asia seek to develop similar structures of regional cooperation to those that have served European peace and prosperity so well, they are looking not only to the EU, but also to the Arctic Council.
In line with our national effort to boost economic growth in the north, we welcome the establishment of the Arctic Economic Council.
In line with our national effort to boost economic growth in the north, we welcome the establishment of the Arctic Economic Council.
The opportunities in the Arctic are so much more than oil and gas.
The opportunities in the Arctic are so much more than oil and gas.
In North Norway, there is considerable potential in the maritime sector, the seafood industry, the mineral industry, tourism and space technology, and many other areas.
In North Norway, there is considerable potential in the maritime sector, the seafood industry, the mineral industry, tourism and space technology, and many other areas.
Let me give you a concrete example.
Let me give you a concrete example.
I recently visited a company called ArcticZymes in Tromsø.
I recently visited a company called ArcticZymes in Tromsø.
ArcticZymes has become a million dollar business after having discovered how to exploit by-products from local shrimp factories, by identifying new enzymes for use in molecular research, diagnostics, and manufacturing.
ArcticZymes has become a million dollar business after having discovered how to exploit by-products from local shrimp factories, by identifying new enzymes for use in molecular research, diagnostics, and manufacturing.
Our aim is to make the north one of the most innovative regions of Norway, promoting growth and prosperity based on knowledge and science.
Our aim is to make the north one of the most innovative regions of Norway, promoting growth and prosperity based on knowledge and science.
Norway has a long history of constructive neighbourly cooperation with the biggest Arctic state – Russia.
Norway has a long history of constructive neighbourly cooperation with the biggest Arctic state – Russia.
On a number of issues, we have been able to find common ground – even in difficult times.
On a number of issues, we have been able to find common ground – even in difficult times.
Already during the Cold War, scientists and diplomats from Norway and Russia were working together to settle fish quotas that were sustainable.
Already during the Cold War, scientists and diplomats from Norway and Russia were working together to settle fish quotas that were sustainable.
We were thus able to prevent the depletion of fish stocks that has been seen in so many other waters.
We were thus able to prevent the depletion of fish stocks that has been seen in so many other waters.
As a result, the Barents Sea is teeming with cod today.
As a result, the Barents Sea is teeming with cod today.
In 2013, the cod quota reached an all-time record of 1 million tonnes.
In 2013, the cod quota reached an all-time record of 1 million tonnes.
Once again, the wisdom of listening to scientists is proven.
Once again, the wisdom of listening to scientists is proven.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that we are facing a new security landscape in Europe.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that we are facing a new security landscape in Europe.
Russia’s violations of international law in Ukraine have unavoidably affected our bilateral relations.
Russia’s violations of international law in Ukraine have unavoidably affected our bilateral relations.
Norway has implemented restrictive measures against Russia that are identical to those of the EU.
Norway has implemented restrictive measures against Russia that are identical to those of the EU.
We have also suspended our military cooperation and scaled down political contact in a number of areas.
We have also suspended our military cooperation and scaled down political contact in a number of areas.
International law is the foundation for peace and prosperity – and we cannot afford to compromise when its very pillars are being rocked.
International law is the foundation for peace and prosperity – and we cannot afford to compromise when its very pillars are being rocked.
It is in our interest to maintain constructive relations with Russia – but the responsibility for improving the current situation rests with Moscow.
It is in our interest to maintain constructive relations with Russia – but the responsibility for improving the current situation rests with Moscow.
As neighbours and Arctic coastal states, Norway and Russia have many challenges in common.
As neighbours and Arctic coastal states, Norway and Russia have many challenges in common.
We thus continue our cooperation in crucial areas such as management of joint fish stocks, environmental protection, nuclear safety, search and rescue, maritime safety, and Coast Guard and Border Guard activities.
We thus continue our cooperation in crucial areas such as management of joint fish stocks, environmental protection, nuclear safety, search and rescue, maritime safety, and Coast Guard and Border Guard activities.
We also wish to continue cooperation with Russia in the Arctic Council and other regional forums.
We also wish to continue cooperation with Russia in the Arctic Council and other regional forums.
The Arctic states have worked together on managing resources, creating jobs, preventing accidents and combatting climate change.
The Arctic states have worked together on managing resources, creating jobs, preventing accidents and combatting climate change.
As we move forward, we must continue to be guided by knowledge, cooperation and respect for universal principles.
As we move forward, we must continue to be guided by knowledge, cooperation and respect for universal principles.
As we recently have seen, we cannot take continued progress for granted.
As we recently have seen, we cannot take continued progress for granted.
Hard work and longterm commitment are required.
Hard work and longterm commitment are required.
The modern Arctic adventure is just beginning.
The modern Arctic adventure is just beginning.
The Arctic is a region of challenges, opportunities and solutions – solutions that can be an inspiration for other regions.
The Arctic is a region of challenges, opportunities and solutions – solutions that can be an inspiration for other regions.
It is of global importance that the Arctic also remains a region of peaceful cooperation, respect for international law and sustainable management of resources.
It is of global importance that the Arctic also remains a region of peaceful cooperation, respect for international law and sustainable management of resources.
Norway will continue to be a responsible actor and partner in the Arctic.
Norway will continue to be a responsible actor and partner in the Arctic.
We are taking the challenges and the opportunities seriously, and we are aiming to preserve and strengthen the solutions that have served us so well.
We are taking the challenges and the opportunities seriously, and we are aiming to preserve and strengthen the solutions that have served us so well.
Economist Arctic Summit Oslo 2015
Economist Arctic Summit Oslo 2015
Oslo, 12 March 2015
Oslo, 12. mars 2015
(UNDP Oslo Governance Centre, NOREF), Oslo, 8 November 2012
(UNDP Oslo Governance Centre, NOREF), Oslo, 8 November 2012
"What can be seen as fundamental prerequisites for true and sustained democratic change?
"What can be seen as fundamental prerequisites for true and sustained democratic change?
First, democracy and human rights are inseparable", State Secretary Torgeir Larsen said in his speech in Oslo on 8 November 2012.
First, democracy and human rights are inseparable", State Secretary Torgeir Larsen said in his speech in Oslo on 8 November 2012.
The subject of today’s conference – “the political economy of transitions” – is timely.
The subject of today’s conference – “the political economy of transitions” – is timely.
I congratulate UNDP Oslo Governance Centre and NOREF on this important initiative.
I congratulate UNDP Oslo Governance Centre and NOREF on this important initiative.
During the last years, we have witnessed the power of popular uprisings in bringing about democratic change.
During the last years, we have witnessed the power of popular uprisings in bringing about democratic change.
In country after country, people have risked their lives in a call for free elections, democratic accountability, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
In country after country, people have risked their lives in a call for free elections, democratic accountability, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
We have been inspired by the courage and strength of the people of Egypt, of Tunisia, of Libya, of Syria and of other countries in that region – and beyond.
We have been inspired by the courage and strength of the people of Egypt, of Tunisia, of Libya, of Syria and of other countries in that region – and beyond.
The recent democratic wave has not been restricted to the Arab world.
The recent democratic wave has not been restricted to the Arab world.
It is rather the contrary: a reflection of the legitimate aspirations of people who have been taking to the streets with similar demands – for dignity, social justice, freedom and respect for human rights.
It is rather the contrary: a reflection of the legitimate aspirations of people who have been taking to the streets with similar demands – for dignity, social justice, freedom and respect for human rights.
Another example of democratic change is Myanmar – which differs from the Arab spring in being more of a top–down process.
Another example of democratic change is Myanmar – which differs from the Arab spring in being more of a top–down process.
Changes in Myanmar have to a large extent been initiated by its political leaders.
Changes in Myanmar have to a large extent been initiated by its political leaders.
It is a fast evolution – rather than a revolution.
It is a fast evolution – rather than a revolution.
Democracy seems in other words to be on the rise in today’s world.
Democracy seems in other words to be on the rise in today’s world.
But let us not get too carried away.
But let us not get too carried away.
Because the rhetoric of democracy is advancing faster than its practice.
Because the rhetoric of democracy is advancing faster than its practice.
There are countries that advertise their democratic form of government, while at the same time undermine and curtail the activities of civil society and human rights defenders.
There are countries that advertise their democratic form of government, while at the same time undermine and curtail the activities of civil society and human rights defenders.
There are countries that hold elections one day, and then put their citizens in jail because of their beliefs the next day.
There are countries that hold elections one day, and then put their citizens in jail because of their beliefs the next day.
Democratic change has to be sustained over time – often in societies that lack basic democratic traditions and institutions.
Democratic change has to be sustained over time – often in societies that lack basic democratic traditions and institutions.
Therefore, what can be seen as fundamental prerequisites for true and sustained democratic change?
Therefore, what can be seen as fundamental prerequisites for true and sustained democratic change?
First, democracy and human rights are inseparable.
First, democracy and human rights are inseparable.
Democracy is not sustainable unless the basic rights of individuals are respected, nor can you have true protection of human rights without democracy.
Democracy is not sustainable unless the basic rights of individuals are respected, nor can you have true protection of human rights without democracy.
And even more important in a transition phase: democracy does not end at majority rule.
And even more important in a transition phase: democracy does not end at majority rule.
The real test of a successful democracy is its ability to protect and respect the rights of minorities.
The real test of a successful democracy is its ability to protect and respect the rights of minorities.
Respect for basic individual rights places limits on the laws, policies and practices that can be pursued by a government, and that can be pursued by the majority in a society.
Respect for basic individual rights places limits on the laws, policies and practices that can be pursued by a government, and that can be pursued by the majority in a society.
In a transition phase this is vital because the building of broadly based trust is a key to making democratic change sustainable.
In a transition phase this is vital because the building of broadly based trust is a key to making democratic change sustainable.
Second, robust democracies can never be imposed from the outside.
Second, robust democracies can never be imposed from the outside.
A true democracy must have local ownership – and international support must be based on local demand, interest and commitment.
A true democracy must have local ownership – and international support must be based on local demand, interest and commitment.
If not, outside help will do more harm than good.
If not, outside help will do more harm than good.
Because establishing robust democracies is not a technical exercise.
Because establishing robust democracies is not a technical exercise.
It is not about holding an election.
It is not about holding an election.
It is about fundamental change – over time – relating to both society and culture.
It is about fundamental change – over time – relating to both society and culture.
Basic human rights and democratic principles are universal, but true democracies have to develop within the social contexts they are to reflect.
Basic human rights and democratic principles are universal, but true democracies have to develop within the social contexts they are to reflect.
It is not a process that can be rushed, because the values of democracy must take hold in society.
It is not a process that can be rushed, because the values of democracy must take hold in society.
The World Bank has estimated that it takes an average of 41 years for countries to successfully establish the rule of law, which is necessary for a functioning democracy to take hold.
The World Bank has estimated that it takes an average of 41 years for countries to successfully establish the rule of law, which is necessary for a functioning democracy to take hold.
However, long term perspectives and patience are as important as they are politically demanding to see through.
However, long term perspectives and patience are as important as they are politically demanding to see through.
Short-term results and benefits of change are also needed – not least politically – in order to inject commitment and trust in the overall process of transition.
Short-term results and benefits of change are also needed – not least politically – in order to inject commitment and trust in the overall process of transition.
When transitions occur, people will always be impatient to see evidence of change.
When transitions occur, people will always be impatient to see evidence of change.
Therefore, the management of expectations is a critical political factor in transition processes.
Therefore, the management of expectations is a critical political factor in transition processes.
Which leads me to a fourth and related point.
Which leads me to a fourth and related point.
Transition to democracy and change will always be fiercely opposed by some.
Transition to democracy and change will always be fiercely opposed by some.
Democratic transition means that previously powerful elites lose some of their influence.
Democratic transition means that previously powerful elites lose some of their influence.
Military elites can be reluctant to submit to a civil administration.
Military elites can be reluctant to submit to a civil administration.
Conservative religious elites can be reluctant to allow the inclusion of women or religious minorities in politics.
Conservative religious elites can be reluctant to allow the inclusion of women or religious minorities in politics.
Old economic elites will be challenged on key economic issues like land and property rights.
Old economic elites will be challenged on key economic issues like land and property rights.
So – how can we outsiders best be of help?
So – how can we outsiders best be of help?
Introducing democracy does not mean westernisation of society.
Introducing democracy does not mean westernisation of society.
Democracies can take many forms.
Democracies can take many forms.
At the same time there are universal and basic human rights that are basic – and fundamental.
At the same time there are universal and basic human rights that are basic – and fundamental.
How do we – Norway – target our support in transition processes?
How do we – Norway – target our support in transition processes?
We try to convey a consistent message in our public and political statements.
We try to convey a consistent message in our public and political statements.
We give moral and material support to human rights defenders and democratic agents of change at the local level.
We give moral and material support to human rights defenders and democratic agents of change at the local level.
We demand that women are included and minorities respected.
We demand that women are included and minorities respected.
You cannot expect a democratic process if more than half the population is excluded.
You cannot expect a democratic process if more than half the population is excluded.
We support transparency – in many forms.
We support transparency – in many forms.
We support the rule of law.
We support the rule of law.
A democracy will fail unless the population has a minimum level of trust in the fairness of the state institutions.
A democracy will fail unless the population has a minimum level of trust in the fairness of the state institutions.
We support economic growth.
We support economic growth.
Inclusive development – benefiting all levels of society – is paramount if democracy is to take root.
Inclusive development – benefiting all levels of society – is paramount if democracy is to take root.
And we support the building of human capital.
And we support the building of human capital.
Education is key.
Education is key.
Democracy depends on a critical number of people in a society being in a position to take their fair share of power.
Democracy depends on a critical number of people in a society being in a position to take their fair share of power.
This requires economic strength and social capital, but also the knowledge base and the intellectual confidence that is provided through education.
This requires economic strength and social capital, but also the knowledge base and the intellectual confidence that is provided through education.
These are important elements for us – for Norway – in our support to transition processes.
These are important elements for us – for Norway – in our support to transition processes.
You will today focus on the transitions of Myanmar, Egypt and Tunisia, looking at the lessons from the transitions that took place in Brazil, Chile and Indonesia.
You will today focus on the transitions of Myanmar, Egypt and Tunisia, looking at the lessons from the transitions that took place in Brazil, Chile and Indonesia.
I find this approach very promising, and I am looking forward to the results of your discussions.
I find this approach very promising, and I am looking forward to the results of your discussions.
Summing up: The international community can play a positive role in easing difficult transitions.
Summing up: The international community can play a positive role in easing difficult transitions.
But as I have stressed, a real and clear understanding of the role of the outside world during transitions is needed.
But as I have stressed, a real and clear understanding of the role of the outside world during transitions is needed.
There are always important global, international and regional factors, but in the end a transition process has to be locally based in order to end successfully.
There are always important global, international and regional factors, but in the end a transition process has to be locally based in order to end successfully.