natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
For it was here, at Eidsvoll, that our national poet grew up, after he came to Eidsvoll from Kristiansand, at the age of nine.
For it was here, at Eidsvoll, that our national poet grew up, after he came to Eidsvoll from Kristiansand, at the age of nine.
Henrik Wergeland is not very well known abroad, and not all his works are well known to Norwegians either – compared to a work like “Solveig’s Song” by Edvard Grieg, which we heard at the beginning.
Henrik Wergeland is not very well known abroad, and not all his works are well known to Norwegians either – compared to a work like “Solveig’s Song” by Edvard Grieg, which we heard at the beginning.
Henrik Wergeland was a wellspring of commitment, enthusiasm and life.
Henrik Wergeland was a wellspring of commitment, enthusiasm and life.
Now, as we mark the 200-year anniversary of his birth, we see that his message is still relevant.
Now, as we mark the 200-year anniversary of his birth, we see that his message is still relevant.
And nothing would have pleased him more than to see so many young people from almost twenty different countries – from Denmark to Syria, Estonia to Egypt – gathered here at Eidsvoll; all of you eager to grabble with the global challenges facing us.
And nothing would have pleased him more than to see so many young people from almost twenty different countries – from Denmark to Syria, Estonia to Egypt – gathered here at Eidsvoll; all of you eager to grabble with the global challenges facing us.
My hope is that after a couple of days in the company of Wergeland you will come to share his optimistic views on the future of the world and become wiser.
My hope is that after a couple of days in the company of Wergeland you will come to share his optimistic views on the future of the world and become wiser.
As Wergeland put it: Young as yet the world must be.
As Wergeland put it: Young as yet the world must be.
The world has definitely changed since Wergeland was living just around the corner.
The world has definitely changed since Wergeland was living just around the corner.
But he was a true cosmopolitan of his time and preached tolerance, cultural equality, and respect for human dignity and human rights, long before these norms and principles where written down in a universal declaration and formed the basis of international law.
But he was a true cosmopolitan of his time and preached tolerance, cultural equality, and respect for human dignity and human rights, long before these norms and principles where written down in a universal declaration and formed the basis of international law.
He was a true poet and activist.
He was a true poet and activist.
I would now like to say a few words to you about commitment, conflicts and dialogue, about the need for dialogue and about the complexity of dialogue.
I would now like to say a few words to you about commitment, conflicts and dialogue, about the need for dialogue and about the complexity of dialogue.
About living together in a globalised world, an interdependent world.
About living together in a globalised world, an interdependent world.
About freedom.
About freedom.
About Wergeland’s ideals.
About Wergeland’s ideals.
Dialogue
Dialogue
Today, dialogue between peoples, generations, countries and religions is essential.
Today, dialogue between peoples, generations, countries and religions is essential.
To misquote Shakespeare: to talk or not to talk, that is the question.
To misquote Shakespeare: to talk or not to talk, that is the question.
When to talk, how to talk, and how to find common ground to get started.
When to talk, how to talk, and how to find common ground to get started.
I would like to share with you some thoughts about all this.
I would like to share with you some thoughts about all this.
How can we talk about dialogue – and promote dialogue – when people are oppressing each other?
How can we talk about dialogue – and promote dialogue – when people are oppressing each other?
From Sri Lanka to Somalia, from Lebanon to Liberia, wherever there is actual or imminent armed conflict, governments and foreign ministers like me are confronted by the dilemmas of dialogue.
From Sri Lanka to Somalia, from Lebanon to Liberia, wherever there is actual or imminent armed conflict, governments and foreign ministers like me are confronted by the dilemmas of dialogue.
Exploring these dilemmas is key to many of the projects initiated and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the Wergeland anniversary.
Exploring these dilemmas is key to many of the projects initiated and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the Wergeland anniversary.
And of the five initiatives developed under the topic “Tolerance and Compassion” – Wergeland’s hallmarks – today’s conference is the one that focuses most explicitly on dialogue.
And of the five initiatives developed under the topic “Tolerance and Compassion” – Wergeland’s hallmarks – today’s conference is the one that focuses most explicitly on dialogue.
You will be looking at how culture and the arts can build bridges between countries, communities and groups.
You will be looking at how culture and the arts can build bridges between countries, communities and groups.
I would like to mention one example here: the High North, the relations between Northern Norway and Russia, between Kirkenes and Murmansk.
I would like to mention one example here: the High North, the relations between Northern Norway and Russia, between Kirkenes and Murmansk.
Culture can do so many things that politics cannot: broaden perspectives, get people together, cross borders, find common ground, create meeting places, foster creativity, etc.
Culture can do so many things that politics cannot: broaden perspectives, get people together, cross borders, find common ground, create meeting places, foster creativity, etc.
But how we can meet each other halfway on the bridges we build.
But how we can meet each other halfway on the bridges we build.
How can we avoid remaining on each side of a frontier, behind a high wall.
How can we avoid remaining on each side of a frontier, behind a high wall.
This is not easy.
This is not easy.
In civil wars, there is the fear that dialogue with rebel groups will only encourage other groups to take up arms.
In civil wars, there is the fear that dialogue with rebel groups will only encourage other groups to take up arms.
States are trained to deal with states, but how to do we deal with groups?
States are trained to deal with states, but how to do we deal with groups?
How can states start talking with groups?
How can states start talking with groups?
I’ll come back to that.
I’ll come back to that.
Besides, where there is escalating tension between states, neither side wants to appear weak by offering to negotiate.
Besides, where there is escalating tension between states, neither side wants to appear weak by offering to negotiate.
But – and I’ll return to this question later – are negotiation, dialogue and talks signs of weakness, signs of giving in?
But – and I’ll return to this question later – are negotiation, dialogue and talks signs of weakness, signs of giving in?
No, they are not.
No, they are not.
Not at all.
Not at all.
Talks are the option for the bravest.
Talks are the option for the bravest.
However we have a real dilemma: increasingly, both individual states and the United Nations are wary of the risk of legitimising terrorist groups through engagement and negotiation.
However we have a real dilemma: increasingly, both individual states and the United Nations are wary of the risk of legitimising terrorist groups through engagement and negotiation.
As you all know, the war on terror was launched right after a war-like attack – “9/11” – and it takes the form of a war-like response.
As you all know, the war on terror was launched right after a war-like attack – “9/11” – and it takes the form of a war-like response.
In my view, this changed the international debate on how to resolve conflict and prevent war.
In my view, this changed the international debate on how to resolve conflict and prevent war.
It reduced the space for peaceful engagement, dialogue and the use of political tools in the fight against terrorism, extremism and violence.
It reduced the space for peaceful engagement, dialogue and the use of political tools in the fight against terrorism, extremism and violence.
It produced a war-like language, a confrontational language, a language that focuses on “us” and “them”, “with us” and “against us”.
It produced a war-like language, a confrontational language, a language that focuses on “us” and “them”, “with us” and “against us”.
There is a need for a broader spectrum of tools and approaches.
There is a need for a broader spectrum of tools and approaches.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
In the light of what I have said about dialogue, we must re-establish space for reconciliation.
In the light of what I have said about dialogue, we must re-establish space for reconciliation.
And we must be clear about what we want to achieve through reconciliation.
And we must be clear about what we want to achieve through reconciliation.
Consider for example South Africa, before and after apartheid, and the reconciliation processes there.
Consider for example South Africa, before and after apartheid, and the reconciliation processes there.
Minority versus majority.
Minority versus majority.
There is increased awareness that a military response is not sufficient.
There is increased awareness that a military response is not sufficient.
In Afghanistan, our soldiers are effective in combat, but the international community is challenged by what is termed as asymmetrical warfare.
In Afghanistan, our soldiers are effective in combat, but the international community is challenged by what is termed as asymmetrical warfare.
It is having disastrous consequences for the civilian population and reconstruction efforts.
It is having disastrous consequences for the civilian population and reconstruction efforts.
The challenges in Afghanistan cannot be met – or solved – by military means alone.
The challenges in Afghanistan cannot be met – or solved – by military means alone.
The word reconciliation is used in many contexts.
The word reconciliation is used in many contexts.
In Afghanistan, it is used to describe President Karzai’s efforts to reach out to all ethnic groups and actors – even the Taliban – in order to establish some political consensus on the path ahead.
In Afghanistan, it is used to describe President Karzai’s efforts to reach out to all ethnic groups and actors – even the Taliban – in order to establish some political consensus on the path ahead.
We must engage relevant actors and opinion makers – what I would call agents of change.
We must engage relevant actors and opinion makers – what I would call agents of change.
Often they are not easy to identify or gain access to.
Often they are not easy to identify or gain access to.
They may have a culture, traditions and religion that are different to our own, but we must make an effort to engage with them.
They may have a culture, traditions and religion that are different to our own, but we must make an effort to engage with them.
Access is a key word.
Access is a key word.
In the time in which he lived, Henrik Wergeland was just such “an agent of change”.
In the time in which he lived, Henrik Wergeland was just such “an agent of change”.
And so may you be – agents of change.
And so may you be – agents of change.
Exploring the role culture can play in building bridges between people may prove to be the right road to take (even literally).
Exploring the role culture can play in building bridges between people may prove to be the right road to take (even literally).
This process requires freedom of expression, which was another principle close to Wergeland’s heart.
This process requires freedom of expression, which was another principle close to Wergeland’s heart.
He asked: Can the source of the spirit, the flight of thought, bear to be restrained?
He asked: Can the source of the spirit, the flight of thought, bear to be restrained?
He knew the value of freedom of expression and the press, which he called the most precious diamond in the people’s diadem.
He knew the value of freedom of expression and the press, which he called the most precious diamond in the people’s diadem.
The right to freedom of expression was set out in paragraph 100 of Norway’s constitution, which was signed in this room in May 1814, as I mentioned.
The right to freedom of expression was set out in paragraph 100 of Norway’s constitution, which was signed in this room in May 1814, as I mentioned.
It has formed the backbone of democracy and culture.
It has formed the backbone of democracy and culture.
It reflects the spirit and words of Voltaire: I disprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
It reflects the spirit and words of Voltaire: I disprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
Dilemmas of dialogue
Dilemmas of dialogue
During the next few days, you will be exploring the dilemmas of dialogue from a number of different angles.
During the next few days, you will be exploring the dilemmas of dialogue from a number of different angles.
For example, as I already mentioned, you will be discussing the role of art in building bridges between people, and you will also be looking at the limits of freedom of expression.
For example, as I already mentioned, you will be discussing the role of art in building bridges between people, and you will also be looking at the limits of freedom of expression.
These are complex, highly relevant, and also highly appropriate questions in connection with the anniversary of Henrik Wergeland.
These are complex, highly relevant, and also highly appropriate questions in connection with the anniversary of Henrik Wergeland.
He knew that his poetry, his words – and art in general – had real power to highlight issues, to build bridges and change attitudes, and thus bring about change in society at large.
He knew that his poetry, his words – and art in general – had real power to highlight issues, to build bridges and change attitudes, and thus bring about change in society at large.
Remember, firstly: that dialogue does not mean giving up fundamental values and principles.
Remember, firstly: that dialogue does not mean giving up fundamental values and principles.
Dialogue and discussions help to build confidence.
Dialogue and discussions help to build confidence.
And secondly: that dialogue provides the option of seizing what I like to call “the middle ground”.
And secondly: that dialogue provides the option of seizing what I like to call “the middle ground”.
It challenges the dominance of the extremes.
It challenges the dominance of the extremes.
This is exactly what politics and democracy is all about: engagement, finding and seizing the middle ground, the common ground, counteracting the extremes, the extremists, and refusing let extremist views dominate the field of play.
This is exactly what politics and democracy is all about: engagement, finding and seizing the middle ground, the common ground, counteracting the extremes, the extremists, and refusing let extremist views dominate the field of play.
Projects in the field of art and culture are arenas and channels for dialogue.
Projects in the field of art and culture are arenas and channels for dialogue.
Cultural cooperation provides an effective means of making contact with people who may be hard to reach by other means, such as traditional diplomatic channels.
Cultural cooperation provides an effective means of making contact with people who may be hard to reach by other means, such as traditional diplomatic channels.
International theatre projects, concerts, seminars and workshops create meeting places, a common ground, and a shared experience.
International theatre projects, concerts, seminars and workshops create meeting places, a common ground, and a shared experience.
And of course, giving voice to alternative points of view is a precondition for true dialogue.
And of course, giving voice to alternative points of view is a precondition for true dialogue.
Governments and foreign ministers – like me – are trained to understand states and how they operate on the international scene.
Governments and foreign ministers – like me – are trained to understand states and how they operate on the international scene.
But we do not know enough about the internal dynamics of non-state groups, whether we are talking about rebel groups, insurgents or extremists.
But we do not know enough about the internal dynamics of non-state groups, whether we are talking about rebel groups, insurgents or extremists.
In order to assess what room there is for engaging with such groups, we need to understand their motives, objectives and the conditions under which they operate.
In order to assess what room there is for engaging with such groups, we need to understand their motives, objectives and the conditions under which they operate.
It is a question of knowledge, of insight.
It is a question of knowledge, of insight.
We need to engage in dialogue on key issues, basic values.
We need to engage in dialogue on key issues, basic values.
In this situation, art in general – and perhaps literature in particular – offers unique glimpses into worlds that may otherwise remain closed to us.
In this situation, art in general – and perhaps literature in particular – offers unique glimpses into worlds that may otherwise remain closed to us.
This is important for building knowledge and understanding, and thus mutual respect across political and cultural divides, and across generation gaps.
This is important for building knowledge and understanding, and thus mutual respect across political and cultural divides, and across generation gaps.
More than anything, Henrik Wergeland raised the flag of humanity.
More than anything, Henrik Wergeland raised the flag of humanity.
He was an untiring advocate for the repeal of the provision in the Norwegian constitution that banned Jews from entering the country.
He was an untiring advocate for the repeal of the provision in the Norwegian constitution that banned Jews from entering the country.
He compared humankind to precious stones with an inner light.
He compared humankind to precious stones with an inner light.
Dialogue does not always work
Dialogue does not always work
However, let me add that, although they are the preferred way of handling conflicts, dialogue and negotiations do not always work.
However, let me add that, although they are the preferred way of handling conflicts, dialogue and negotiations do not always work.
A number of complex conflicts have, so far, failed to respond to mediation efforts – in the Middle East, in Cyprus, in Somalia, in Sri Lanka.
A number of complex conflicts have, so far, failed to respond to mediation efforts – in the Middle East, in Cyprus, in Somalia, in Sri Lanka.
As some of you know from first-hand experience.
As some of you know from first-hand experience.
From the list, I can see that there are four participants from Egypt, four from Israel, four from Lebanon, one from Oman, one from Qatar, five from the Palestine Territory and one from Syria.
From the list, I can see that there are four participants from Egypt, four from Israel, four from Lebanon, one from Oman, one from Qatar, five from the Palestine Territory and one from Syria.
And in some conflicts, such as in Iraq and Chechnya, the warring parties have rejected outright the possibility of dialogue.
And in some conflicts, such as in Iraq and Chechnya, the warring parties have rejected outright the possibility of dialogue.
And even where mediation has resulted in peace agreements, as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Sudan, few observers are celebrating yet.
And even where mediation has resulted in peace agreements, as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Sudan, few observers are celebrating yet.
Others are convinced that only military victories can result in a so-called more stable peace.
Others are convinced that only military victories can result in a so-called more stable peace.
So although dialogue is a more popular approach, we must not be naïve or unrealistic.
So although dialogue is a more popular approach, we must not be naïve or unrealistic.
Talk is cheap, say the cynics.
Talk is cheap, say the cynics.
And they point to negotiated deals that continue to break down due to renewed fighting.
And they point to negotiated deals that continue to break down due to renewed fighting.
Proponents of dialogue will always face this criticism.
Proponents of dialogue will always face this criticism.
But we must not give up.
But we must not give up.
We must foster greater respect for dialogue by ensuring that mediators are as well equipped as possible to deliver effective and long-lasting results.
We must foster greater respect for dialogue by ensuring that mediators are as well equipped as possible to deliver effective and long-lasting results.
Negotiated settlements may be unstable.
Negotiated settlements may be unstable.
But we must be wary of a “perverse logic” that could lead to military solutions to civil war being favoured.
But we must be wary of a “perverse logic” that could lead to military solutions to civil war being favoured.
Instead, we must focus on achieving better agreements that really address the underlying grievances.
Instead, we must focus on achieving better agreements that really address the underlying grievances.
Norway believes in dialogue
Norway believes in dialogue
I would like to emphasise the point I made earlier – the obvious point – that Norway believes in talks and dialogue with all relevant parties in a conflict.
I would like to emphasise the point I made earlier – the obvious point – that Norway believes in talks and dialogue with all relevant parties in a conflict.
We have a long tradition of meeting with all kinds of organisations, movements and regimes, even when we disagree with them.
We have a long tradition of meeting with all kinds of organisations, movements and regimes, even when we disagree with them.
Moreover, in our attempts at engaging in conflict, we must “walk the talk”.
Moreover, in our attempts at engaging in conflict, we must “walk the talk”.
If we respect democracy and the will of the people, we cannot ignore the results of free and fair elections just because we do not like the politics of the winning party.
If we respect democracy and the will of the people, we cannot ignore the results of free and fair elections just because we do not like the politics of the winning party.
Take the Middle East for example.
Take the Middle East for example.
Israel and the Palestinians.
Israel and the Palestinians.
The peace process.
The peace process.
The goal is to live side by side in peace.
The goal is to live side by side in peace.
The question of engaging in political talks with Hamas.
The question of engaging in political talks with Hamas.
We believe that it would be better to engage and try to move the group further into a political process than to see it drift further into extremism.
We believe that it would be better to engage and try to move the group further into a political process than to see it drift further into extremism.
The alternative to a coalition government would be civil war and increased Palestinian extremism.
The alternative to a coalition government would be civil war and increased Palestinian extremism.
Another example here is Sri Lanka.
Another example here is Sri Lanka.
Another important point I would like to make is that it is not only politicians who have a role to play in conflict resolution through dialogue.
Another important point I would like to make is that it is not only politicians who have a role to play in conflict resolution through dialogue.
Religious leaders have an essential role to play.
Religious leaders have an essential role to play.
Religion is an element in many conflicts, and in many cases it is part of the solution.
Religion is an element in many conflicts, and in many cases it is part of the solution.
One should not see religion as the problem.
One should not see religion as the problem.