natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Address at the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan
Innlegg på Tokyo-konferansen om Afghanistan
Tokyo, 8 July 2012
Tokyo, 8. juli 2012
- Norway will maintain its development assistance at the present level of approximately USD 125 million annually until 2017.
- Norway will maintain its development assistance at the present level of approximately USD 125 million annually until 2017.
In line with the Kabul decisions, we will continue to deliver on the 50%-on-budget and 80%-alignment commitments, said State Secretary Torgeir Larsen in his address at the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan.
In line with the Kabul decisions, we will continue to deliver on the 50%-on-budget and 80%-alignment commitments, sa statssekretær Torgeir Larsen bl.a. i sitt innlegg på Tokyo-konferansen om Afghanistan.
Excellencies,
Excellencies,
Allow me to join in thanking the Japanese Government and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for co-hosting this conference here in Tokyo.
Allow me to join in thanking the Japanese Government and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for co-hosting this conference here in Tokyo.
Norway will maintain its development assistance at the present level of approximately USD 125 million annually until 2017.
Norway will maintain its development assistance at the present level of approximately USD 125 million annually until 2017.
In line with the Kabul decisions, we will continue to deliver on the 50%-on-budget and 80%-alignment commitments.
In line with the Kabul decisions, we will continue to deliver on the 50%-on-budget and 80%-alignment commitments.
State Secretary Torgeir Larsen during his address at the Afghanistan Conference in Tokyo.
Statssekretær Torgeir Larsen under sitt innlegg på Afghanistan-konferansen i Tokyo.
(Photo: MFA)
(Foto: UD)
As we committed to in the Kabul Process, donors must do their part by channelling funds through Afghan budgets and in accordance with Afghan priorities.
As we committed to in the Kabul Process, donors must do their part by channelling funds through Afghan budgets and in accordance with Afghan priorities.
This is vital in order to ensure that the international effort contributes to sustainable and long term Afghan development
This is vital in order to ensure that the international effort contributes to sustainable and long term Afghan development
Norway will do its part, as we are expecting Afghanistan to do its - in line with international commitments and the rights enshrined in the Afghan Constitution.
Norway will do its part, as we are expecting Afghanistan to do its - in line with international commitments and the rights enshrined in the Afghan Constitution.
We expect the Afghan authorities to continue their efforts to develop good governance and fight corruption.
We expect the Afghan authorities to continue their efforts to develop good governance and fight corruption.
We are pleased to see that the IMF Board noted progress on economic and fiscal reforms – but there are remaining challenges to be addressed:
We are pleased to see that the IMF Board noted progress on economic and fiscal reforms – but there are remaining challenges to be addressed:
One, effective and just provision of services to the Afghan people is key.
One, effective and just provision of services to the Afghan people is key.
Two, in order for the political transition to be legitimate, the 2014 elections must be credible, inclusive and transparent.
Two, in order for the political transition to be legitimate, the 2014 elections must be credible, inclusive and transparent.
Three, but not least, gender equality.
Three, but not least, gender equality.
Priority must be given to the meaningful participation of women at all levels of government – national, regional and local – and to their right to assume leadership roles and to participate in the reconciliation efforts.
Priority must be given to the meaningful participation of women at all levels of government – national, regional and local – and to their right to assume leadership roles and to participate in the reconciliation efforts.
Let me also echo those who have pointed to the importance of this issue in our own constituencies.
Let me also echo those who have pointed to the importance of this issue in our own constituencies.
Real commitment and progress on the empowerment of women is important in order to maintain public and political support for continued high levels of development support to Afghanistan from my own country.
Real commitment and progress on the empowerment of women is important in order to maintain public and political support for continued high levels of development support to Afghanistan from my own country.
Four, Civil Society.
Four, Civil Society.
I have been impressed by the input from the Afghan civil society representatives.
I have been impressed by the input from the Afghan civil society representatives.
Active civil society partnerships will enhance the credibility and legitimacy of our joint efforts.
Active civil society partnerships will enhance the credibility and legitimacy of our joint efforts.
Lastly, the Afghan Government will and must take the lead in our joint endeavour.
Lastly, the Afghan Government will and must take the lead in our joint endeavour.
Plans and priorities will have to be adapted to changing circumstances.
Plans and priorities will have to be adapted to changing circumstances.
Accountability and transparency will be key.
Accountability and transparency will be key.
The process post-Tokyo, with clear, agreed timelines, is important.
The process post-Tokyo, with clear, agreed timelines, is important.
We therefore welcome the review mechanism adopted today.
We therefore welcome the review mechanism adopted today.
Good morning to you all and welcome to Oslo to the 2009 Annual Plenary Meeting of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
Good morning to you all and welcome to Oslo to the 2009 Annual Plenary Meeting of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
A special welcome to the representatives from the NGO PACT, the newest Voluntary Principles participant and to the delegate from the Government of Canada – our newest engaged government.
A special welcome to the representatives from the NGO PACT, the newest Voluntary Principles participant and to the delegate from the Government of Canada – our newest engaged government.
Other guests here today include representatives from Colombia.
Other guests here today include representatives from Colombia.
A warm welcome to you also.
A warm welcome to you also.
I shall soon let you start your deliberations, but allow me first to make a few points on how Norway sees the Voluntary Principles process, and what we believe are the main challenges ahead.
I shall soon let you start your deliberations, but allow me first to make a few points on how Norway sees the Voluntary Principles process, and what we believe are the main challenges ahead.
Being a small nation without significant economic or military might, Norway has always been convinced that our interests are best served by an international legal order.
Being a small nation without significant economic or military might, Norway has always been convinced that our interests are best served by an international legal order.
In other words, we want other states to behave in an orderly and predictable way.
In other words, we want other states to behave in an orderly and predictable way.
To us, protection and promotion of human rights is an integral part of such an international order.
To us, protection and promotion of human rights is an integral part of such an international order.
These ideals can be pursued for humanitarian reasons, but also because states that respect human rights tend to be good neighbours that honour their commitments, both to their own citizens and to other states.
These ideals can be pursued for humanitarian reasons, but also because states that respect human rights tend to be good neighbours that honour their commitments, both to their own citizens and to other states.
Norway’s work to promote and protect human rights takes many forms.
Norway’s work to promote and protect human rights takes many forms.
We are involved in the multilateral normative efforts of the United Nations, negotiating finely-tuned political compromises and adjusting the small print of resolutions.
We are involved in the multilateral normative efforts of the United Nations, negotiating finely-tuned political compromises and adjusting the small print of resolutions.
This is important work, because – over time – it provides the normative basis against which the conduct of states is measured.
This is important work, because – over time – it provides the normative basis against which the conduct of states is measured.
We strive, however, also to do something practical about human rights challenges.
We strive, however, also to do something practical about human rights challenges.
This may be done within the UN framework, but we also have other partners, like you who at times take a more pragmatic approach.
This may be done within the UN framework, but we also have other partners, like you who at times take a more pragmatic approach.
The Voluntary Principles is one multi-stakeholder initiative that we support.
The Voluntary Principles is one multi-stakeholder initiative that we support.
The EITI - The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative – is another.
The EITI - The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative – is another.
As many of you know, we are host to the international secretariat of the EITI, and we are pleased that some of the Secretariat staff will be joining you for lunch later today.
As many of you know, we are host to the international secretariat of the EITI, and we are pleased that some of the Secretariat staff will be joining you for lunch later today.
Even though the Voluntary Principles and the EITI were established to meet different challenges, both initiatives deal with the extractives industry and involve governments, companies and civil society.
Even though the Voluntary Principles and the EITI were established to meet different challenges, both initiatives deal with the extractives industry and involve governments, companies and civil society.
There might be room for information-sharing on lessons learned, for instance on outreach efforts and developing governance structures.
There might be room for information-sharing on lessons learned, for instance on outreach efforts and developing governance structures.
The point of departure for the Voluntary Principles is a very tangible human rights challenge.
The point of departure for the Voluntary Principles is a very tangible human rights challenge.
Our mission has been to prevent human rights abuses in conflict zones and other difficult environments where extractive companies operate.
Our mission has been to prevent human rights abuses in conflict zones and other difficult environments where extractive companies operate.
Our basis has been the shared belief that it is legitimate for companies to implement security safeguards.
Our basis has been the shared belief that it is legitimate for companies to implement security safeguards.
However, these safeguards must not be at the expense of human rights.
However, these safeguards must not be at the expense of human rights.
The Voluntary Principles are often referred to as a model of multi-stakeholder governance.
The Voluntary Principles are often referred to as a model of multi-stakeholder governance.
In essence, we all bring different assets to the table.
In essence, we all bring different assets to the table.
Governments bring political and diplomatic influence.
Governments bring political and diplomatic influence.
Companies bring resources, dynamism and the ability to make a real difference on the ground, while civil society brings legitimacy and the determination to hold us all to our promises.
Companies bring resources, dynamism and the ability to make a real difference on the ground, while civil society brings legitimacy and the determination to hold us all to our promises.
This combination of strengths is important for the Voluntary Principles.
This combination of strengths is important for the Voluntary Principles.
The sense of common purpose has enabled this process to be conducted on an informal basis.
The sense of common purpose has enabled this process to be conducted on an informal basis.
However, we have also experienced that an informal grouping of such diverse stakeholders is not easy to govern.
However, we have also experienced that an informal grouping of such diverse stakeholders is not easy to govern.
Two years ago, prior to the plenary in Washington DC, we were able to resolve differences over the participation criteria.
Two years ago, prior to the plenary in Washington DC, we were able to resolve differences over the participation criteria.
This year we have reached agreement on the Framework for Admission and Participation of New Governments.
This year we have reached agreement on the Framework for Admission and Participation of New Governments.
Norway welcomes this achievement and thanks all for their involvement.
Norway welcomes this achievement and thanks all for their involvement.
A special thank goes to Simon Zadek, the external facilitator of the process, for assisting us in our efforts.
A special thank goes to Simon Zadek, the external facilitator of the process, for assisting us in our efforts.
A new part of the Voluntary Principles governance structure is now in place making it possible for new governments to get closer involved in the VPs.
A new part of the Voluntary Principles governance structure is now in place making it possible for new governments to get closer involved in the VPs.
Details regarding governance will be discussed by participants tomorrow, and Norway encourages all to look forward and combine efforts to move the VP process forward.
Details regarding governance will be discussed by participants tomorrow, and Norway encourages all to look forward and combine efforts to move the VP process forward.
Many feared that failing to find a compromise on the framework issue could have put the VP process in jeopardy.
Many feared that failing to find a compromise on the framework issue could have put the VP process in jeopardy.
That might be so.
That might be so.
It could also, I believe, have had repercussions outside the process, undermining general confidence in multi-stakeholder coalitions.
It could also, I believe, have had repercussions outside the process, undermining general confidence in multi-stakeholder coalitions.
I know that John Ruggie, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights and business, has been following the progress of the VPs closely.
I know that John Ruggie, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights and business, has been following the progress of the VPs closely.
Norway has consistently supported his work within the UN framework, and we will shortly be hearing a message from him.
Norway has consistently supported his work within the UN framework, and we will shortly be hearing a message from him.
Now that the Framework for new governments has been resolved, we can engage in outreach activities to include more states in this initiative.
Now that the Framework for new governments has been resolved, we can engage in outreach activities to include more states in this initiative.
We must also concentrate on delivery at country level.
We must also concentrate on delivery at country level.
Many companies have made commendable progress, but much remains to be done, by companies and civil society alike, and indeed also by governments.
Many companies have made commendable progress, but much remains to be done, by companies and civil society alike, and indeed also by governments.
You will be discussing this in detail later today.
You will be discussing this in detail later today.
I can assure you that Norway remains committed to the VP process.
I can assure you that Norway remains committed to the VP process.
In January, the Norwegian Government launched its first white paper on corporate social responsibility in a global economy.
In January, the Norwegian Government launched its first white paper on corporate social responsibility in a global economy.
An English version of the introduction will be available later this spring.
An English version of the introduction will be available later this spring.
The white paper seeks to clarify the responsibility companies have with regard to human rights, decent working conditions, the environment and the fight against corruption.
The white paper seeks to clarify the responsibility companies have with regard to human rights, decent working conditions, the environment and the fight against corruption.
It sets out that the Government and the foreign service will intensify their efforts by enhancing advisory services, cooperation and dialogue with the business sector.
It sets out that the Government and the foreign service will intensify their efforts by enhancing advisory services, cooperation and dialogue with the business sector.
Reference is also made to the Voluntary Principles, and all Norwegian companies, including those outside the extractive industry, are encouraged to consider implementing relevant parts of the VPs.
Reference is also made to the Voluntary Principles, and all Norwegian companies, including those outside the extractive industry, are encouraged to consider implementing relevant parts of the VPs.
Non-extractive companies in Colombia have set a good example in this respect, and we will be learning more about this process before lunch.
Non-extractive companies in Colombia have set a good example in this respect, and we will be learning more about this process before lunch.
This is a small, yet important, initiative to encourage more companies to engage in VP-related activities.
This is a small, yet important, initiative to encourage more companies to engage in VP-related activities.
Finally, I would like to make a few comments on the financial crisis and its impact on corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
Finally, I would like to make a few comments on the financial crisis and its impact on corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
The ILO estimates that the crisis will cost 20 million jobs by the end of 2009.
The ILO estimates that the crisis will cost 20 million jobs by the end of 2009.
Irrespective of its causes, it is likely that the financial crisis will have a substantial impact on CSR efforts.
Irrespective of its causes, it is likely that the financial crisis will have a substantial impact on CSR efforts.
The question is what form will this impact take?
The question is what form will this impact take?
Who will win and who will lose?
Who will win and who will lose?
According to a poll run on the CSR International blog in October last year, 44% of CSR professionals believed that CSR will be strengthened by the crisis, 26% believe it may be affected either way, and 22% believe it will be weakened.
According to a poll run on the CSR International blog in October last year, 44% of CSR professionals believed that CSR will be strengthened by the crisis, 26% believe it may be affected either way, and 22% believe it will be weakened.
This is a somewhat surprising result and may mask a more complex situation.
This is a somewhat surprising result and may mask a more complex situation.
I believe that the key factor is how deeply CSR is rooted in the organisation.
I believe that the key factor is how deeply CSR is rooted in the organisation.
Is it just a superficial philanthropic gesture?
Is it just a superficial philanthropic gesture?
Or is it an integral part of the company’s strategy?
Or is it an integral part of the company’s strategy?
It is my impression that you who are here today are committed to corporate social responsibility and the Voluntary Principles, and I hope you will demonstrate this commitment in your work today and tomorrow here in Oslo and in your future endeavours.
It is my impression that you who are here today are committed to corporate social responsibility and the Voluntary Principles, and I hope you will demonstrate this commitment in your work today and tomorrow here in Oslo and in your future endeavours.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for your contributions to the VP process so far and wish you every success in taking the Voluntary Principles process forward.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for your contributions to the VP process so far and wish you every success in taking the Voluntary Principles process forward.
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
Håndverkeren, Oslo, 30 August 2007
Håndverkeren, Oslo, 30. august 2007
But frequently the UN is able to play a role in promoting peace and reconciliation, Foreign Minister Støre said in his speech on 30 August.
Utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre la særlig vekt på utfordringene knyttet til FNs rolle som fredsaktør, deriblant fredsmekling, fredsbygging, integrerte fredsoperasjoner og nedrustningsspørsmål i sin redegjørelse.
Check against delivery Translated from the Norwegian
Et norsk ressurssenter for fredsbygging er blant annet under etablering.
Dear friends,
Kjære venner,
There is a lot of interest in Norwegian foreign policy in many parts of society.
Engasjementet rundt omkring om norsk utenrikspolitikk er stort.
Not least, I have seen this at upper secondary schools, which I often visit.
Ikke minst hos unge mennesker og på videregående skoler, hvor jeg ofte er.
Last Monday I was challenged with carefully thought out, complex questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict when I visited Tromsdalen School.
På Tromsdalen Videregående sist mandag fikk jeg godt begrunnede, komplekse spørsmål om blant annet FN og om Israel og Palestina.
There is a lot of knowledge about international affairs, including the UN and the issues that top the agenda for this year’s session – the 62nd – of the General Assembly.
Kunnskapene om internasjonale spørsmål er store, også om FN og de saker som står fremst under årets generalforsamling, den 62. i rekken.
I am also giving a series of lectures in connection with student debates in all parts of the country: in Oslo a few days ago, moving on to Trondheim and Bergen, and other towns and cities, to talk about Norwegian foreign policy and Norwegian interests in a new age.
Jeg har også nå en foredragsserie på debattmøter på studentersamfunnene rundt om; i Oslo for noen dager siden og så videre til blant annet Trondheim og Bergen, for å snakke norsk utenrikspolitikk, norske interesser, i en ny tid.
Knowledge, participation, engagement.
Kunnskap, deltakelse, engasjement.
More than 1 000 people attended the meeting in Oslo.
Over 1.000 deltok på møtet i Oslo.
Is that where we are headed?
Er vi på vei dit?
Some years ago, many people were concerned about the future of the UN.
For noen år siden var flere bekymret for FNs framtid.
They maintained that the UN needed to prove itself more useful, that it needed to regain more of its former relevance.
Det ble framholdt at FN måtte vise større nytteverdi, at FN måtte gjenvinne mer av sin relevans.
There is no objective scale against which the UN’s performance can be “measured”.
Det er vanskelig å besvare slike spørsmål ved å ”måle” – vi har ingen ”måleinstrumenter”.
Much of the criticism was constructive, and I myself have pointed out that Norway – as a loyal member and major contributor, as a friend – should not refrain from expressing criticism.
Mye av kritikken var konstruktiv, og jeg har selv påpekt nødvendigheten av at Norge, som lojalt og tungt bidragsytende medlem, som FNs venn, ikke bør gå av veien for å målbære kritikk.
I believe Norway should be realistic about the UN and its opportunities and challenges.
Jeg har vært opptatt av at Norge må innta realistiske holdninger om FN og organisasjonens muligheter og utfordringer.
We should speak out clearly about things we are not happy about.
Vi skal si klart ifra når det er noe vi ”ikke liker”.
There have been some changes over the past three or four years.
Det har skjedd ting i løpet av tre-fire år.