natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
I realised then, and I still believe today, that civil society is both an essential part of a well-functioning democracy, and, especially for young people, an important arena for political and democratic education.
I realised then, and I still believe today, that civil society is both an essential part of a well-functioning democracy, and, especially for young people, an important arena for political and democratic education.
I am glad to have this opportunity to give you an overview of our relationship with the EU, outline what we want to achieve with the EEA and Norway Grants, and explain why we attach so much importance to supporting civil society.
I am glad to have this opportunity to give you an overview of our relationship with the EU, outline what we want to achieve with the EEA and Norway Grants, and explain why we attach so much importance to supporting civil society.
(Common values)
(Common values)
A united European Union based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights was the vision of the founders of the European Movement back in the late 1940s.
A united European Union based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights was the vision of the founders of the European Movement back in the late 1940s.
Their vision has been fundamental in the establishment and shaping of the Council of Europe and the EU.
Their vision has been fundamental in the establishment and shaping of the Council of Europe and the EU.
The EU today, with its institutions, treaties and legislation, plays an important part in strengthening democracy and human rights in the member states.
The EU today, with its institutions, treaties and legislation, plays an important part in strengthening democracy and human rights in the member states.
The EU recognises the fundamental role that civil society plays in safeguarding European values.
The EU recognises the fundamental role that civil society plays in safeguarding European values.
The Lisbon Treaty gives both individual citizens and civil society organisations the opportunity to provide input to the EU’s decision-making processes.
The Lisbon Treaty gives both individual citizens and civil society organisations the opportunity to provide input to the EU’s decision-making processes.
Surveys and reports from the Council of Europe and the EU have shown rising xenophobia and discrimination based on religious beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender.
Surveys and reports from the Council of Europe and the EU have shown rising xenophobia and discrimination based on religious beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender.
This is a threat not only to individuals and groups in Europe, but also to democracy itself.
This is a threat not only to individuals and groups in Europe, but also to democracy itself.
We must remember that democracy, human rights and equality are not achieved once and for all.
We must remember that democracy, human rights and equality are not achieved once and for all.
While not a member of the European Union, Norway is closely integrated with the EU, and deeply committed to European and universal values.
While not a member of the European Union, Norway is closely integrated with the EU, and deeply committed to European and universal values.
These common values form the basis of our cooperation.
These common values form the basis of our cooperation.
At the same time, we see that we need joint solutions to shared challenges.
At the same time, we see that we need joint solutions to shared challenges.
There is broad support both among the Norwegian people and in the Parliament for Norway’s continued participation in European cooperation through the EEA Agreement, the Schengen Agreement and our other agreements with the EU.
There is broad support both among the Norwegian people and in the Parliament for Norway’s continued participation in European cooperation through the EEA Agreement, the Schengen Agreement and our other agreements with the EU.
The EEA Agreement is the cornerstone in our relationship with the EU.
The EEA Agreement is the cornerstone in our relationship with the EU.
Under the agreement, Norway is a member of the internal market, and harmonises its legislation on trade and the movement of goods and people with the EU rules.
Under the agreement, Norway is a member of the internal market, and harmonises its legislation on trade and the movement of goods and people with the EU rules.
Within the framework of the EEA Agreement, we also seek to supplement the wider EU efforts to reduce social and economic disparities and promote democracy, stability and prosperity across the continent.
Within the framework of the EEA Agreement, we also seek to supplement the wider EU efforts to reduce social and economic disparities and promote democracy, stability and prosperity across the continent.
We do this through the EEA and Norway Grants.
We do this through the EEA and Norway Grants.
A second aim is to strengthen bilateral relations between donor and beneficiary states.
A second aim is to strengthen bilateral relations between donor and beneficiary states.
We all gain from closer cooperation and the exchange of skills and knowledge.
We all gain from closer cooperation and the exchange of skills and knowledge.
The Grants play a key role in Norway’s cooperation with many EU countries.
The Grants play a key role in Norway’s cooperation with many EU countries.
(What is Norway supporting?)
(What is Norway supporting?)
For the 2009–2014 funding period, Norway, together with Iceland and Lichtenstein, is providing a total of EUR 1.8 billion to reduce social and economic disparities in 16 EU member states.
For the 2009–2014 funding period, Norway, together with Iceland and Lichtenstein, is providing a total of EUR 1.8 billion to reduce social and economic disparities in 16 EU member states.
The areas supported include environmental protection, climate change, human and social development, justice and home affairs, research, and civil society.
The areas supported include environmental protection, climate change, human and social development, justice and home affairs, research, and civil society.
Support for civil society is a priority.
Support for civil society is a priority.
It is one of the direct ways that we can promote the fundamental European values of democracy, human rights and equality.
It is one of the direct ways that we can promote the fundamental European values of democracy, human rights and equality.
Norway has committed itself to providing nearly EUR 160 million to support NGO programmes in the 16 beneficiary states.
Norway has committed itself to providing nearly EUR 160 million to support NGO programmes in the 16 beneficiary states.
This makes Norway one of the largest donors to civil society in the region, and reflects our recognition of the role of NGOs as a fundamental building block in the development of fair, democratic and sustainable societies.
This makes Norway one of the largest donors to civil society in the region, and reflects our recognition of the role of NGOs as a fundamental building block in the development of fair, democratic and sustainable societies.
We are also building on our own experience in these efforts.
We are also building on our own experience in these efforts.
The role of civil society in Norway as a watchdog, as a consultative body, and in engaging citizens has been, and continues to be, of great importance.
The role of civil society in Norway as a watchdog, as a consultative body, and in engaging citizens has been, and continues to be, of great importance.
It is vital that a critical mass of civil society organisation has autonomy from the state, a pro-democracy agenda, and the ability to build coalitions.
It is vital that a critical mass of civil society organisation has autonomy from the state, a pro-democracy agenda, and the ability to build coalitions.
With this in view, we provide support for capacity-building, and for network- and coalition-building.
With this in view, we provide support for capacity-building, and for network- and coalition-building.
We know that it is not possible to develop resilient and pluralistic democracies unless the voices of a wide spectrum of society are heard, and their interests taken into consideration in governmental processes.
We know that it is not possible to develop resilient and pluralistic democracies unless the voices of a wide spectrum of society are heard, and their interests taken into consideration in governmental processes.
That is why we support a broad range of organisations and initiatives at local, national and EU level.
That is why we support a broad range of organisations and initiatives at local, national and EU level.
At least 10 % of the total allocation to the NGO Programmes is channelled to children and young people’s organisations and activities targeting children and young people.
At least 10 % of the total allocation to the NGO Programmes is channelled to children and young people’s organisations and activities targeting children and young people.
In Latvia we support the project “Empowering National Youth Council of Latvia”.
In Latvia we support the project “Empowering National Youth Council of Latvia”.
The target group is young people and the aim is to increase the Youth Council’s role in the implementation of Youth policy, becoming an important cooperation partner for youth organisations, policy makers and implementers.
The target group is young people and the aim is to increase the Youth Council’s role in the implementation of Youth policy, becoming an important cooperation partner for youth organisations, policy makers and implementers.
This project is also an example of cooperation with Norwegian organisations.
This project is also an example of cooperation with Norwegian organisations.
The Norwegian Children and Youth Council is a partner.
The Norwegian Children and Youth Council is a partner.
Civil society, with its huge body of knowledge and experience regarding the situation of ordinary people, plays a crucial role in mobilising citizens and raising key concerns – for both the general public and decision-makers – in the public debate.
Civil society, with its huge body of knowledge and experience regarding the situation of ordinary people, plays a crucial role in mobilising citizens and raising key concerns – for both the general public and decision-makers – in the public debate.
NGOs can also provide expert advice to the public authorities in connection with policy development, and serve as instruments of policy implementation.
NGOs can also provide expert advice to the public authorities in connection with policy development, and serve as instruments of policy implementation.
We also support NGOs in their efforts to give a voice to the poor and discriminated, and thus enable them to influence government policies.
We also support NGOs in their efforts to give a voice to the poor and discriminated, and thus enable them to influence government policies.
The fact that NGOs are independent of the state puts them in a unique position to promote accountability and enhance the legitimacy of the public sector.
The fact that NGOs are independent of the state puts them in a unique position to promote accountability and enhance the legitimacy of the public sector.
In many countries, they can play a key role in restoring public confidence in the functions of the state.
In many countries, they can play a key role in restoring public confidence in the functions of the state.
In Greece, for example, we are providing support through the Grants for the DemocracIT project, which is designed to increase citizen participation in decision-making through improvements to open consultation mechanisms and the use of ICT equipment.
In Greece, for example, we are providing support through the Grants for the DemocracIT project, which is designed to increase citizen participation in decision-making through improvements to open consultation mechanisms and the use of ICT equipment.
We are also supporting civil society efforts to strengthen social justice, democracy and sustainable development.
We are also supporting civil society efforts to strengthen social justice, democracy and sustainable development.
Examples include awareness-raising about environmental issues, activities that increase the involvement of NGOs in policy and decision-making processes at all levels, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups with a view to strengthening human rights.
Examples include awareness-raising about environmental issues, activities that increase the involvement of NGOs in policy and decision-making processes at all levels, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups with a view to strengthening human rights.
A concrete example here is the project to support local democracy entitled ‘Citizens’ Budget for Zakopane: Let’s Choose Together’ in Poland.
A concrete example here is the project to support local democracy entitled ‘Citizens’ Budget for Zakopane: Let’s Choose Together’ in Poland.
This involves citizens over the age of 16 taking part in public consultations on the allocation of local government funds for 2014–2015.
This involves citizens over the age of 16 taking part in public consultations on the allocation of local government funds for 2014–2015.
In Slovakia, a project on civic participation has provided training for women and for the Roma community on municipal policies and politics.
In Slovakia, a project on civic participation has provided training for women and for the Roma community on municipal policies and politics.
Local actions groups have been formed to identify concerns, and the participants shown how to design project proposals and raise funds.
Local actions groups have been formed to identify concerns, and the participants shown how to design project proposals and raise funds.
NGO programmes also address horizontal concerns such as hate speech, extremism, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.
NGO programmes also address horizontal concerns such as hate speech, extremism, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.
For example in Lithuania we support the Lithuanian Gay League’s work to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s rights and mainstream these rights in the decision-making process.
For example in Lithuania we support the Lithuanian Gay League’s work to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s rights and mainstream these rights in the decision-making process.
A recent evaluation of the NGO programmes shows that they have increased the capacity of civil society in Central and Southern Europe and enabled citizens to voice their concerns and actively engage with governments.
A recent evaluation of the NGO programmes shows that they have increased the capacity of civil society in Central and Southern Europe and enabled citizens to voice their concerns and actively engage with governments.
Although the legal framework for civil society involvement in decision-making is in place, there is a need to strengthen its capacity to fill this role.
Although the legal framework for civil society involvement in decision-making is in place, there is a need to strengthen its capacity to fill this role.
Both the evaluation I just mentioned and other studies show that the civil society sector is still weak, and individual organisations small, in the beneficiary states.
Both the evaluation I just mentioned and other studies show that the civil society sector is still weak, and individual organisations small, in the beneficiary states.
Genuine cooperation between governments and civil society with an emphasis on transparency and mutual trust is crucial in order to maintain healthy democracies.
Genuine cooperation between governments and civil society with an emphasis on transparency and mutual trust is crucial in order to maintain healthy democracies.
As I mentioned earlier, a united Europe based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights cannot be taken for granted.
As I mentioned earlier, a united Europe based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights cannot be taken for granted.
We need NGOs that can raise the voice of the general public and of vulnerable groups, and ensure that it is heard.
We need NGOs that can raise the voice of the general public and of vulnerable groups, and ensure that it is heard.
That is why we attach importance to continuing our support to civil society.
That is why we attach importance to continuing our support to civil society.
There is huge interest in our NGO programmes.
There is huge interest in our NGO programmes.
I also interpret this and the impressive number of organisations present her today as a sign of great commitment to fundamental European values.
I also interpret this and the impressive number of organisations present her today as a sign of great commitment to fundamental European values.
I am confident that you all will make good use of the roadmap to be agreed at this Forum to strengthen the civil dialogue and the involvement of citizens, and thus improve policymaking both at national level and at EU level.
I am confident that you all will make good use of the roadmap to be agreed at this Forum to strengthen the civil dialogue and the involvement of citizens, and thus improve policymaking both at national level and at EU level.
We are proud to have contributed to this process through the EEA Grants.
We are proud to have contributed to this process through the EEA Grants.
I wish you a successful meeting.
I wish you a successful meeting.
Riga NGO Forum
Riga NGO Forum
Riga, 3 March 2015
Riga, 3. mars 2015
State Secretary Ingvild Næss Stub's speech at the Riga NGO Forum on 3 March 2015.
Statssekretær Ingvild Næss Stubs tale ved Riga NGO Forum 3. mars 2015.
'We need events like this to discuss and find new and innovative approaches to provide education for children with disabilities.
- We need events like this to discuss and find new and innovative approaches to provide education for children with disabilities.
We need to strengthen our knowledge base in order to make smart policy decisions', said State Secretary Hans Brattskar in his address at the Global Campaign for Education conference.
We need to strengthen our knowledge base in order to make smart policy decisions, sa statssekretær Hans Brattskar i sin innledning på arrangementet i regi av Global Campaign for Education.
Minister Kachaje, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends and education enthusiasts,
Minister Kachaje, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends and education enthusiasts,
It is a pleasure to see you here today to discuss this important topic.
It is a pleasure to see you here today to discuss this important topic.
Investing in education for all is an important aspect of the fight against poverty, and is vital for human dignity.
Investing in education for all is an important aspect of the fight against poverty, and is vital for human dignity.
Equality in education is a key to economic growth and decent work.
Equality in education is a key to economic growth and decent work.
Education for girls and women is also effective in combating child marriage and reducing mortality in early childhood.
Education for girls and women is also effective in combating child marriage and reducing mortality in early childhood.
Investment in education, if done right, is one of the best investments we can make.
Investment in education, if done right, is one of the best investments we can make.
It is particularly important for the most marginalised and vulnerable children and young people.
It is particularly important for the most marginalised and vulnerable children and young people.
Children with disabilities tend to be overrepresented in this group.
Children with disabilities tend to be overrepresented in this group.
Never before has the world seen such a rapid increase in the number of children attending school.
Never before has the world seen such a rapid increase in the number of children attending school.
There has also been major progress in reducing the gender gap in primary school attendance.
There has also been major progress in reducing the gender gap in primary school attendance.
Great progress has been made in the education sector globally, especially on Millennium Development Goals 2 and 3 on universal primary education and gender equality.
Great progress has been made in the education sector globally, especially on Millennium Development Goals 2 and 3 on universal primary education and gender equality.
Still, we must face up to the reality that 57 million children are not enrolled in primary school.
Still, we must face up to the reality that 57 million children are not enrolled in primary school.
Most of these children are poor, live in conflict-affected countries, in rural areas – and a disproportionate number are disabled.
Most of these children are poor, live in conflict-affected countries, in rural areas – and a disproportionate number are disabled.
If we continue at the current pace, it will be 70 years before all children are in primary school.
If we continue at the current pace, it will be 70 years before all children are in primary school.
We cannot accept this.
We cannot accept this.
Moreover, many girls are still denied the opportunity to get an education.
Moreover, many girls are still denied the opportunity to get an education.
The Education for All Global Monitoring Report shows that although the aim was to achieve gender parity by 2005, in 2011 only 60 % of countries had reached this goal in terms of primary education, and only 38 % at the secondary level.
The Education for All Global Monitoring Report shows that although the aim was to achieve gender parity by 2005, in 2011 only 60 % of countries had reached this goal in terms of primary education, and only 38 % at the secondary level.
In addition, it is alarming that 250 million children of primary school age throughout the world cannot read or write, whether they are in school or not.
In addition, it is alarming that 250 million children of primary school age throughout the world cannot read or write, whether they are in school or not.
Unfortunately, in recent years the quality of education has declined in a number of countries.
Unfortunately, in recent years the quality of education has declined in a number of countries.
To help boost efforts towards achieving the MDGs and the Education for All goals by 2015, this Government will increase the focus on development aid for education considerably.
To help boost efforts towards achieving the MDGs and the Education for All goals by 2015, this Government will increase the focus on development aid for education considerably.
Already this year, we are scaling up our investments in education in developing countries by 15 %.
Already this year, we are scaling up our investments in education in developing countries by 15 %.
In the coming years, with parliamentary approval, we are planning to significantly increase our spending on education.
In the coming years, with parliamentary approval, we are planning to significantly increase our spending on education.
Human rights lie at the heart of Norway’s international efforts.
Human rights lie at the heart of Norway’s international efforts.
The basic underlying principle is that human rights are universal.
The basic underlying principle is that human rights are universal.
And Norway takes a rights-based approach to development assistance: we promote human rights for all, including – of course – people with disabilities.
And Norway takes a rights-based approach to development assistance: we promote human rights for all, including – of course – people with disabilities.
As most of you are well aware, Norway ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013.
As most of you are well aware, Norway ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013.
Norway is thus required to fulfil its obligations under the Convention at the national level.
Norway is thus required to fulfil its obligations under the Convention at the national level.