natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
In my office at the Foreign Ministry in Oslo, there is a large portrait of Fridtjof Nansen painted by his close friend Erik Werenskiold in 1913 (so Nansen is 52 years old).
In my office at the Foreign Ministry in Oslo, there is a large portrait of Fridtjof Nansen painted by his close friend Erik Werenskiold in 1913 (so Nansen is 52 years old).
As you can see, it is a full-size portrait, showing Nansen with his dog, well dressed, outside his home near Oslo.
As you can see, it is a full-size portrait, showing Nansen with his dog, well dressed, outside his home near Oslo.
He seems to be looking at me – at us – and asking: “Have you done enough today?”
He seems to be looking at me – at us – and asking: “Have you done enough today?”
It makes me think.
It makes me think.
As I mentioned, at least two dimensions of Nansen’s life and work seem particularly relevant to Norwegian foreign policy today.
As I mentioned, at least two dimensions of Nansen’s life and work seem particularly relevant to Norwegian foreign policy today.
Firstly, his exploration of the High North, and secondly, his work as an international humanitarian, striving to improve the situation of refugees and displaced people.
Firstly, his exploration of the High North, and secondly, his work as an international humanitarian, striving to improve the situation of refugees and displaced people.
Both can be related to priorities in Norwegian foreign policy today.
Both can be related to priorities in Norwegian foreign policy today.
Let me explain.
Let me explain.
Slide: The High North seen from the north/from “above”.
Slide: The High North seen from the north/from “above”.
Now, let us briefly turn to the north.
Now, let us briefly turn to the north.
One of the Norwegian Government’s most important priorities now and in the years ahead will be to explore new opportunities in the High North – and to meet the important challenges of this region.
One of the Norwegian Government’s most important priorities now and in the years ahead will be to explore new opportunities in the High North – and to meet the important challenges of this region.
In Nansen’s time, much of the Arctic was terra incognita – blank areas on the map.
In Nansen’s time, much of the Arctic was terra incognita – blank areas on the map.
This is no longer the case.
This is no longer the case.
But today the Arctic is changing in ways that are creating new challenges – the fact that the ice is melting is one – as well as new opportunities.
But today the Arctic is changing in ways that are creating new challenges – the fact that the ice is melting is one – as well as new opportunities.
It is in the north that we are seeing the most rapid developments in our immediate neighbourhood.
It is in the north that we are seeing the most rapid developments in our immediate neighbourhood.
This is why the High North is such a high priority for Norway.
This is why the High North is such a high priority for Norway.
Of course, we are not alone here.
Of course, we are not alone here.
We see increased general interest in the High North, for example from our neighbours in the north – Russia, Canada, the United States, our Nordic neighbours Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland – but also from actors like the European Union.
We see increased general interest in the High North, for example from our neighbours in the north – Russia, Canada, the United States, our Nordic neighbours Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland – but also from actors like the European Union.
This growing attention and interest reflects the increasing geopolitical attention given to this region.
This growing attention and interest reflects the increasing geopolitical attention given to this region.
Russia is an important neighbour and partner for Norway.
Russia is an important neighbour and partner for Norway.
Before 1917, there was lively trade and lots of contact between our countries in the north.
Before 1917, there was lively trade and lots of contact between our countries in the north.
Then, in Soviet times, the border was closed.
Then, in Soviet times, the border was closed.
But since 1990, the border has again been open, and normal, neighbourly relations are gradually being re-established.
But since 1990, the border has again been open, and normal, neighbourly relations are gradually being re-established.
Now tens of thousands of people cross this border in the High North every year (3 000 in 1990, 110 000 in 2010).
Now tens of thousands of people cross this border in the High North every year (3 000 in 1990, 110 000 in 2010).
Business relations, education and culture projects and many forms of cooperation are prospering.
Business relations, education and culture projects and many forms of cooperation are prospering.
Not only between Norway and Russia; other countries in the region are also actively engaged.
Not only between Norway and Russia; other countries in the region are also actively engaged.
The Arctic Council is fast becoming the centrepiece of political cooperation around the Arctic.
The Arctic Council is fast becoming the centrepiece of political cooperation around the Arctic.
Another example is the broad regional cooperation that has been successfully developed since 1993 in what we call the Barents Euro-Arctic Region.
Another example is the broad regional cooperation that has been successfully developed since 1993 in what we call the Barents Euro-Arctic Region.
Our border with Russia is no longer a sharp line that divides.
Our border with Russia is no longer a sharp line that divides.
It is now a line that unites common interests.
It is now a line that unites common interests.
Last year – after 40 years of negotiations – we agreed on the maritime boundary with Russia in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
Last year – after 40 years of negotiations – we agreed on the maritime boundary with Russia in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
This creates further opportunities for cooperation between our countries.
This creates further opportunities for cooperation between our countries.
Education and research have become key sectors in our cooperation with Russia.
Education and research have become key sectors in our cooperation with Russia.
Especially in a region of such rapid change, all stand to gain from uniting forces in developing our common knowledge base, and from teachers and students getting to know one other.
Especially in a region of such rapid change, all stand to gain from uniting forces in developing our common knowledge base, and from teachers and students getting to know one other.
Slide: Surface water on the ice sheet, dog sledge
Slide: Surface water on the ice sheet, dog sledge
One of the major challenges in the High North today is climate change.
One of the major challenges in the High North today is climate change.
The warming climate – which can be very clearly observed and studied in the High North – offers new opportunities, but also presents new risks to the environment.
The warming climate – which can be very clearly observed and studied in the High North – offers new opportunities, but also presents new risks to the environment.
One example is the Northern Sea Route.
One example is the Northern Sea Route.
Slide: Northern Sea Route.
Slide: Northern Sea Route.
As the polar ice retreats, this alternative – and quicker – route from Europe to Asia, or vice versa, from China to Norway, is becoming commercially interesting, reducing the time by 40%.
As the polar ice retreats, this alternative – and quicker – route from Europe to Asia, or vice versa, from China to Norway, is becoming commercially interesting, reducing the time by 40%.
But increased shipping traffic in these waters also carries the risk of pollution and accidents.
But increased shipping traffic in these waters also carries the risk of pollution and accidents.
There is a great need for effective measures to safeguard the vulnerable Arctic environment.
There is a great need for effective measures to safeguard the vulnerable Arctic environment.
This too calls for international cooperation.
This too calls for international cooperation.
Whereas the effects of climate change may first be seen in the Arctic, they are often most severely felt elsewhere, in Africa for instance.
Whereas the effects of climate change may first be seen in the Arctic, they are often most severely felt elsewhere, in Africa for instance.
I will now turn to Norway’s policy of engagement.
I will now turn to Norway’s policy of engagement.
Here too, Nansen is an important source of inspiration.
Here too, Nansen is an important source of inspiration.
What do I mean by “policy of engagement”?
What do I mean by “policy of engagement”?
It is a broad concept.
It is a broad concept.
It refers to a way of working in fields such as humanitarian assistance, human rights, development cooperation, global health, environment, peace, disarmament and security.
It refers to a way of working in fields such as humanitarian assistance, human rights, development cooperation, global health, environment, peace, disarmament and security.
It reflects the fact that we share the global interest in combating suffering and deprivation.
It reflects the fact that we share the global interest in combating suffering and deprivation.
It also reflects the fact that this interest coincides with specific national interests, such as security and stability.
It also reflects the fact that this interest coincides with specific national interests, such as security and stability.
And I also believe that we have a moral obligation to assist other people when we – as in Norway’s case – have the instruments and resources to make a difference.
And I also believe that we have a moral obligation to assist other people when we – as in Norway’s case – have the instruments and resources to make a difference.
In practice, we achieve good results when we combine our role in multilateral institutions – like the UN – with a leading role on specific topics or in regional initiatives.
In practice, we achieve good results when we combine our role in multilateral institutions – like the UN – with a leading role on specific topics or in regional initiatives.
Our policy of engagement is perhaps best described through some examples.
Our policy of engagement is perhaps best described through some examples.
Slide: Mine field.
Slide: Mine field.
First, over the years, the Norwegian Government has developed a broad approach to what may be called humanitarian disarmament.
First, over the years, the Norwegian Government has developed a broad approach to what may be called humanitarian disarmament.
Disarmament is crucial to meeting humanitarian needs, promoting development, and increasing security.
Disarmament is crucial to meeting humanitarian needs, promoting development, and increasing security.
Our engagement in the fields of landmines, cluster munitions, small arms and other related areas is motivated by the unacceptable harm to civilians caused by the use of these weapons.
Our engagement in the fields of landmines, cluster munitions, small arms and other related areas is motivated by the unacceptable harm to civilians caused by the use of these weapons.
Two important conventions have been established: the Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Two important conventions have been established: the Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
These demonstrate that it is possible to negotiate multilateral instruments for disarmament that have an immediate humanitarian effect on the ground and strengthen the protection of civilians.
These demonstrate that it is possible to negotiate multilateral instruments for disarmament that have an immediate humanitarian effect on the ground and strengthen the protection of civilians.
This is possible when there is a common sense of purpose across traditional groupings, when our work builds on the realities on the ground, and when representatives of states recognise and make use of the expertise of humanitarian organisations.
This is possible when there is a common sense of purpose across traditional groupings, when our work builds on the realities on the ground, and when representatives of states recognise and make use of the expertise of humanitarian organisations.
Sometimes I feel that this way of working is very much in the spirit of Nansen.
Sometimes I feel that this way of working is very much in the spirit of Nansen.
These conventions have been successful because we were able to use new arenas, new methods and new partners – a new way of doing diplomacy.
These conventions have been successful because we were able to use new arenas, new methods and new partners – a new way of doing diplomacy.
The involvement of humanitarian actors – and by this I mean civil society, the field-based organisations of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – has been crucial.
The involvement of humanitarian actors – and by this I mean civil society, the field-based organisations of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – has been crucial.
Political support for the two conventions at the highest levels of the UN and the ICRC has been extremely important.
Political support for the two conventions at the highest levels of the UN and the ICRC has been extremely important.
The affected states themselves have ensured a continued focus on the realities that must be addressed.
The affected states themselves have ensured a continued focus on the realities that must be addressed.
Norway has engaged with states from all regions that share these objectives.
Norway has engaged with states from all regions that share these objectives.
Together with the humanitarian organisations we developed a strong common voice.
Together with the humanitarian organisations we developed a strong common voice.
I hope that Armenia too will sign up to these two important conventions (the Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions).
I hope that Armenia too will sign up to these two important conventions (the Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions).
A second international challenge that concerns us all is health.
A second international challenge that concerns us all is health.
Health is fundamental for all people and for the development of nations.
Health is fundamental for all people and for the development of nations.
In 2006, the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative was launched by the foreign ministers of Brazil, France, Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand and Norway.
In 2006, the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative was launched by the foreign ministers of Brazil, France, Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand and Norway.
The aim is to raise the issue of global health on the international agenda.
The aim is to raise the issue of global health on the international agenda.
We explore how foreign ministers and foreign policy can address health issues of international importance.
We explore how foreign ministers and foreign policy can address health issues of international importance.
We want to show that health is not only threatened by globalisation, but can also benefit from it.
We want to show that health is not only threatened by globalisation, but can also benefit from it.
The seven countries in this group represent a great variety in terms of size, geography and regional networks.
The seven countries in this group represent a great variety in terms of size, geography and regional networks.
This makes the network useful in finding diplomatic solutions to global health issues.
This makes the network useful in finding diplomatic solutions to global health issues.
One example is the negotiations on the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response, which were successfully concluded last year after several years’ work.
One example is the negotiations on the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response, which were successfully concluded last year after several years’ work.
This is a very complicated issue, but the seven-country group helped find solutions that could work for all the actors involved – and that finally led to a breakthrough.
This is a very complicated issue, but the seven-country group helped find solutions that could work for all the actors involved – and that finally led to a breakthrough.
Thirdly, human rights: a key component of Norwegian foreign policy for many years and an area of importance in Nansen’s work.
Thirdly, human rights: a key component of Norwegian foreign policy for many years and an area of importance in Nansen’s work.
The universal human rights are a system of norms and rules designed to ensure protection of the individual.
The universal human rights are a system of norms and rules designed to ensure protection of the individual.
It is essential to ensure human dignity – for you and me, for everyone, everywhere.
It is essential to ensure human dignity – for you and me, for everyone, everywhere.
Several arenas are important.
Several arenas are important.
The UN Human Rights Council is one.
The UN Human Rights Council is one.
Armenia went through a Universal Peer Review (UPR) last year.
Armenia went through a Universal Peer Review (UPR) last year.
Norway did the same in 2009.
Norway did the same in 2009.
This is an extremely useful process, where each country in turn undergoes an open and thorough examination.
This is an extremely useful process, where each country in turn undergoes an open and thorough examination.
It makes us take a critical view of our own performance, and provides an excellent basis for addressing shortcomings.
It makes us take a critical view of our own performance, and provides an excellent basis for addressing shortcomings.
Much of the same can be said of two other organisations where Armenia and Norway are both members: the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Much of the same can be said of two other organisations where Armenia and Norway are both members: the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
One of the many reasons that international forums like these are so important is that human rights are not the internal affairs of any state.
One of the many reasons that international forums like these are so important is that human rights are not the internal affairs of any state.
They are universal, and they are a common concern across state boundaries.
They are universal, and they are a common concern across state boundaries.
This is extremely important, and I am pleased that this was clearly confirmed by our heads of state and government at the OSCE Summit in Astana last December.
This is extremely important, and I am pleased that this was clearly confirmed by our heads of state and government at the OSCE Summit in Astana last December.
I have met a number of individuals with the courage to speak out and fight for human rights – human rights defenders.
I have met a number of individuals with the courage to speak out and fight for human rights – human rights defenders.
One of the first things I did when our present government took office was to draw up guidelines for our embassies on supporting human rights defenders on the ground.
One of the first things I did when our present government took office was to draw up guidelines for our embassies on supporting human rights defenders on the ground.
We want to assist these brave people.
We want to assist these brave people.
While I am here with you, Norway is taking the lead in negotiating the resolution on human rights defenders in the UN General Assembly.
While I am here with you, Norway is taking the lead in negotiating the resolution on human rights defenders in the UN General Assembly.
This work is important because it all boils down to this: How much can a single individual achieve and endure?
This work is important because it all boils down to this: How much can a single individual achieve and endure?
We have seen it time and again: Without freedom of speech, human rights defenders don’t stand a chance.
We have seen it time and again: Without freedom of speech, human rights defenders don’t stand a chance.
Consequently, Norway has made freedom of speech a top priority in our human rights policy.
Consequently, Norway has made freedom of speech a top priority in our human rights policy.
Fourthly – just a few words on international peace operations.
Fourthly – just a few words on international peace operations.
In some cases, the international community is compelled to resort to military means to safeguard international peace and security or to protect civilians.
In some cases, the international community is compelled to resort to military means to safeguard international peace and security or to protect civilians.
Such action must be based on a mandate from the United Nations.
Such action must be based on a mandate from the United Nations.
Norway is not a major military power, but we seek to contribute, together with our close allies.
Norway is not a major military power, but we seek to contribute, together with our close allies.
This too is part of our policy of engagement.
This too is part of our policy of engagement.
Two examples are Afghanistan and, recently, Libya.
Two examples are Afghanistan and, recently, Libya.
The fifth area of Norway’s engagement policy is our peace and reconciliation work.
The fifth area of Norway’s engagement policy is our peace and reconciliation work.
Our main goal is to prevent and end suffering.
Our main goal is to prevent and end suffering.
But again, resolving conflicts – even conflicts far away (if there still is such a thing as “far away”) – also serves our own interests, by helping to make the world more secure and stable.
But again, resolving conflicts – even conflicts far away (if there still is such a thing as “far away”) – also serves our own interests, by helping to make the world more secure and stable.
Peace and reconciliation efforts are complex and sensitive.
Peace and reconciliation efforts are complex and sensitive.
They touch on core issues of state sovereignty and integrity.
They touch on core issues of state sovereignty and integrity.
We are careful to engage only where the parties to a conflict ask us to.
We are careful to engage only where the parties to a conflict ask us to.
Indeed, we have no effective means of compelling parties to engage.
Indeed, we have no effective means of compelling parties to engage.
Norway is currently involved in peace and reconciliation efforts in more than 20 countries and regions.
Norway is currently involved in peace and reconciliation efforts in more than 20 countries and regions.
In most cases we support other actors, in particular the UN.
In most cases we support other actors, in particular the UN.
But in many places we take responsibility for specific aspects of peace efforts where we can make a difference.
But in many places we take responsibility for specific aspects of peace efforts where we can make a difference.
One example is our participation, together with the US and the UK, in the troika that supported the peace process in Sudan.
One example is our participation, together with the US and the UK, in the troika that supported the peace process in Sudan.
Another example is our leadership over many years of the coordinating committee for international assistance to the Palestinians (AHLC).
Another example is our leadership over many years of the coordinating committee for international assistance to the Palestinians (AHLC).
In a few cases, we have served as the sole facilitator.
In a few cases, we have served as the sole facilitator.
This was the case in the process leading to the Oslo Accords (on the Middle East), in Sri Lanka, and is currently the case in the Philippines.
This was the case in the process leading to the Oslo Accords (on the Middle East), in Sri Lanka, and is currently the case in the Philippines.
These are broad engagements where we build trust and work closely with the parties to develop solutions and define steps towards peace.
These are broad engagements where we build trust and work closely with the parties to develop solutions and define steps towards peace.