natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator has a specific role to play on behalf of the international community in coordinating the international response.
The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator has a specific role to play on behalf of the international community in coordinating the international response.
I welcome the leadership shown by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes despite the many challenges that have had to be overcome.
I welcome the leadership shown by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes despite the many challenges that have had to be overcome.
I am also pleased to note the resolve shown by the ASEAN Secretary General and the ASEAN nations in this context, as well as the assistance from Myanmar’s immediate neighbours.
I am also pleased to note the resolve shown by the ASEAN Secretary General and the ASEAN nations in this context, as well as the assistance from Myanmar’s immediate neighbours.
I welcome the decision by the ASEAN and the United Nations to set up a coordination mechanism to facilitate the international relief effort and welcome the ASEAN partners contribution of resources.
I welcome the decision by the ASEAN and the United Nations to set up a coordination mechanism to facilitate the international relief effort and welcome the ASEAN partners contribution of resources.
More assistance is needed and I want to underline the necessity of still regarding this as an emergency that needs a scaled up emergency response.
More assistance is needed and I want to underline the necessity of still regarding this as an emergency that needs a scaled up emergency response.
Many vulnerable people still have no assistance.
Many vulnerable people still have no assistance.
While scaling up the relief operation it is also important to plan for the recovery and rehabilitation.
While scaling up the relief operation it is also important to plan for the recovery and rehabilitation.
But people cannot move back to their homes when their homes are not there, there is no food or clean water and the seeds for planting have been washed away by sea water.
But people cannot move back to their homes when their homes are not there, there is no food or clean water and the seeds for planting have been washed away by sea water.
The affected people who wish to move back in order to rebuild their lives need a lot of support for a long time.
The affected people who wish to move back in order to rebuild their lives need a lot of support for a long time.
Viable solutions must be found for those who may not be able to return.
Viable solutions must be found for those who may not be able to return.
Norway wishes to contribute to supporting the affected people with immediate emergency relief and with assistance for early recovery.
Norway wishes to contribute to supporting the affected people with immediate emergency relief and with assistance for early recovery.
The Government of Norway has therefore decided to double the assistance pledged from NOK 50 million to NOK 100 million (approx USD 20 million.)
The Government of Norway has therefore decided to double the assistance pledged from NOK 50 million to NOK 100 million (approx USD 20 million.)
We will scale up disbursements as access to the affected areas improves.
We will scale up disbursements as access to the affected areas improves.
Statement from Norway’s head of delegation, State Secretary Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen at the Liberia Poverty Reduction Forum in Berlin.
Innlegget fra statssekretær Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen på forumet for Liberias fattigdomsreduksjon i Berlin.
Statement from Norway’s head of delegation, State Secretary Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen at the Liberia Poverty Reduction Forum in Berlin.
Statement from Norway’s head of delegation, State Secretary Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen at the Liberia Poverty Reduction Forum in Berlin.
President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure for me, on behalf of the Government of Norway, to be here today and to meet distinguished members of the Government of the Republic of Liberia.
It is a great pleasure for me, on behalf of the Government of Norway, to be here today and to meet distinguished members of the Government of the Republic of Liberia.
Special greetings to you Madam President, from Norway’s Minister of Environment and International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, who has had the honour and pleasure of meeting you on a number of occasions.
Special greetings to you Madam President, from Norway’s Minister of Environment and International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, who has had the honour and pleasure of meeting you on a number of occasions.
I would also like to extend thanks to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and to Minister Heidimarie (Wieczorek-Zeul) for hosting this forum.
I would also like to extend thanks to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and to Minister Heidimarie (Wieczorek-Zeul) for hosting this forum.
First of all, let me congratulate you, Madam President, on having reached the important benchmark of a full PRS.
First of all, let me congratulate you, Madam President, on having reached the important benchmark of a full PRS.
As you underscored, the process has been an inclusive one, and the document is truly "home grown", in the best sense of the word!
As you underscored, the process has been an inclusive one, and the document is truly "home grown", in the best sense of the word!
In 2006, Norway decided to make Liberia a partner in development cooperation beyond short-term humanitarian assistance efforts.
In 2006, Norway decided to make Liberia a partner in development cooperation beyond short-term humanitarian assistance efforts.
The Norwegian engagement started in the energy and security sectors, with the Emergency Power Programme for Monrovia, and capacity building of Liberia’s National Police.
The Norwegian engagement started in the energy and security sectors, with the Emergency Power Programme for Monrovia, and capacity building of Liberia’s National Police.
A great deal has already been achieved in both these programmes.
A great deal has already been achieved in both these programmes.
The emergency power programme will be completed next month.
The emergency power programme will be completed next month.
But of course there are needs that go beyond the emergency phase, and needs in parts of the country outside Monrovia.
But of course there are needs that go beyond the emergency phase, and needs in parts of the country outside Monrovia.
Another important intervention is in the security sector, including the fight against gender based violence.
Another important intervention is in the security sector, including the fight against gender based violence.
Norway has funded Women and Children Protection Units attached to 10 county police stations, and Liberian police officers, both male and female, are being trained to deal with abuse cases.
Norway has funded Women and Children Protection Units attached to 10 county police stations, and Liberian police officers, both male and female, are being trained to deal with abuse cases.
We also support social services through the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is engaged in the Liberian Government’s Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP), and through the Clinton Foundation, for HIV/AIDS treatment and care.
We also support social services through the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is engaged in the Liberian Government’s Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP), and through the Clinton Foundation, for HIV/AIDS treatment and care.
Another cooperating partner is the Center for Transitional Justice, which works with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Another cooperating partner is the Center for Transitional Justice, which works with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Another Norwegian supported project in Liberia is the Millennium Village in Kokoyah District – a five-year commitment – and a multi-sectorial programme.
Another Norwegian supported project in Liberia is the Millennium Village in Kokoyah District – a five-year commitment – and a multi-sectorial programme.
Good governance and the rule of law is one of the pillars in Liberia’s PRS.
Good governance and the rule of law is one of the pillars in Liberia’s PRS.
This, including the fight against corruption, is high on my government’s agenda, and Norway is ready to support you in this important area.
This, including the fight against corruption, is high on my government’s agenda, and Norway is ready to support you in this important area.
Civil society may also be a partner here.
Civil society may also be a partner here.
You have many friends who want to support you in rebuilding the country.
You have many friends who want to support you in rebuilding the country.
However, new challenges arise when many donors are active in a country.
However, new challenges arise when many donors are active in a country.
We would welcome a division of labour between the donors and joint financing mechanisms to enhance efficiency.
We would welcome a division of labour between the donors and joint financing mechanisms to enhance efficiency.
It is vital that Liberia takes the lead here and directs focus to where it is most needed.
It is vital that Liberia takes the lead here and directs focus to where it is most needed.
Co-ordination is key, and we support US Aid and Henrietta Fore’s idea of a joint visit to Liberia by development ministers, some time later this year.
Co-ordination is key, and we support US Aid and Henrietta Fore’s idea of a joint visit to Liberia by development ministers, some time later this year.
Liberia, once a shining example to others on the continent, is still among the world's poorest nations.
Liberia, once a shining example to others on the continent, is still among the world's poorest nations.
But it need not be so, as it has many resources.
But it need not be so, as it has many resources.
In Liberia, as elsewhere, poverty has – to a large extent – a female face, and as Minister Heidimarie pointed out, the empowerment of women is vital.
In Liberia, as elsewhere, poverty has – to a large extent – a female face, and as Minister Heidimarie pointed out, the empowerment of women is vital.
We endorse that gender equity is an important cross-cutting issue in your PRS, along with Peacebuilding, Environmental Issues, HIV and AIDS, Children and Youth.
We endorse that gender equity is an important cross-cutting issue in your PRS, along with Peacebuilding, Environmental Issues, HIV and AIDS, Children and Youth.
This of course means that these aspects should be given due consideration in all programmes and projects.
This of course means that these aspects should be given due consideration in all programmes and projects.
That is a challenge for all of us.
That is a challenge for all of us.
I am also happy to mention that Norway has contributed significantly to the clearance of Liberia's debts this year.
I am also happy to mention that Norway has contributed significantly to the clearance of Liberia's debts this year.
Norway will go beyond what was negotiated in the Paris Club, and we will of course cancel all bilateral debt after HIPC completion point is reached.
Norway will go beyond what was negotiated in the Paris Club, and we will of course cancel all bilateral debt after HIPC completion point is reached.
I can inform you that, at the request of the Liberian government, we have decided to contribute 5 million USD to the International Development Association’s planned Debt Reduction facility for the buyback of Liberia’s 1, 6 billion private debts.
I can inform you that, at the request of the Liberian government, we have decided to contribute 5 million USD to the International Development Association’s planned Debt Reduction facility for the buyback of Liberia’s 1, 6 billion private debts.
As pointed out by the president, it is the perseverance of the Liberian people that can bring about sustainable, long term development, and the main responsibility lays with them and with the Government of Liberia.
As pointed out by the president, it is the perseverance of the Liberian people that can bring about sustainable, long term development, and the main responsibility lays with them and with the Government of Liberia.
But we are here to support you.
But we are here to support you.
- Sovereign Wealth Funds have increasingly been the subject of international debate.
- Sovereign Wealth Funds have increasingly been the subject of international debate.
Wariness in recipient countries about a lack of transparency and non-financial objectives for the investments has given way to a more nuanced understanding of the key issues.
Wariness in recipient countries about a lack of transparency and non-financial objectives for the investments has given way to a more nuanced understanding of the key issues.
Perhaps just as importantly, several sovereign funds have shown a greater willingness to address concerns raised in recipient countries, Foreign Minister Støre said in his speech in Paris 5 June.
Perhaps just as importantly, several sovereign funds have shown a greater willingness to address concerns raised in recipient countries.
Sovereign Wealth Funds have increasingly been the subject of international debate.
Sovereign Wealth Funds have increasingly been the subject of international debate.
In my view the debate is moving in the right direction.
In my view the debate is moving in the right direction.
Perhaps just as importantly, several sovereign funds have shown a greater willingness to address concerns raised in recipient countries.
Perhaps just as importantly, several sovereign funds have shown a greater willingness to address concerns raised in recipient countries.
The OECD has been and is the main forum for policy analysis and development of guidance on good practices for investment policy.
The OECD has been and is the main forum for policy analysis and development of guidance on good practices for investment policy.
The OECD is playing a crucial role in reminding us of the benefits of a free and open investment climate.
The OECD is playing a crucial role in reminding us of the benefits of a free and open investment climate.
The Report by the Investment Committee on “Sovereign Wealth Funds and Recipient Country Policies” is a positive contribution.
The Report by the Investment Committee on “Sovereign Wealth Funds and Recipient Country Policies” is a positive contribution.
It addresses the concerns raised about such funds and puts them into an appropriate perspective.
It addresses the concerns raised about such funds and puts them into an appropriate perspective.
I think the cooperative effort, facilitated by the IMF, to identify and a draft a set of voluntary, generally accepted principles and best practices for Sovereign Wealth Funds will also prove useful.
I think the cooperative effort, facilitated by the IMF, to identify and draft a set of voluntary, generally accepted principles and best practices for Sovereign Wealth Funds will also prove useful.
Sovereign funds are not a new phenomenon – the Kuwait General Reserve Fund was established as early as in 1953 – but in recent years they have become prominent participants in financial markets.
However, in recent years they have become prominent participants in financial markets.
With deep pockets, a long investment horizon and a strong risk-bearing capacity, such funds can provide diversity and contribute to better functioning financial markets.
With deep pockets, a long investment horizon and a strong risk-bearing capacity, such funds can provide diversity and contribute to better functioning financial markets.
Many Sovereign Wealth Funds have played a positive role in the recent credit and banking turmoil.
Many Sovereign Wealth Funds have played a positive role in the recent credit and banking turmoil.
The Norwegian sovereign fund, which amounts to nearly 400 billion USD, is built on petroleum revenues and will help us finance pension expenditures in the future.
The Norwegian sovereign fund – we call it the pension fund – which amounts to nearly 400 billion USD, is built on petroleum revenues and will help us finance pension expenditures in the future.
It is by and large referred to in positive terms and is often cited as an example to be followed.
It is by and large referred to in positive terms and is often cited as an example to be followed.
The following five factors are important in that respect:
The following five factors are important in that respect:
There is an explicit aim to maximise financial returns.
First, there is an explicit aim of the Norwegian fund to maximise financial returns.
We have no hidden political agenda.
We have no hidden political agenda.
The Fund is a financial investor with non-strategic holdings.
Second, the Fund is a financial investor with non-strategic holdings.
The average ownership share is less than 1 per cent.
The average ownership share is less than 1 per cent.
There are clear lines of responsibility between political authorities and operational management.
Third, there are clear lines of responsibility between political authorities and operational management.
Individual investment decisions are not politicised.
Individual investment decisions are not politicised.
We have a high degree of transparency in all aspects of the Fund’s purpose and operation.
Fourth, we have a high degree of transparency in all aspects of the Fund’s purpose and operation.
And finally, The Fund’s Ethical Guidelines are transparent and predictable, and are based on internationally recognised standards, such as the UN Global Compact and OECD principles and guidelines.
And finally, the Fund’s Ethical Guidelines are transparent and predictable, and are based on internationally recognised standards, such as the UN Global Compact and OECD principles and guidelines.
The Ethical Guidelines recognise the objective of sound financial return, along with the obligation to respect fundamental rights of those that are affected by the companies in which the Fund invests.
The Ethical Guidelines recognise the objective of sound financial return, along with the obligation to respect fundamental rights of those that are affected by the companies in which the Fund invests.
I believe transparency is the key to reaching a common understanding between investors and recipient countries.
I believe transparency is the key to reaching a common understanding between investors and recipient countries.
Transparency is important for several reasons.
Transparency is important for several reasons.
It builds trust – both on the international scene and domestically.
It builds trust – both on the international scene and domestically.
In fact, it would be impossible for our government to get support for putting aside a budget surplus of 15 to 20 per cent of GDP in a fund without giving the stakeholders insight into how the money is managed.
In fact, it would be impossible for our government to get support for putting aside a budget surplus of 15 to 20 per cent of GDP in a fund without giving the stakeholders insight into how the money is managed.
This is a matter of accountability.
This is a matter of accountability.
However, transparency also has to go both ways.
However, transparency also has to go both ways.
If recipient countries set up screening processes to address legitimate national security concerns, there must be transparency with respect to how such screening decisions are made, by whom and under which criteria.
If recipient countries set up screening processes to address legitimate national security concerns, there must be transparency with respect to how such screening decisions are made, by whom and under which criteria.
Lack of transparency can lead to suspicions of financial protectionism, introduce an element of uncertainty to the investment process, undermine investor confidence, and may ultimately reduce the relative attractiveness of non-transparent recipient countries.
Lack of transparency can lead to suspicions of financial protectionism, introduce an element of uncertainty to the investment process, undermine investor confidence, and may ultimately reduce the relative attractiveness of non-transparent recipient countries.
To conclude, let me reiterate the importance of maintaining an open investment climate while also addressing and attempting to allay concerns related to the funds.
To conclude, let me reiterate the importance of maintaining an open investment climate while also addressing and attempting to allay concerns related to the funds.
I look forward to the final report on the Freedom of Investment project in early 2009.
I look forward to the final report on the Freedom of Investment project in early 2009.
Statement at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting
Statement at OECD Ministerial Council Meeting
Statement at World Climate Conference 3
Innlegg på Verdens klimakonferanse
Geneva, 3 September 2009
Geneve, 3. september 2009
The Arctic reality, as the Secretary General so clearly pointed out, illustrates the urgent need for global action.
The Arctic reality, as the Secretary General so clearly pointed out, illustrates the urgent need for global action.
Global leaders must rise to their responsibility.
Global leaders must rise to their responsibility.
Commitments to deep and swift cuts in emissions keeping global warming under two degrees, and urgent scaling up of adaptation actions must be the outcome of Copenhagen.
Commitments to deep and swift cuts in emissions keeping global warming under two degrees, and urgent scaling up of adaptation actions must be the outcome of Copenhagen.
The conditions for development are changing rapidly due to climate change, threatening the Millennium Development Goals and future prosperity of millions of people.
The conditions for development are changing rapidly due to climate change, threatening the Millennium Development Goals and future prosperity of millions of people.
Extreme weather events are causing loss of lives and have enormous economic costs.
Extreme weather events are causing loss of lives and have enormous economic costs.
We know from the IPCC that these events are increasing in frequency and intensity.
We know from the IPCC that these events are increasing in frequency and intensity.
Countries most at risk are already adapting to climate change, they have no choice.
Countries most at risk are already adapting to climate change, they have no choice.
China, Vietnam and Cuba are among the front runners.
China, Vietnam and Cuba are among the front runners.
As the prime minister of Bangladesh pointed out, her country is investing in adaptation and disaster risk reduction resulting in resilient communities.
As the prime minister of Bangladesh pointed out, her country is investing in adaptation and disaster risk reduction resulting in resilient communities.
Norway supports these efforts and is scaling up support for disaster risk reduction in developing countries.
Norway supports these efforts and is scaling up support for disaster risk reduction in developing countries.
Climate change must be addressed on many arenas and by many means and measures.
Climate change must be addressed on many arenas and by many means and measures.
The World Climate Conference has gathered practitioners and scientist from a range of disciplines, showing that we have to tackle this challenge across sectors.
The World Climate Conference has gathered practitioners and scientist from a range of disciplines, showing that we have to tackle this challenge across sectors.
Climate observation and information can save lives and assets.
Climate observation and information can save lives and assets.
These are key components of disaster risk reduction and response, for early warning systems, and for adaptation.
These are key components of disaster risk reduction and response, for early warning systems, and for adaptation.
We need knowledge to target our actions efficiently.
We need knowledge to target our actions efficiently.
Good climate observation and predictions are necessary and must be strengthened.
Good climate observation and predictions are necessary and must be strengthened.