For several decades, Norway has played the role of facilitator between parties to conflicts. Promoting conflict resolution and reconciliation is a central aspect of Norwegian foreign policy. Conflict resolution has remained a central feature of Norway’s foreign policy efforts throughout 2023. Learn more about Norway – country of conflict and climate resolution.
Norway’s peace and reconciliation efforts vary depending on the conflict in question and the local conditions, but there are certain general features of Norway’s engagement that are common to all Norway’s efforts in this area.
Norway has balanced its arms support for Ukraine with involvement in peace negotiations in Venezuela and Ethiopia. The country assists parties to conflict in their efforts to find peaceful solutions, but the overall responsibility for the peace process always lies with the parties themselves. Sustainable peace can only be achieved if the parties themselves show a willingness to work towards a political solution, and Norway will never push solutions onto the parties.
Norway’s soft-power muscle is, however, even more visible in the way it has pushed its green credentials. EVs now make up nearly 90 per cent of all new cars and, crucially, the charging infrastructure is keeping up.
That said, many would like to see the country also committing to an end date for the exploration of North Sea oil and gas, still the mainstay of the Norwegian economy.
In the 50 years since the start of Norway’s petroleum activities, about 54 per cent of the estimated total recoverable resources on the continental shelf is produced and sold. This indicates that there is also a potential for a high activity level on the shelf for the coming 50 years. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s estimates indicate that oil and gas production is expected to reach a peak in 2025.
Talking of climate, Norway has been used to reigning supreme on the snow. But last year also was a boom for other sporting talent. Runners Karsten Warholm and Jacob Ingebrightsen, and footballer Erling Haaland have inspired fans around the globe. All in their twenties, this Norwegian trio are set to offer more inspiring performances in the years to come.
Norway – Country of Conflict Resolution, partly based on information published on government.no and Norwegian Petroleum, compiled by Tor Kjolberg.