The capital of Norway, the University of Oslo, the Norwegian Nobel Institute and the Nobel Peace Center invite the city’s population and visitors to celebrate the Oslo Peace Days; eight days in December. Oslo celebrates peace and human rights.
Oslo is one of the most peaceful cities in the world, leading in peace and human rights research, and not least, the city where Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. In December, the Nobel institutions, the University of Oslo and the municipality are organizing the Oslo Peace Days. The purpose of the initiative, launched on the UN International Day of Peace, is to create more commitment to the Nobel Peace Prize and to put themes related to peace and human rights even higher on the agenda.
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Oslo celebrates peace and human rights
“We want to put Oslo as peace city on the map. I hope and believe that Oslo Peace Days and the cooperation between Oslo Municipality, the Nobel Institute, the University of Oslo and the Nobel Peace Center will contribute to engagement and increased knowledge of Oslo as a peaceful city,” says City Council leader Raymond Johansen.
Oslo Peace Days begins December 5th with the award of the University of Oslo Human Rights Prize. The highlight is the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in the City Hall on 10 December, and on 12 December, it will be concluded with the opening of this year’s Peace Prize Exhibition at the Nobel Peace Center. There will be activities for the public and a contentive academic program. Full program for Oslo Peace Days will be released on October 11th.
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A long-lasting cooperation
“We want Oslo Peace Days to become an arena where the whole population can learn about and discuss issues related to peace, democracy and human rights,” says Svein Stølen, rector at the University of Oslo.
The Nobel Institute’s cooperation with the University of Oslo and Oslo municipality goes back many years. From 1947 to 1989, Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony was held at the University’s aula, and since 1990 the ceremony took place in Oslo City Hall.
Peace must be built every day
After the Nobel Peace Center opened in 2005, the museum has been a focal point for activities related to the peace prize. “Cooperation between these four actors will hopefully contribute to increased commitment to the peace prize and greater awareness of peace issues,” says Olav Njølstad, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
“Peace is something that must be built every day through activities and dialogue, and not least by experiencing things together. That’s what we’re going to do during Oslo Peace Days, “says Liv Tørres. Director of Nobel Peace Center.
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About the Nobel Peace Center
One of Norway’s best-visited museums with about 250,000 visitors per year.
Presents the story of Alfred Nobel and the Peace Prize winners and their work
Arena for debate and reflection on current topics related to war, peace and conflict resolution
Internationally recognized for its commitment to documentary photography and interactive technology
Welcomes many hundred school classes a year to discuss topics on peace issues. located on the town hall square in Oslo
The board is elected by the Nobel Committee
Main sponsors are Hydro, Telenor Group and ABB
Oslo celebrates peace and human rights, is based on a press release from the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo
Feature image (on top): The Nobel Institute in Oslo.