DECEMBER 15, 2023 Issue #4
We hope you enjoy this brief look into recent developments in Norway and at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. If you are not subscribed but would like to be, please send us an email here. Cover art: Haakon Lundkvist, VisitNorthwest.no. |
Celebrating the Holidays at Union Station |
On Thursday, December 7, the Norwegian Christmas tree at D.C.'s Union Station was lit for the 27th time. Since 1996, Norway has presented it as a symbol of gratitude to the U.S. for its assistance during and after World War II. It also represents the deep and abiding ties between the two countries.
The event featured several great artists: James Murphy, Brent & Co., Kim Sator, and the Norwegian singer Lisa Stokke (the Norwegian voice of Elsa in the "Frozen" films). Ambassador Anniken Krutnes led a countdown, after which the tree's lights were turned on. Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves also stopped by to greet the kids.
We are grateful to our partners, Washington Performing Arts and NorCham Washington, D.C. – this would not have been possible without them. The tree will remain lit throughout December to get Washingtonians into the holiday spirit. Photo credit: Norwegian Embassy in Washington |
President Zelensky Visits Oslo |
Following a visit to Washington, D.C., earlier in the week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Oslo on December 13. Through the Nansen Program, Norway has pledged long-term support to Ukraine.
President Zelensky met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who announced additional support initiatives (explained in more detail here). He also addressed the Norwegian Parliament and attended the Nordic Summit with the Prime Minister, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
At the Summit, the Nordic heads of state contributed an op-ed about the importance of supporting Ukraine. It was first published in The Financial Times, but can be read for free here. They write:
"Ukraine needs our continued support, our partnership, and our solidarity more than ever. Their fight for freedom depends on our perseverance in staying the course. Our shared security depends on it as well." Photo credit: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Norway at the UN Climate Change Conference |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide has been closely involved in the negotiations at the UN Climate Summit in Dubai and is pleased that the participating countries finally reached an agreement to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels. Eide said, “Never before have we been so honest at a global political level in terms of connecting the insights from science to the necessary actions we need to take."
Early in the conference, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Norway will allocate NOK 270 million (approximately $26 million) to a new fund dedicated to loss and damage associated with climate change. Norway also recently participated in a committee that determined how the fund would be designed and operated.
Prime Minister Støre commented, "It is very encouraging that we have reached agreement on how to operationalize the fund. Loss and damage due to the adverse effects of climate change is a problem that will unfortunately continue to grow in the future. I am pleased that Norway is able to pledge early financing for the fund."
For more information on the fund and Norway's role in it, click here. Photo credit: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Jon Fosse Delivers Nobel Lecture |
On December 7, Norwegian author and 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature recipient Jon Fosse gave his Nobel lecture in Stockholm, Sweden.
Fosse reflected on a lifetime of writing, the importance of trusting his process, and the "silent language" behind his craft. He remarked, "A silent address, or a silent language, speaks mostly from the totality of a work. Whether it is a novel or a play, or a theatre production, it is not the parts themselves that are important, it is the totality, which also must be in every single detail." Though the speech was delivered in Norwegian, an English translation is available to read here. Photo credit: Nobel Prize Outreach, Anna Svanberg |
Happy Holidays from the Norwegian Embassy |
This is the last issue of Norge Nå before our break for the winter holidays. We hope you have a wonderful festive season! Photo credit: Arne Ove Østebrøt/Region Stavanger, Edge of Norway |
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