News 01. Dec 2018 Norway assumes presidency of the Mine Ban Treaty On 30 November, Norway takes over the presidency of the Mine Ban Treaty. 26. Nov 2018 Changes to Norway’s aid budget According to new figures, ODA-approved refugee expenses in Norway have dropped by NOK 200 million this year. This will make it possible to increase allocations to various priority areas in the 2018 aid budget. 01. Nov 2018 International conference on health in developing countries Representatives of almost 20 countries will be gathering in Oslo on 6 November to take part in the first replenishment event of the Global Financing Facility (GFF). 31. Oct 2018 Norwegian diplomat Geir O. Pedersen to be UN Special Envoy for Syria ‘I am very pleased that the UN Secretary-General has given one of our foremost diplomats the important task of leading the UN’s efforts in forging an inclusive and peaceful political solution in Syria,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Sø 24. Oct 2018 | United Nations Day Let’s celebrate cooperation! If we are to solve the greatest challenges of our time, we need more – not less – international cooperation. 22. Oct 2018 Increased support for humanitarian response in Yemen Norway will provide further appx USD 3.6 million (NOK 30 million) to the humanitarian response in Yemen, with an emphasis on urgent food aid channelled through the UN. 12. Oct 2018 The Oceans Norway has a leading role in the global efforts to promote clean and healthy oceans. 08. Oct 2018 | Budget proposal Priority given to countries affected by conflict and fragility, humanitarian assistance, and human rights In the 2019 budget, the Government has proposed to increase the allocation to countries affected by conflict and fragility and to people in need, and to step up efforts to promote human rights. 08. Oct 2018 | Budget proposal Increase in aid budget for 2019 Norway intends to maintain a high level of aid and has proposed spending spending NOK 37.8 billion on aid in 2019, about 1 % of Norway’s gross national income. 08. Oct 2018 | Budget proposal A ‘women’s billion’ in support for women’s rights and gender equality The Norwegian Government is proposing to allocate at least NOK 1 billion in support for women’s rights and gender equality as part of the 2019 aid budget. 27. Sep 2018 Norway to make extraordinary contribution to Palestine refugees ‘The UN’s agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) is in a critical financial situation following the US decision to cut all funding to the organisation,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. 24. Sep 2018 Norway to provide NOK 660 million to UN’s human rights efforts Norway has entered into a 4 year agreement with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), totalling NOK 660 million. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 #