News and events 01. Jul 2022 Vacant positions as a Visa Officer at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi The Royal Norwegian Embassy is seeking one qualified and highly motivated team member for position as a full time Visa Officer. It is a requirement that candidates are fluent (oral and written) in English. 16. Jun 2022 Visa update Dear all visa applicants,You can know apply for a Schengen visa to Norway six months ahead of date of travel, but it is required to apply at least 15 days before your planned travel date. 10. Jun 2022 Consulate in Dubai closure notice! The Consulate in Dubai will be closed from 12 July to 5 August 2022 02. Jun 2022 The Kavli Price June 1, 2022 (OSLO) — The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters today announced the 2022 Kavli Prize Laureates in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience. 19. May 2022 Meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC): increased cooperation on economic issues ‘There has been increased cooperation between Israel and Palestine in recent months to find solutions to key issues relating to the economy, infrastructure and trade. However, there are still no political negotiations between the parties. 04. May 2022 Major problems with passport production in Norway The Norwegian Police Directorate is the overriding authority for issuing and administering Norwegian passports in Norway and abroad. 08. Apr 2022 No telephone hours at the visa section from 11-14 April, 2022. There will maintenance works in the visa section at the Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi next week (11-14 April,2022). 30. Mar 2022 Har du planer om å søke om nytt pass? Thales, leverandøren av norske pass, melder om råvaremangel og redusert produksjonskapasitet. Råvaremangelen skyldes pandemien og krigen i Europa. Situasjonen rammer Norge og flere andre europeiske land. 24. Mar 2022 Dennis Parnell Sullivan awarded the 2022 Abel Prize The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has decided to award the Abel Prize for 2022 to Dennis Parnell Sullivan of the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York, USA, and State University of New York at Stony Brook 16. Mar 2022 The Holberg Prize 2022 The 2022 Holberg Prize is awarded to U.S. scholar Sheila Sen Jasanoff for her pioneering research in the field of Science and Technology Studies. 03. Mar 2022 Åpnet Norges dag på verdensutstillingen i Dubai 02. Mar 2022 Et hav av muligheter for norsk næringsliv 01. Mar 2022 Ut på reise snart? Har du gyldig pass? Det kan være lange ventetider på passavtaler ved din lokale utenriksstasjon. Husk derfor å sjekke gyldighetstiden for passet ditt, og bestille time for å søke nytt pass i god tid før det løper ut. 22. Feb 2022 Norway to increase humanitarian support for civilians in Afghanistan ‘The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is alarming. Norway is therefore now increasing its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by NOK 86 million. 14. Feb 2022 Norway steps up assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) 09. Feb 2022 Angrep rettet mot FAE Gitt økningen i regionale spenninger og deres konsekvenser for sikkerhetssituasjonen i De forente arabiske emirater sett i sammenheng med nylige missil- og droneangrep mot FAE, anbefales det at norske fastboende eller besøkende utviser størst mulig å 18. Jan 2022 Ledig administrativ stilling som lokalt ansatt ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi Ambassaden i Abu Dhabi søker lokal administrativ medarbeider for tilsettelse primo april 2022. 29. Sep 2021 Expo2020 Dubai Verdensutstillingen Expo2020 Dubai går av stabelen 1. oktober og varer frem til 31. mars, med tittelen «Connecting Minds, Changing the future». Dette er første gang verdensutstillingen er i Midtøsten og Nord-Afrika regionen. 27. Jun 2021 Parliamentary and Sami parliamentary election 2021 Norway will hold parliamentary and Sami parliamentary election in 2021 16. Jul 2020 Covid-19, visa and residence permit applications Due to the Covid-19 pandemic our ability to provide services for applicants who wish to apply for visas and residence permits has been affected. 13. May 2020 Travel and border information for Norway Press release | Date: 07/09/2020 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Care Services Norway to take on leading role in effort to beat the pandemic Norway to take on leading role in effort to beat the pandemic 21. Jun 2020 Norway elected to the UN security council Today, Norway was elected as a member of the UN Security Council for the period 2021–2022. ‘We would like to thank the UN member states for the confidence they have shown in us. 16. Jun 2020 Norway to participate in international cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines Norway is strongly committed to the effort to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. 03. Jun 2020 Meeting of donor group for Palestine (AHLC) on 2 June Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide led a video meeting today of donor countries in the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for Palestine. EU High Representative Josep Borrell co-hosted the meeting. 11. May 2020 Utviklingsministeren maner til internasjonalt samarbeid for å styrke jenters og kvinners rettigheter under covid-19 05. May 2020 Record Norwegian support for humanitarian efforts and protection Large parts of this year’s record-high NOK 5. 07. Apr 2020 Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains travel advice of 14 March The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining the travel advice it issued on 14 March cautioning against non-essential travel to all countries. 07. Apr 2020 Norway stepping up support for international research on coronavirus disease In consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Research Council of Norway will provide up to NOK 100 million in support for measures to fight coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 07. Apr 2020 Norwegian Foreign Minister urges donors to increase support for Palestine The annual spring meeting of the international donor group for Palestine, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), was due to be held in Brussels on 1 April, hosted by the EU. The meeting has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. 17. Mar 2020 Restrictions on entry into Norway (COVID-19): The Norwegian Government has implemented extensive restrictions on entry into Norway due to the spread of COVID-19. 15. Mar 2020 Stricter border controls introduced in Norway The Government will close the border to foreign nationals who lack a residence permit in Norway. 15. Mar 2020 UD fraråder reiser som ikke er strengt nødvendige til alle land Utenriksdepartementet fraråder reiser som ikke er strengt nødvendige til alle land. Årsaken er økningen i utbredelse av koronaviruset internasjonalt og den uforutsigbare og vanskelige situasjonen for mange reisende. 09. Mar 2020 Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi høsten 2020 Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student høsten 2020 med oppstart i august. Søknadsfrist tirsdag 31. mars 2020. 06. Feb 2020 New EU visa rules – Questions and Answers New EU rules on short-stay visas will apply worldwide from 2 February 2020. 02. Feb 2020 New visa rules from February 2020 Starting 2nd February 2020, the Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 amending the current Community Visa Code will enter into force. 11. Dec 2019 Transit at Oslo airport (OSL) – do you need a transit visa? Please be aware that some nationals are required to be in possession of an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) when passing through the international transit area of Oslo airport. 10. Dec 2019 Holiday opening hours 08. Dec 2019 Norway to strengthen cooperation with the UN on marine plastic litter from shipping and fisheries ‘In the fight against marine litter, it is vital to strengthen the capacity to prevent pollution from shipping and fisheries in developing countries. 25. Nov 2019 Safe Schools Declaration endorsed by 100 countries Schools, pupils and teachers are being attacked in many conflict situations around the world today. One hundred countries have now endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration on protecting children and education in situations of armed conflict. 25. Nov 2019 Norway Launches International Development Strategy on Combating Non-Communicable Diseases ‘We cannot eradicate poverty by 2030 without better health. Norway’s new strategy to combat non-communicable diseases in developing countries makes a key contribution to those goals,’ says Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein. 20. Nov 2019 UN consensus on strengthening protection of human rights defenders A Norwegian-led resolution on human rights defenders has been adopted by consensus in the UN Human Rights Committee. 17. Nov 2019 Launch of new strategy against non-communicable diseases Norway will launch first-ever strategy to combat non-communicable diseases as a pillar of international health and development cooperation on 22 November. 12. Nov 2019 Global anti-landmine summit in Oslo 25-29 November ‘The world has come a long way towards eliminating landmines, but unfortunately there is still a considerable way to go before we reach the goal of a mine-free world. 10. Nov 2019 Bård Vegar Solhjell new Director General of Norad Bård Vegar Solhjell was today appointed new Director General of Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. Mr Solhjell will leave his current position as Secretary General of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Norway. 10. Nov 2019 Norway provides NOK 300 million annually for renewable energy in poor countries ‘Increased access to clean energy will reduce poverty, improve health and mitigate climate change. 03. Nov 2019 Norway increases support for crisis-hit population of South Sudan The humanitarian situation for people in South Sudan is dire. According to the UN, 7.2 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. ‘The humanitarian crisis has now been exacerbated by heavy rains and floods. 27. Oct 2019 Commitments worth NOK 583 billion for the ocean at the Our Ocean conference in Oslo “I am very pleased with the great engagement shown at the Our Ocean conference these two days in Oslo. 370 commitments have been made, at a total value of at least NOK 583 billion (63 billion dollars),” said Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide. 24. Oct 2019 Government to provide NOK 3 billion to promote a cleaner ocean Norway will provide more than NOK 3 billion to a number of initiatives to promote sustainable ocean management in the period 2020-2024. The initiatives will be announced at the Our Ocean conference in Oslo today. 23. Oct 2019 Norway steps up development assistance for promoting healthy and sustainable oceans ‘The world is facing major challenges, and a growing global population will need more food, more jobs and clean energy. 15. Oct 2019 Launch of strategy to combat harmful practices The Government launched its new strategy to combat harmful practices on the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child. 13. Oct 2019 Norway to provide bridging loan to Somalia The Government has proposed that Norway should provide a short-term bridging loan of NOK 3.135 billion to Somalia in 2020 to clear Somalia’s debt arrears to the World Bank’s International Development Association. 09. Oct 2019 Norway takes over Chairmanship of Barents Euro-Arctic Council ‘The Barents Euro-Arctic Council is an important body for international cooperation. 09. Oct 2019 Government proposes increase in support for stabilisation in crisis-affected countries The Government has proposed an allocation of NOK 835.4 million for stabilisation efforts in countries affected by conflict and crisis. This is an increase of NOK 129.5 million. 09. Oct 2019 Minister of International Development creates new budget item for vulnerable groups The Government’s annual budget proposal includes an allocation of NOK 466 million for vulnerable groups under a new budget item created for this purpose. 09. Oct 2019 Government increases support for foreign policy research The Government will increase its allocation to research on Europe and Asia by NOK 11 million. 06. Oct 2019 Norway to host Our Ocean Conference on 23-24 October ‘The world is facing major challenges, and in the future there will be a need for more food, more jobs, more energy and more transport. 02. Oct 2019 Donors reaffirm need for a two-state solution ‘The resumption of a political process between the Israelis and the Palestinians is more important than ever if we are to keep the hope of a two-state solution alive,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. 26. Sep 2019 Ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC) Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide will chair the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), the international donor group for Palestine, in New York on Thursday 26 September. 26. Sep 2019 Norwegian Minister of International Development launches action plan on sustainable food systems ‘It is unacceptable that more than 820 million people are struggling to find enough to eat and that one in five children under five are chronically malnourished. 23. Sep 2019 Norway elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency Norway was elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the period 2019–2021 at the organisation’s General Conference today. 15. Sep 2019 New agreement with World Bank steps up tax assistance efforts ‘Sound, transparent tax systems that increase government revenue and improve the distribution of wealth are essential for the very poorest countries to achieve poverty reduction and sustainable development. 08. Sep 2019 Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi våren 2020 29. Aug 2019 | 27 August 2019 Norway supports UN efforts for international control of the arms trade 03. Jul 2019 Record-high Norwegian core funding to UN organisations in 2019 Norway is increasing its core funding to six UN organisations, to a total of over NOK 3 billion. This is the highest amount of funding Norway has ever allocated to these organisations combined. 01. Jul 2019 Case processing times Abu Dhabi 27. Jun 2019 Norway to provide NOK 345 million for humanitarian mine clearance in 2019 Norway is maintaining a high level of support for humanitarian mine clearance in 2019, with an allocation of NOK 345 million. 25. Jun 2019 Kommunestyre- og fylkestingsvalget 2019 9. september 2019 er det kommunestyre- og fylkestingsvalg i Norge. Velgere som bor eller oppholder seg i utlandet kan forhåndsstemme hos utenriksstasjoner eller særskilt oppnevnte stemmemottakere. 23. Jun 2019 New action plan to combat hunger Today, the Government is launching a new action plan – Food, People and the Environment – to promote sustainable food systems in the context of Norwegian foreign and development policy in the period 2019-2023. 17. Jun 2019 Government presents white paper on Norway’s role and interests in multilateral cooperation ‘The world is facing a number of challenges that are too great and complex for any one country to tackle alone, and must therefore be addressed through joint efforts. 12. Jun 2019 Political stability and reforms bring progress in Somalia Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide visited Mogadishu on 10 June for talks with Somalia’s President and Prime Minister. She also met key humanitarian and diplomatic actors. 09. Jun 2019 Defence-related exports from Norway in 2018 Today, the Government presented the annual white paper on exports of defence-related products. In 2018, Norwegian companies exported defence-related products and services worth NOK 5.8 billion. This is a decrease of NOK 6. 27. May 2019 Norwegian Government to step up efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises Norway is allocating NOK 1 billion to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises in the period 2019 to 2021. 15. May 2019 Norwegian Government increases efforts to combat child marriage, female genital mutilation and gender-selective abortion (son preference) ‘Harmful practices, such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and gender-selective abortion or son preference, are violations of human rights and discriminate against women. 06. May 2019 VISA APPLICATIONS DURING RAMADAN 05. May 2019 Norway supports Ebola response in DR Congo The Government is providing NOK 7.8 million to the efforts to tackle the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 02. May 2019 Broad agreement in international donor group for Palestine (AHLC) on the need to find a way out of the Palestinian economic crisis ‘I am pleased that Israel and the Palestinian Authority are now working actively to solve the ongoing fiscal crisis and conflict over the transfers of tax revenues. The major cuts in public services in Palestine cannot continue. 14. Apr 2019 Norway provides support for healthcare in Al Hol camp in Syria Norway is providing NOK 35 million to strengthen the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s health efforts in the Al Hol camp in Syria. ‘Conditions for women and children are desperate and there is an urgent need for health services. 14. Apr 2019 Norway increases support to UNRWA by NOK 100 million Norway is providing an additional NOK 100 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to support humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees affected by the Syria crisis. 07. Apr 2019 Norway increases contribution to Green Climate Fund Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein is giving priority to the Green Climate Fund as a channel for funding Norway’s climate-related efforts in developing countries in the coming years. 17. Mar 2019 Norway to provide NOK 100 million to people with disabilities in developing countries - There are 800 million people with disabilities in developing countries. 07. Mar 2019 Strengthening cooperation with Cyprus Today, Norway and Cyprus are signing MoUs on funding totalling EUR 11.5 million for the new funding period for the EEA and Norway Grants. 05. Mar 2019 Norway to provide NOK 60 million for mine action in Sri Lanka The Government is providing NOK 60 million over a period of three years for mine action in Sri Lanka. 27. Feb 2019 Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi høsten 2019 Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student høsten 2019 med oppstart i juli. Søknadsfrist er 14. mars 2019. 27. Feb 2019 Norway to provide NOK 150 million in humanitarian support to Yemen ‘The crisis in Yemen is the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. According to the UN, 80 % of the population will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2019. 17. Feb 2019 Norway to disburse NOK 125 million to UNRWA ‘The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is in a critical financial situation and is facing a severe funding gap. 14. Feb 2019 Norway and the UN to host international conference on sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises Together with the UN and other partners, Norway will host an international pledging conference to strengthen efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises. The conference will take place in Oslo on 23-24 May. 24. Jan 2019 The world's largest football tournament for youth Norway Cup will take place in Oslo July 27-August 3 this year 04. Dec 2018 Norway assumes presidency of the Mine Ban Treaty On 30 November, Norway takes over the presidency of the Mine Ban Treaty. 29. Nov 2018 Increased funding for International Organization for Migration Norway is to provide NOK 15 million in core funding to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The funding was announced during the annual session of the IOM Council in Geneva on 27 November. 28. Nov 2018 Holidays The holiday season is rapidly approaching. 01. Nov 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 31. Oct 2018 Norway increases support for humanitarian response in Yemen ‘I am deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen. A large proportion of the population is suffering from a shortage of food and malnutrition. 30. Sep 2018 Norway to make extraordinary contribution to Palestine refugees ‘The UN’s agency for Palestine refugees (United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA) is in a critical financial situation following the US decision to cut all funding to the organisation. 26. Sep 2018 Ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide is chairing the ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine, known as the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), in New York on 27 September. 12. Sep 2018 Norway intensifies efforts in the Sahel region Norway is stepping up its efforts in the Sahel, and today the Government is launching a strategy for Norway’s efforts in this region for the period 2018-2020. 11. Sep 2018 Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi våren 2019 Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student våren 2019 med oppstart i januar. Søknadsfrist er 8. oktober 2018. 15. Aug 2018 Transit at Oslo airport Gardermoen – do you need a transit visa? Please be aware that some nationals are required to be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of Oslo airport. 13. Jun 2018 Norway requests WTO dispute settlement consultations with the United States ‘In Norway’s view, the additional tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminium imports are a violation of the WTO rules. Today we have therefore requested dispute settlement consultations with the US in the WTO. 12. Jun 2018 UN Secretary-General to Norway and Oslo Forum Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide is hosting the annual Oslo Forum, a meeting place for leaders from all over the world, at Losby Manor outside Oslo on 19 and 20 June. 11. Jun 2018 Norwegian Government increases humanitarian aid to Gaza In response to the acute humanitarian situation, Norway is providing an additional NOK 15 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. 29. May 2018 Norway contributing to Ebola response in DR Congo The Government has decided to provide NOK 10 million to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) response to the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 20. May 2018 Norway to chair UN expert group on nuclear disarmament verification Norway, represented by Special Representative for Disarmament Knut Langeland, was today chosen to chair the UN Group of Governmental Experts to consider the role of verification in advancing nuclear disarmament. 16. May 2018 Norway to provide an extra NOK 130 million for the fight against marine litter ‘Norway is playing a leading role in the global effort to eliminate marine litter. The Government is proposing to increase funding for Norway’s development programme to combat marine litter by NOK 130 million in 2018. 16. May 2018 Government scaling up funding for Norad’s Knowledge Bank ‘The Government is proposing to increase its allocation to technical cooperation on taxation through Norad’s Knowledge Bank by NOK 13 million. 16. May 2018 Norway allocates additional NOK 116 million to humanitarian assistance ‘Norway’s humanitarian budget has never been bigger than it is now, but the needs created by the world’s humanitarian crises are continuing to grow. The Government has therefore proposed increasing the humanitarian budget by NOK 116 million. 16. May 2018 Foreign Minister concerned about spiralling violence ‘I am deeply concerned about the spiral of violence we are now seeing on the border between Israel and Gaza. 06. May 2018 Vidar Helgesen appointed Special Envoy to High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy Vidar Helgesen has been appointed Norway’s Special Envoy to the High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy. 06. May 2018 Call for intensified efforts to promote global health ‘Five million mothers and children throughout the world die every year from preventable causes. 15. Apr 2018 Action against Syrian chemical weapons ‘The world has stood unified in condemnation of chemical weapons since the atrocities of World War I. 05. Apr 2018 Norway provides additional humanitarian aid to Yemen Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide took part in the UN international donor conference for Yemen today. ‘This is currently the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,’ she said. 27. Mar 2018 Norwegian response to use of a nerve agent in the UK ‘The use of a nerve agent in Salisbury is a very serious matter. This is the first time a chemical weapon has been used on European soil since World War II. Such an incident must have consequences. 25. Mar 2018 Mobilisation for energy and clean water to Gaza ‘The international community has now mobilised to secure more drinking water and energy for Gaza. This is an important step towards improved living conditions for the people of Gaza. 25. Mar 2018 Government wants Arctic internet Today, broadband coverage in the High North is poor and unstable. The Government now wants Norwegian satellites to make broadband communications available in the Arctic. 07. Mar 2018 Norway to increase support to the Western Balkans by NOK 140 million in 2018 Norway is almost doubling its development assistance to the Western Balkans, with an increase from NOK 175 million in 2017 to NOK 319 million in 2018. 27. Feb 2018 Norway increases funding for UN human rights efforts Today, Norway entered into a four-year agreement on support for UN human rights efforts. ‘Human rights and democracy are under considerable pressure in many parts of the world. 25. Feb 2018 Norway supports civilian capacity building for the G5 Sahel joint force ‘The situation in the vulnerable Sahel region has deteriorated since the crisis in Mali broke out in 2012. 21. Feb 2018 Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi høsten 2018 Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student høsten 2018 med oppstart i begynnelsen av juli. Søknadsfrist er 6. april 2018. 14. Feb 2018 Norway to increase support to Iraq to USD 44 million Norway to increase support to Iraq to USD 44 million ‘Iraqi cities have been freed from the terrorist group ISIL’s control. 01. Feb 2018 Extraordinary meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC) in Brussels ‘The members of the donor group for Palestine reiterated today their strong support for a resumption of peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide 25. Jan 2018 Norway provides NOK 125 million to UN agency for Palestine refugees ‘I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the underfunding of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). 11. Jan 2018 EU and Norway to convene an extraordinary session of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC) Norway’s Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide and EU’s High Representative Federica Mogherini have decided to convene an extraordinary session of the international donor group for Palestine, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC). 20. Dec 2017 Sovereign wealth funds in new climate initiative A working group of representatives from a number of sovereign wealth funds has been established at the One Planet Summit in Paris. The group will look into what investors can do to address the financial risks posed by climate change. 10. Dec 2017 Norway to provide NOK 420 million to the UN emergency response fund in 2018 ‘Norway will increase its contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) from NOK 380 million to NOK 420 million a year for the next four years. 10. Dec 2017 Deeply concerned over decision on Jerusalem ‘I am deeply concerned that the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital could lead to greater instability in the region and push the parties further away from the negotiation table. 10. Dec 2017 Norway to maintain its support for UN Refugee Agency Norway announced today that it will provide NOK 350 million in core funding for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2018. 10. Dec 2017 Significant increase in aid to Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and refugees in neighbouring areas According to new figures, refugee-related costs in Norway for 2017 are NOK 1,36 billion lower than projected. 10. Dec 2017 International community joins Norway in supporting human rights defenders UN Member States unanimously endorsed the free and independent role of human rights defenders at the UN today. ‘The international community has sent a strong signal. 07. Nov 2017 Norway increases humanitarian aid to Ethiopia ‘The humanitarian situation in parts of Ethiopia is dire as a result of long-term drought. 01. Nov 2017 Exports of defence-related products from Norway in 2016 In 2016, Norway exported arms and military equipment for around NOK 3.6 billion. This is an increase of 10 % from 2015. 24. Oct 2017 Norway to increase humanitarian aid for Rohingya crisis ‘The situation in the overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh is dire. 22. Oct 2017 New Minister of Foreign Affairs In a session of the Council of State today, the King has made changes in the Norwegian Government. 22. Oct 2017 Changes in the Government In a session of the Council of State today, the King has made changes in the Government. 22. Oct 2017 Stepping up funding for job creation and renewable energy ‘Jobs must be created in developing countries if we are to succeed in combating poverty and achieving the sustainable development goals.