Harriet E. Berg

Consul General

2021 Greeting from the Consul General

We all look forward to 2021, the year where we will win over the pandemic. I am also an optimist regarding how the new year will provide many new opportunities for strengthened US – Norwegian cooperation:

- There are many reasons to believe that the fight against climate change will be strengthened. Norwegian businesses represent competence and experience within renewable energy, recycling, smart buildings and transport on land and at sea, sustainable foods, and in a range of other areas that are key to sustainable economies. This is a great source for new green jobs both in the US and Norway.

- Norway is a test bed for new policies and technologies, exploring sustainable solutions. Our exploration has resulted in the highest sale and use of electric vehicles and electric ferries in the world (per capita), advanced projects on carbon capture and storage, the reduction of energy use in buildings, and digital transformation of key sectors to increase efficiency and fight climate change. Collaboration with US companies and authorities is key to accelerate the exploration of new policies and solutions.

- The global pandemic and social movements linked to Black Lives Matter have raised discussions about diversity and inclusion both in politics, culture and business. The US and Norway, with so different experiences, have a lot to learn from each other on how to achieve diversity in these spheres.

- We also look forward to moving our exchanges and cooperation in the cultural field from virtual to real life meetings in 2021. For one, I’m looking forward to the exhibition of the Norwegian painter, Nikolai Astrup's work at the Clark Institute later this year, and seeing the art works in person. While the dialogue between US and Norwegian cultural players have continued during the pandemic, we look forward to being a part of the New York creativity “in real life” when the city bounces back!

- Norway just began its 2-year term as a member of the Security Council, with an agenda that prioritize gender equality, children in armed conflict zones, and climate change’s effect on peace and security. This is another area where the cooperation with the US is important.

We miss the real New York and its incredible technological, financial, cultural and political creativity, but we are confident that US – Norwegian partnerships will grow even stronger in the aftermath of the pandemic. The Consulate General in New York cannot wait to play its part together with our partners in Team Norway!

About Consul General, Harriet Berg

Harriet E. Berg took on the position as Norway’s Consul General in New York in August 2017.

Promoting and aiding Norwegian business interests in New York and on the East coast are key priorities for the Consul General. The United States is Norway’s second most important export market and the third most important source of imports.  The Consul General seeks to strengthen the economic ties between the US and Norway through aiding Norwegian start-ups, creative industries and companies who are pursuing sustainable and future proof solutions.

Cultural exchange between the US and Norway is another priority at the Consulate General in New York. Currently there is a momentum for Norwegian and Scandinavian art, design and architecture in the US and on the international cultural scene.

"Norwegian companies, artists and designers have a lot to offer, and the interest shown them in New York is proof of that. I am very much looking forward to work  with  the best Norway has to offer as well as the finest representatives of American business, art and society," Harriet E. Berg says.

Mrs. Berg has held several positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1991, including as Minister Counsellor at the Norwegian mission to the UN in Geneva, where she was head of the human rights team from 2011-2016.

From 2000 to 2011 Berg worked for the multinational telecommunications group Telenor Group. From 2007 she held the position as Head of Group Governmental Relations, after having established and headed Telenor’s Brussels office from 2000 to 2007. Prior to joining Telenor she was state secretary (deputy minister) for the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry from 1997 – 2000. 

Mrs. Berg holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, New York. She has held several board positions in Norwegian companies and institutions and in international trade associations.