Monthly Archives: June 2011
The Light in Lillehammer
The weather last week was gorgeous and very sunny, but usually not too hot. The other day we went up to the huge ski jump (because Lillehammer hosted the ’94 winter olympics) and walked all the way down. It was kind of scary because the stairs were so steep! It was an amazing view from the top, seeing the lake, the entire town, and the mountains on the other side of the lake. It was fun. Continue reading
Rainy Pre-Departure Questioning
As I sit, pondering the quiet, tranquil, luscious rain amid a Wednesday morning, the thought that my surroundings will soon change keeps distracting me. What a wonderful blessing and undeserved opportunity this summer will be! While being gone from family and friends for two months will be challenging, I fully anticipate my experience in Norway to shape my philosophy and alter my life. Continue reading
Peace Scholar Preparations
Several weeks ago, we were sent a book titled A Billion Lives written by Norwegian born Jan Egeland, the former United Nations Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, to help us gain a broader understanding of Norway’s commitment to international affairs. Continue reading
Trip report #5: Oslo University College, Research Council, American Chamber of Commerce
Wow, what a fast week. Our umbrellas worked overtime during our last few days in Oslo, and I arrived back in Minnesota on Sunday. This trip was productive far beyond expectation and hope. There is tremendous enthusiasm for the NPPF from Norwegian businesses, governmental agencies, and colleges and universities. Continue reading
Trip update #4: Meeting with the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s Geir Lundestad
On Friday we met with Geir Lundestad, a longtime supporter of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum (the photo below was taken during his address at the 2011 forum at Luther College in Decorah, IA). Geir is currently Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo and has served as Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee since 1990. See his full bio on the leadership page. Continue reading
Trip update #3: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, University of Oslo, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
Yesterday was yet another amazing day of meetings in Oslo. We met with a number of influential people at some of Norway’s foremost institutions, including the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, University of Oslo, and Diakonhjemmet Hospital. Continue reading
Trip report #2: Ministry of Education, Parliament, Innovation Norway
Good afternoon. We had another very full day of meetings yesterday. Highlights from each conversation are listed below, along with some links to each organization. Continue reading
Greetings from Oslo!
Hello peacemakers. This morning Paul Pribbenow and I arrived in Oslo for a week of meetings. The purpose of the trip is to discuss ideas and plans for the 2012 Forum, as well as the event’s great potential for enhancing US-Norwegian relations. Our itinerary includes meetings with a variety of interesting people and organizations (and hopefully lots of coffee and gravlaks): Continue reading
