Development Cooperation

For Jordan to reach its goal of becoming the first landmine free country in the Middle East, an estimated 20 000 lost mines needs to be located. To learn more about this challenging work and the problem of lost mines, the Norwegian ambassador Petter Ølberg, paid a visit to the Jordan Valley Sampling and Verification Project last week.

Her Majesty Queen Rania on Monday June 20, met with King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway in the Norwegian capital Oslo.

23 jordanian women between the ages of 20 and 36 completed their course on de-mining at the Jordanian border on 25.11.08.

For the first time, Norway is allocating 1% of its GNI to international development cooperation. “This is a major victory for the world’s poor,” commented Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.

This year’s Rafto Prize has been awarded to Bulambo Lembelembe Josué for his efforts to promote hope, peace and human dignity in Eastern Congo. This Norwegian human rights prize attracts considerable international interest, partly due to the fact that several Rafto Laureates have later been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

“There is a strong commitment among the immigrant community to the fight against poverty,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim. Under Pilot Project Pakistan, the funds raised by immigrant organisations will be matched by the Norwegian Government.

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing Right To Play Jordan with NOK 2 million in funding for 2008, which will allow more children to learn through playing. A recent visit by Chelsea F.C. to Jordan showed how much joy the organization's program creates.

The Norwegian Government has cancelled Gambia’s remaining debt of NOK 13 million (approximately USD 2, 6 million) to Norway.

Donor countries pledged a total of USD 4.8 billion for assistance to Sudan during the Sudan Consortium in Oslo from 5 to 7 May.

Norway will contribute NOK 228 million (USD 45 million) to a newly established World Bank trust fund for channelling budget support to the Palestinian Authority. The funds will be used to pay the salaries of public employees and maintain basic services such as health care and education.