Norwegian Ambassador Discusses Norway’s Economy and International Role At Reception

The Ambassador of Norway to the United States, Kåre R. Aas, hosted Georgetown McDonough students and alumni on Oct. 17 for a reception at his residence.

Aas, who was designated to his current position in 2013, highlighted Norway’s role in addressing climate change, specifically, on ocean issues.

“We are an ocean nation with 70 percent of our oceans north of the polar circle,” said Aas. We care about and think it’s important to address climate change, especially with the challenges affecting our oceans, such as marine litter and plastics.” 

The ambassador stressed that the best way to address climate change is through cooperation, adding that “in the United States, we have signed agreements with the states of California and Washington to promote climate action.”

The ambassador also touched on Norway’s oil- and gas-driven economy, where all of the country’s oil fields are located offshore. 

“One of the key messages of the Norwegian perspective is that we manage our oil and gas industry taking into account the combined interests of the environment, fisheries, and the local communities,” said Aas.

Ricardo Ernst, Baratta Chair in Global Business and director, Global Business Initiative, who moderated the event, asked the ambassador about the country’s success in inclusivity, especially on women’s issues. 

Aas mentioned that the inclusion of women is one of Norway’s top priorities, adding “post WWII, the country aimed at building an egalitarian society. The economic significance of including women in the labor force is much more important than our oil and gas sectors.”  

The audience of alumni and students appreciated hearing from the ambassador on a range of issues.

“It was amazing to hear the ambassador’s perspective on why he believes Norway has been so successful in creating such an equal society, especially pertaining to the importance of free education and the integration of women into the workforce,” said Global Business Fellow Alesha Gulamhusein (SFS‘19). “I learned a lot from the conversation and left with some really thought-provoking ideas”

The Embassy Series is an opportunity to connect students to Washington, D.C., and international communities. It is sponsored by Georgetown McDonough’s Global Business Initiative and the Office of Alumni Relations.