“We take human rights seriously, and this means that a dynamic cultural sector is an aim in itself,” said Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson when she together with Minister of Culture Valgerd Svarstad Haugland launched the very first strategy for Norway’s culture and sports co-operation with countries in the South.

The government wishes to strengthen Norway’s culture and sports co-operation with developing countries by applying a more holistic and long-term approach to co-operation in this field.

About NOK 180 million of the annual development assistance budget goes to measures in the fields of culture, free media and sport. The government’s goal is to increase the annual allocations for these fields.

“Culture is not a luxury that can wait. Culture is heritage and identity, forms of expression and self-realisation, and is part of the lives of rich and poor alike. Aspirations for the future are rooted in culture, and culture is therefore vital for all development,” said Minister F. Johnson.

The government wishes to improve the conditions for cultural expression and participation in the developing countries with which Norway co-operates, and will invite these countries to engage in more comprehensive co-operation in this field. The government will also increase its support for cultural exchanges between Norway and countries in the South, and will involve Norwegian cultural institutions more closely in its culture, media and sports co-operation.

Press contact: Head of Information Espen Gullikstad, ph: +47 917 08122.