Norwegian Public Diplomacy Forum launched today

The Norwegian Public Diplomacy Forum set up by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will have its first meeting today. The forum is a concrete follow-up on the strategies for enhancing Norway’s image abroad proposed by the Public Diplomacy Committee.
“A strong image is important for Norway’s cultural, economic and political impact abroad. The purpose of the forum is to encourage debate and dialogue between the authorities, business sector, academia and other actors on how and in which areas we can develop cohesive public diplomacy strategies,” said the Foreign Minister.

“The forum is intended as an arena where the foreign service can provide information about its public diplomacy efforts and receive input from the other members, who represent a broad range of Norwegian activities abroad. This is important for me as Foreign Minister and for ensuring that the foreign service’s public diplomacy efforts are firmly rooted in Norwegian society,” Mr Støre continued.

The establishment of the Norwegian Public Diplomacy Forum was one of the key recommendations in the final report presented by the Public Diplomacy Committee in March 2006. The forum will be chaired by the Foreign Minister, and it is envisaged that it will meet twice a year. The members will participate in a personal capacity.