More than NOK 1 billion allocated to civil society in the global South

Read the online article at regjeringen.no 

The funding will, among other things, contribute to increased protection of children, of  women’s right to make informed and safe choices about their own bodies and health, increased political and economic participation and queer rights. 

“Local organisations constitute the first line of defence when it comes to humanitarian aid, development and the fight for democracy and human rights. Their efforts and existence are crucial in creating safe communities where people’s rights are respected. Norway is therefore prioritising funding to strengthen civil society,” says Åsmund Aukrust, Minister of International Development. 

Norway aims to be a reliable and predictable partner in a troubled development aid landscape. Many organisations will struggle due to the major aid cuts that are currently taking place. Norwegian adevelopment assistance is therefore important in ensuring that these organisations are able to strengthen their crucial work. 

“We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with civil society organisations. We received many applications and are now entering into agreements with the strongest applicants, who have demonstrated positive results over time and that all provide significant added value in the efforts to strengthen civil society in the global south,” says Zenia Chrysostomidis, Head of Norad’s Section for Human Rights and Civil Society. 

In total, Norad received 18 applications for the 2025 call for proposals to be funded through Chapter post 170.70 Civil society (Sivilt samfunn). The agreements are expected to be finalised within the coming weeks.