Norwegian aid more important than ever, says new Norad Director General
– In an increasingly turbulent world where several countries are cutting their aid budgets, Norwegian development assistance has become even more important. The needs are significant, and every “krone” counts more than ever, says Gunn Jorid Roset, the new Director General of Norad.
Norad’s role is to ensure that Norwegian aid is used as effectively as possible, and I look forward to taking on this important task.
Norad works with both long-term development and humanitarian assistance, including support to Ukraine through the Nansen Programme. The agency contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
– Aid is first and foremost about fighting poverty and ensuring sustainable development. It is an investment in our shared welfare. It also strengthens Norwegian interests when others prosper and when the world is safe and predictable, says Roset.
Roset brings extensive experience in development and aid. She has served 27 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holding several senior positions, including as Norway’s Ambassador to Malaysia.
First day at work: Gunn Jorid Roset began her role as Director General of Norad on Monday morning.
– Norad has undergone major reforms and changes in recent years. I now look forward to leading the organisation into the future and continuing our close cooperation with civil society, multilateral organisations, the private sector, and Norad’s owners – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Climate and Environment.
Background
Gunn Jorid Roset (51) takes office as Norad Director General August 18th.
She studied political science and development studies in Trondheim and Oslo. Roset joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a trainee in 1998 and has since been stationed in Latvia, South Africa, and most recently as the Norwegian Ambassador to Malaysia. In addition, she has held several leadership roles within the ministry.
Roset joins Norad from her position as Director of the Multilateral Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The department is responsible for shaping Norway’s UN policy, Norwegian policy on development banks, as well as human rights, democracy, gender equality and humanitarian efforts.
Roset is from Eidsvåg in Møre og Romsdal, is married, and has three children.
The fixed-term position as Norad Director is for six years.
Norad’s incoming Director General was received by Lisetta Trebbi, who has been acting in the position since June.