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Climate – Ensuring low-emissions development and climate adaptation

Along with the nature crisis, the climate crisis is among the greatest threats to humanity today. Developing countries have contributed the least to climate change, but are affected the most by its impact. Norwegian aid contributes to climate adaptation by assisting developing countries to manage the impact of climate change, thereby becoming less vulnerable to negative impacts and climate-related disasters. The aid also contributes to low-emission development in developing countries by supporting initiatives such as renewable energy and the conservation of rainforests and other large carbon sinks.

Oceans – an important contribution to the SDGs

We cannot achieve the SDGs by 2030 without a clean and healthy ocean. Future needs for food, renewable energy, emissions reductions, climate adaptation and value creation all depend on the ocean. The growth potential in offshore industries is significant, but the majority of the gains from the ocean economy end up with the minority. The negative consequences affect the most vulnerable.

Food systems – fundamental to all development

The global food security situation has worsened in recent years. Food security and the fight against hunger are therefore one of the main priorities in Norwegian development policy. Norad helps strengthen food systems in developing countries, with an emphasis on increasing local climate-resilient food production, increasing local value creation and income for food producers, reducing malnutrition and malnourishment and reducing the extent of hunger crises.

The world’s most important backup: seeds for the future

Deep in the permafrost of Svalbard, more than one million seed samples are stored – a global insurance policy in case vital plant species disappear. At the same time, farmers in Somalia are testing new seed varieties to strengthen food production in the face of climate change and conflict.

Brazil: A Turning Point in the Cattle Industry

For decades, cattle ranching has been one of the main drivers of deforestation in the Amazon. Now, one of the world’s largest meat-producing countries is taking steps to shift the industry.

Standing Together Against Illegal Gold Mining in the Amazon

In the heart of the Amazon, authorities and Indigenous peoples are joining forces in the fight against illegal gold mining.

Human rights and civil society

Education and research

Basic education – learning for all

Norad works specifically on Sustainable Development Goal 4 to “ensure inclusive, equitable and high-quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Education is key to achieving many of the other sustainability goals, as well as to individual development, active citizenship and achieving sustainable economic growth. While many of the world’s children start school, it is a challenge that they do not complete school or learn adequately. The world is not on track to achieve sustainable development goal 4 by 2030.

Comprehensive sexuality education

Comprehensive sexuality education is an important part of the learning journey that provides children and young people with the knowledge and values they need to make positive decisions about their sexuality, relationships and future. Comprehensive sexuality education is curriculum-based teaching covering a broad range of sexualities, including rights and equal worth. Children and young people may receive sexuality education in school and in both formal and informal settings. Sexuality education can be included as an interdisciplinary topic, as an individual subject or a dedicated subject. Delivering sexuality education can be challenging in many countries and contexts as it is a sensitive topic that faces coordinated resistance from various opposition groups. It is therefore crucial that the work is evidence-based and that activities are adapted for different contexts.