Conference: Norwegian Foreign Policy in a Time of Geopolitical Turbulence

Abstract

We are living in a time of geopolitical turbulence, which is affecting all the countries in the world. We are also facing common generational challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, while at the same time armed conflict is again increasing. In his lecture, ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik will focus on the Norwegian response to these challenges. It is an opportunity to get more insight into what the world looks like from the Northwest of Europe, and the principles and practices that underpin Norwegian foreign policy. Dysvik will also draw upon his personal experience as a Norwegian diplomat working both with geopolitical and geoeconomic issues, and his experience in working with armed conflicts in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

About the Speaker

Vebjørn Dysvik is the Norwegian Ambassador to China. From 2020 to 2024 he was Director General of the Department for Regional Affairs in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The department is responsible for Norway’s bilateral relations to the countries in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, as well as the Norwegian peace and reconciliation activities. Dysvik was Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2017 and Political Director from 2017 to 2018. He has also been DHM in the Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv (from 2009 to 2013) and was Diplomatic Adviser to the Norwegian Prime Minister from 2007 to 2009. Previously, he worked on various peace and reconciliation processes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (particularly Philippines and Somalia). He has also been posted to the Norwegian embassies in Guatemala and Stockholm.

Vebjørn Dysvik holds a cand.polit in political science from the University of Oslo. He is married and has two children (and a dog).

RemarksThis is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service" category under the "Self-Directed Experience" of HMAW1905:Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1 hour, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.  Students who have successfully registered, please arrive at the room at least 15 mins before the session begins to secure your seat. Entry will not be permitted once the room is full or more than 10 mins after the session has started. Enquiry email: asdaevent@ust.hk