More than 90 participants from over 40 Norwegian, Ukrainian and international organizations and entities took part in the conference and presented their activities, extended and strengthened networks, and shaped perspectives for successful and fruitful cooperation in Ukraine in the coming years.
Mr. Christian Ulrik Syse, Deputy Secretary General of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the participants and guests to the conference. Mr. Per Øyvind Landemoen, Senior Adviser at the MFA Grant Management Section, presented the future strategy for the Ministry’s and Embassy’s engagement in and with Ukraine.
Mr. Dmytro Shymkiv, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine, and Ms. Olena Tregub, Director of International Assistance Coordination Department, Ministry of Economic development and Trade of Ukraine, outlined Ukrainian priorities and emphasized the importance of the support provided by Norway to Ukraine.
In 2015 Norway’s support to Ukraine has been split into five main sectors: economic development, good governance and democracy, energy efficiency, education and science, human rights and humanitarian aid. Mr. Olav Berstad, Senior Advisor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ambassador to Ukraine and Belarus in 2006-2011, skilfully engaged participants from different sectors in the discussion, ensuring a high degree of dynamic interaction at the conference. Most participants said they were surprised to learn the full range of supported projects, and many found opportunities for cooperation with other grant recipients.
The total support of the Norwegian government to Ukraine for 2015 is approximately NOK 310 million, equivalent to EUR 36. 35 million. More information about the projects supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Embassy in Kyiv you may find in the section Grants and Projects on our web-site.