The forum in Minneapolis honored Iranian human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi, recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize. "Ebadi's work is exceptionally relevant to justice and peace in the world today," said Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
"She is an outstanding woman who wants to do something for her country and the world," said Ole Mjøs, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Ebadi herself was unable to make it to the forum, but was represented by Davar Ardalan from Iran, and Sima Samar from Afghanistan. Ardalan is a reporter on National Public Radio and have made several radio documentaries from Iran, as well as on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Samar is chair of the Independent Afghanistan Human Rights Commission. She was persecuted in her own country for opening clinics and schools for girls and women. Both Ardalan and Samar gave moving testimonies accounting for their personal experiences in their native countries, and urged the audience to consider human rights work as fundamental for lasting peace.
The 800 participants, which included former Vice President Walter Mondale and Minnesota Congressman Martin Sabo, were invited to attend several panel discussions. Norwegian negotiator and UN Director Geir Pedersen hosted "The Role of Small States in Conflict Resolution," with Palestinian Ahmed Abu Laban and Itai Tennenbaum, Director of the Israel Programs Center in Minneapolis. They discussed the conflict in which Norway has been instrumental in facilitating negotiations.
"Norway is a small country which is seen as impartial with no imperial ambitions. We have good intentions and do not seek influence, which means we can more easily open doors to negotiations. On the flip side a little country has little leverage and can never impose a solution. Involvement is based on a willingness of the partners to talk," said UN Director Geir Pedersen.
More than 200 students showed up for the panel discussion, where they learned about Norway’s role in peace building. "The forum is important," said Concordia President Pamela Jolicoeur, "because it makes the connection to Norway a thing of the present, not of the past."
"The forum gives access on a scale that is often missed, and that is how to create a diverse community," said Augsburg President William Frame. "Diversity is an asset of any community. It would not have been the same without the presence of the Norwegian tradition," he said.
Five colleges founded by Norwegian immigrants, Augsburg in Minneapolis, MN, Augustana in Sioux Falls, SD, Concordia in Moorhead, MN, Luther in Decorah, IA and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, take turns hosting the forum. Next year Luther College will honor the 2004 Nobel laureate, Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai. "Maathai has already expressed an interest in being the key speaker," said Ole Mjøs.
Royal Norwegian Embassy / Arild Strømmen 2 Feb 2005