Ambassador Vollebaek served as Ambassador of Norway to the United States from March, 2001, to August, 2007. From 1997 to 2000 he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and played a key role in negotiating the end to the conflict in Kosovo through his position as Chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Ambassador Knut Vollebaek was recently appointed High Commissioner on National Minorities by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The Luther Institute presents one of the 2007 Wittenberg Awards to Ambassador Vollebaek for his outstanding service to his country, the local community, and for efforts within conflict resolution around the world. Over the last several years, Ambassador Vollebaek has worked to promote educational opportunities between institutions in Norway and the United States.
The Luther Institute has granted the Wittenberg Award since 1990. Other notable recipients have been The Rev. Dr. Martin Marty, The Honorable William Rehnquist, The Honorable Paul Simon, Ms. Liv Ullmann, Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Social Services in America.
The Luther Institute advances the role of faith and ethics in public life through learning, service, and leadership. Based in the nation's capital, the Luther Institute offers seminars, conferences, and publications for laity and clergy. An inter-Lutheran organization, it recognizes and serves leaders, scholars, educators, and those in social ministries, both within and outside of the Lutheran community in the United States and abroad.