This year’s Norway Seminar was focused on Norwegian industry, growth and responsibility. The choice of topic was natural considering that Houston is arguably the American energy capital of today. Norwegian energy company Statoil was represented at the Seminar by Helge Haldorsen, Vice President of Strategy for Statoil in Houston. He gave an inspiring presentation of Statoil’s operations in North America. John G. Bernander, CEO of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), presented the organization’s activities. Bernander elaborated on how the organization works as an influential actor in society. Gro Gotteberg, Human Resource Director at Det Norske Veritas’ Division of the Americas & Sub-Saharan Africa, explained the risk management side of industry. All three participants also spoke about the importance of education for these fields.
The other half of the seminar was dedicated to challenges that come along with Norway’s growth. The movie Oslo 31. August illustrated how people struggle on a personal level despite living in a wealthy society. Philosopher Gorana Ognjenovic, from the University of Oslo, spoke about the responsibilities different levels of society has for its citizens. Ognjenovic’s recent study revolves around bildung and what role it plays in society today. The seminar was concluded with an engaging debate on the industry’s and educational institution’s role and responsibilities.
The Seminar also included a segment on Norwegian heritage in Texas. Mayor Fred Volcansek of Clifton, Norway’s capital in Texas, presented the Cleng Peerson Institute – an institute dedicated to promote Norwegian-Texan relations.
The Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York cohosted the 2012 Norway Seminar with the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Houston.