Presentation of diplomas to Norwegian Fulbright grantees

(Speech made by Secretary General Sven Svedman on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs)

Speaking points 

• First of all I would like to convey greetings from the Foreign Minister, who very much regrets that he cannot be here tonight. He had planned to come, but last-minute demands on his time made this impossible. He has therefore asked me to say a few words on his behalf.
• The Foreign Minister wanted me to underline the very good and close bilateral relations we enjoy with the United States. These relations go back a long way, but they will not prosper and develop without engaged individuals like you.
• He wanted me to stress his hope of seeing an increase in the exchange of students and scholars between Norway and the United States. He follows closely the work undertaken by a number of people and organisations to make this happen, and spoke warmly of their efforts in his speeches at Harvard University and MIT in March this year.
• Living and studying abroad is first and foremost an opportunity for you to acquire knowledge, not only in your field of study, but also of the country and the people you will be living among. You will also make friends and create personal and academic networks. And through this experience, every one of you will be important in shaping the future relations between Norway and the US.
• You will also all be ambassadors for Norway, both at the academic institution you attend and in your local community. For many of those you meet, you will be the only Norwegian they have met or will ever meet. You will influence the impression they have of Norwegians and colour their image of Norway. I am confident that you will be excellent ambassadors, demonstrating our values and way of life in your contact with American colleagues and friends.
• The Foreign Minister wanted me to emphasise the role you have as Fulbright grantees. This is the academic exchange programme with the highest international standing. You will discover that being able to say “I am a Fulbrighter” can open doors. Last year we saw an increase in the number of applications for Fulbright grants, and the Foreign Minister takes this as a good omen for the future of student exchange between Norway and the US.
• I wish you all the best for your stay in the US and for your future. God tur!