Fulbright: Diplomutdeling til stipendiater til USA 2014

Dear Fulbrighters, ladies and gentlemen,

Politisk rådgiver i UD, Ingrid Skjøtskift, holdt tale under diplomutdelingen. (Foto:Kevin McGuiness/Fulbright/UD)

The US is Norway’s most important ally. We share the same values, and we stick together. In NATO, in the UN, in a wide variety of policy issues and in a wide variety of organisations and institutions worldwide.

Science and research is no exception. Our ties are solid, also due to the work of the Fulbright foundation. More than 5000 Norwegians and Americans have benefited from the Fulbright program since signing of the agreement in Oslo on the 25^th of May1949. This has been good for both our countries. I am pleased to see that the Fulbright at 65 is vital and healthy – as most people are in their 60-ies nowadays. A total of 67 students and scholars from the US and Norway received Fulbright grants in 2013-2014. Through these grants, and related activities and programmes, the Fulbright Foundation continues to strengthen ties between Norway and the US. I am therefore very happy and proud to be able to celebrate together with you today.

As a Fulbright-grantee you are now a key player in this relationship – you have a vital role in shaping the future between our two countries. As “Fulbrighters” - you will discover that there are many open doors for you to enter – opportunities that you did not even know existed.

Dear aspiring Fulbrighters – you are from now on ambassadors; for the academic institutions, you represent, for the people of Norway and for Norway. For many American citizens, you will be the only Norwegian they will ever meet. You will determine their impression of Norway and Norwegians. Be proud of who you are – you have every reason to be so. I am proud of you. Be proud of your selves.

On your return to Norway, you will have many new ideas and impressions. Share them. With colleagues. With friends. We have a lot to learn from the US, from its institutions and from its people.

I am very proud of our Arctic Chairs – and the outstanding research that takes place at the northernmost university of the world - the Arctic University of Norway. I would like to congratulate the 2014/15 Norwegian Arctic Chair, Geir Wing Gabrielsen from the Norwegian Polar Institute. I wish you all the best for your work on environmental pollution.

Dear Fulbright-grantees - congratulations again - I wish you the very best of success.

Lykke til!