Virtual presentation with Norwegian ambassador and MSU students slated
Kåre R. Aas, Norway’s ambassador to the United States, will chat live with Minot State University students April 29 in Aleshire Theater, 1-1:50 p.m. The public is also invited to this event. With the new era of digital diplomacy, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., launched the #VirtualAmbassador Program, a new initiative, which enables university students from across the U.S. to interact live with Aas.
“Ambassador Aas will give a brief presentation via Skype, followed by a question-and-answer period by the American students,” said Libby Claerbout, director of international program. I also encourage students to participate in a virtual question-and-answer session with the ambassador via his Twitter handle, @kareraas, where their questions are included in the presentation.”
The MSU presentation will cover the following topics:
- “The Arctic” — Changes in the Arctic cause unprecedented challenges and emerging opportunities. Arctic ecosystems and human societies will be most strongly affected, but the Arctic environmental changes have global implications as well. Questions posed may include “How should these challenges be handled?” and “Is managing the Arctic a global task or is it solely the responsibility of the Arctic coastal states?”
- “NATO, the U.S. and Norway” — NATO constitutes the basis for Norway’s security. Norway’s relations with the U.S. on security and defense represent the fundamental element of the American membership in the alliance. Within the alliance context, Norway collaborates with the U.S. on a wide variety of issues and activities, at both the policy and operational level, and in terms of procurement. Each entity is faced with current and emerging challenges. The international security pattern is being transformed. Norway also has to adapt and will do so in close cooperation and coordination with allies and partners, in particular the U.S. Norway will continue to play an active part in ensuring that NATO remains a viable, effective and relevant alliance.
Aas, a veteran of Norway’s foreign ministry, presented his credentials to President Barack Obama Sept. 17, 2013. The United States is the second ambassadorial posting for Aas, with his first posting to Afghanistan in 2008. For questions, contact Claerbout at libby.claerbout@minotstateu.edu.
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| Published: 03/23/15 |
