This interview was made by the Rafto Foundation. You can find the original one here.

Ms Nesmoen has from an early age been introduced to cultural diversity and the promotion of peace through the Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV). She first became aware of the Rafto Foundation in 1990, when a passionate student spoke strongly about Aung Sang Suu Kyi to a number of youths at CISV. Ms Suu Kyi had recently been awarded the Rafto Prize. Ms Nesmoen has since attended several symposiums and award ceremonies.

Taking over as Head of the Friends of the Rafto Foundation
The Friends of the Rafto Foundation supports the Rafto Foundation’s work financially and practically in a number of areas.

– What does it mean for you to be asked to take on this responsibility?

“It is very nice being asked. I am especially looking forward to learning more about human rights work and contributing something to this important issue. I am also really excited about meeting skilled and committed people working in this area.

“I am truly impressed by the Rafto Foundation’s ability to highlight important issues through its awarding of the Rafto Prize,” says Ms Nesmoen.

Belief in democracy and human rights
Ms Nesmoen lived in Cairo for several years during her studies. She confides: “That period really opened my eyes”.

She goes on to point out that many Middle Eastern countries face a number of challenges in terms of democratisation and human rights compliance.

“We don’t hear much about human rights violations in Egypt,” she says. “That may be because of their close alliance with the USA, but Egypt is a country many Norwegians visit on holiday and we should therefore pay attention to the continuous breach of human rights occurring in Egypt”.

In her work at the Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education, the new head of the Friends of the Rafto Foundation works on improving and increasing cooperation between universities in Norway and developing countries.

“I believe that education is the key to bring forth democratic development and thus strengthening the foundation for human rights”.

Statoil period brought a number of ethical discussions
Ms Nesmoen held a position in Statoil (1999 – 2002), a Norwegian oil company, as Public affairs manager. As many people are aware, Statoil has paid big fines for corruption in both Norway and the USA. The company has also been heavily criticised for their oil-related activity in Angola and Azerbaijan.

– To what extent did your work in Statoil challenge your ethical standards?

“I had a number of ethical discussions with myself, friends and colleagues during this time. However, in my position I only dealt with Statoil’s domestic activity. On that note, the most challenging issue for me was whether or not to start drilling in Lofoten. This question has bearing on my environmental stance”.  

Tasks for the future
– What do you think will characterise your leadership?

“Well, I guess it should be for others to consider my characteristics. Nonetheless, I will strive to continue the close cooperation between the Friends of the Rafto Foundation and the Rafto Foundation itself. At the same time, I hope to increase the number of supporting members significantly.

“We need more support to continue working for human rights issues and for people who need the world’s attention”.