Our world is currently facing numerous crises. While progress on global poverty reduction has stalled, the incidence of violent conflicts is on the rise. Along with rising poverty and inequality in some parts of the world, geopolitical tensions are also fast escalating, and we are in the midst of a climate crisis that requires urgent political action. The resources available to address these numerous challenges appear, however, to be grossly inadequate. There is growing concern whether and to what extent rich countries are willing to take on greater responsibility for addressing global challenges, including increased finance for sustainable development, climate adaptation, and global public goods. The case of Norway is particularly interesting. It is extremely wealthy, frequently tops human development rankings, and is often praised for being a generous provider of foreign aid. But it is also a major exporter of oil and gas. Does this mean that Norway should take on additional global responsibilities? And although foreign aid can only provide a small fraction of the required resources, it is nonetheless of crucial importance in many low-income countries. What then is the future of aid in a fragmented world order where countries are becoming more selfish? Should Norway be doing much more than it already is? If so, what?

Anne Beathe Tvinnereim is Norway’s Minister of International Development. She has had a long and distinguished career in politics and diplomacy, and is currently the deputy leader of the Centre Party, which forms the ruling coalition together with the Labour party. Anne Beathe studied political science at the University of Oslo and wrote a thought-provoking Master’s thesis over a decade ago on aid. Twitter: @AnneBeathe_

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