Policy Updates

On June 20, 2025, the Norwegian government published a white paper that showed that Norway is on track to achieve most UN SDGs by 2030, with strong progress in infrastructure, energy, education, gender equality, and effective institutions.

However, high material consumption remains a significant challenge, as Norway’s consumption levels exceed both global and European averages. The white paper reviewed Norway’s current position, highlighted key challenges, and outlined strategies to reach the SDGs. It also identified nine sub-goals that require substantial progress, largely relating to sustainability, biodiversity and climate protection, and waste reduction.

The Norwegian government’s digitalization strategy for 2024–2030, Digital Norway of the Future, is designed to accelerate green and digital transformation across all sectors, with investment in research, development, and innovation seen as vital to achieving a low-emission society. The white paper stressed the importance of broad engagement, involving citizens and all societal actors in joint efforts towards the SDGs.

On June 20, 2025, Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust announced that Norway is providing NOK120million (US$12 million) in humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced persons in Sudan, Syria, and the Sahel/Lake Chad region, channeled through various UN organizations.

NOK60million (US$6 million) will support WFP and UNHCR in Sudan and the Sahel, addressing urgent needs for protection, food, water, shelter, and healthcare amid severe displacement and hunger crises. In the Sahel, NOK30million (US$3 million) will go to the UN Humanitarian Fund for West and Central Africa, with half allocated to Chad, where over a million Sudanese refugees face critical conditions.

In Syria, NOK30million (US$3 million) will be distributed among WHO, UNICEF, and WFP to improve health, water, and food services, supporting both returnees and those still in need after years of conflict. Norway’s support aims to strengthen basic services and stabilize affected regions.

On June 4, 2025, Norway became the 31^st country to ratify the BBNJ —formally known as the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—furthering global ocean governance efforts.

The agreement enables conserved marine protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up around two-thirds of the world’s oceans, and promotes cross-sectoral cooperation for healthier marine ecosystems.

The Norwegian Parliament unanimously approved ratification on May 26, followed by formal confirmation by the Council of State on May 27. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, describing Norway’s action as proud and delighted, emphasized that strong collective engagement is essential to drive the treaty toward its required 60 ratifications.

Environmental Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen noted that this step supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030, and will require environmental impact assessments.

Norway also introduced new domestic legislation to align national law with the Agreement, including contributing NOK 500,000 (US$49,000) to a trust fund that supports developing countries’ participation in treaty implementation.

On May 27, 2025, Norway formalized an agreement with Estonia under the EEA and Norway Grants, allocating EUR72 million (US$77 million) to support Estonia’s social and economic development. Norway will contribute 97% of the funding, with Iceland and Liechtenstein providing the remainder.

The initiative focuses on several priority areas, including the green transition, crisis prevention, health, and business development. It also aims to enhance Estonia’s physical and digital infrastructure, particularly for preserving cultural heritage during crises. Norwegian agencies such as the Directorate for Civil Protection and Innovation Norway will partner with Estonia to implement projects in energy efficiency, sustainable fisheries, and genetic medicine.

This agreement underscores Norway’s commitment to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe while fostering stronger bilateral ties with Estonia.

On May 22, 2025, Norway and the UNDP signed a framework agreement to develop a Renewable Energy Master Plan for Syria led by Norway’s Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust and UNDP Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee, which aims to address Syria’s energy crisis by promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The 12-month plan will outline Syria’s future energy needs, the role of renewable sources, and key measures like aligning regulations with international standards and creating a robust legal framework. Priority areas include improving energy access, reducing import dependency, fostering economic growth through job creation, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Integrated with Syria’s National Electricity Master Plan, the project will assess renewable energy potential, enhance energy efficiency, and develop technical capacity in renewable technologies. This collaboration underscores Norway and UNDP’s commitment to advancing Syria’s recovery and sustainable energy transformation while addressing climate challenges.

On May 15, 2025, Norway's Labour government presented its revised national budget for 2025, which includes a reduction of NOK 927 million (US$89 million) in the development ODA budget.

Despite this reduction, ODA spending remains at 1% of estimated GNI, with the decrease largely attributed to reduced refugee-related expenses. The government is proposing to reallocate NOK259 million (US$25 million) within the ODA budget to areas where Norway can have the greatest impact, such as women’s rights, freedom of expression and the reconstruction of Syria.

On May 9, 2025, Norway announced NOK580 million (US$55 million) to support people displaced in Ukraine.

The funds will go to the UNHCR to assist refugees in Ukraine and Moldova, providing essentials including shelter, protection, and basic services. The pledge is part of Norway’s broader humanitarian response and commitment to international solidarity with Ukraine.

On March 10, 2025, Norway announced agreements worth NOK 248 million (US$ 23.14 million) to support 27 renewable energy projects, involving both Norwegian and international companies.

Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust emphasized that these investments are vital for reducing poverty and achieving global climate goals, aiming to enhance access to clean energy, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

Administered by Norad, the business support scheme for renewable energy is announced annually and encourages private investment in clean energy solutions. Norad Director General Bård Vegar Solhjell noted that early-phase support has been crucial for significant investments in the sector.

The funding will be directed towards solar, wind, hydropower, and clean cooking stove projects in countries such as Zambia, Nigeria, Malawi, Cameroon, Uganda, Senegal, South Africa, Indonesia, and Nepal.

On February 17, 2025, Norway announced the establishment of six new strategic partnership agreements with prominent Norwegian humanitarian organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, NORCAP, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian Red Cross, Norwegian People’s Aid, and Save the Children Norway.

Originally established in 2020, the underlying support scheme for the strategic partnerships was extended for another five-year period through 2029. These agreements will provide NOK1.9 billion (US$177 million) annually to support rapid, flexible, and targeted humanitarian aid in response to unprecedented global needs. Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust highlighted the critical nature of humanitarian assistance, noting that the UN estimates 300 million people will require aid in 2025. The agreements aim to save lives, alleviate suffering, and protect human rights in crisis situations, while ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles.

The selected organizations were chosen for their ability to deliver prompt assistance and their established presence in conflict and crisis zones. This strategic selection process aims to maximize the effectiveness of Norway's humanitarian funding. The agreements, established under a support scheme extended from 2025 to 2029, will be finalized in the coming weeks, reinforcing Norway’s dedication to promoting stability and respect for international humanitarian law worldwide.

On December 17, 2024, Norway announced a new substantial humanitarian assistance package for Ukraine, allocating nearly NOK1 billion (US$91 million) to seven Norwegian humanitarian organizations.

This funding, distributed through the Nansen Program, will support the efforts of the Norwegian Red Cross, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas Norge, Save the Children, SOS Children's Villages, the refugee and civilian response force, and NORCAP.

These organizations, working closely with Ukrainian authorities and civil society, are providing critical assistance to vulnerable groups, including children, refugees, and internally displaced people. The funding will ensure access to essential services such as food, shelter, electricity, heating, clean water, sanitation, education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and protection against GBV.