Category: Media Release

Media release: The Oslo Centre congratulates Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado

Media release: The Oslo Centre congratulates Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado

"The work of Maria Corina Machado is more important than ever."

Friday 10 October, 2025 (Oslo, Norway) – The Oslo Centre congratulates Maria Corina Machado on her exemplary efforts to promote democracy in Venezuela. The award is a reminder of the importance of supporting those who defend democratic values at a time when freedom and democracy are under pressure.

Maria Corina Machado is the leader of the opposition party Vente Venezuela. Through her work to promote democratic rights for the people of Venezuela, she has been a courageous advocate for a free and democratic Venezuela, and for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

In a time when democratic rights are under pressure, and when more and more autocratic forces are gaining ground, we are dependent on courageous advocates like Maria Corina Machado. As an activist and politician, she has been a strong voice for change and democratic development in Venezuela since the early 2000s. Her efforts deserve our respect and a warm congratulations on this recognition,” says Finn Jarle Rode, Chair of The Oslo Center.

In its justification, the Nobel Committee emphasized that fundamental democratic rights are a prerequisite for peace. This view is fully shared by The Oslo Centre. Through its work on democracy development in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, The Oslo Centre has first-hand experience on how crucial democratic rights are for stability and peace.

“Our experience in working on democracy development within vulnerable democracies and authoritarian regimes is that advocates of democracy are dependent on support from other democratic countries. This award is an important expression of support for all of us who work to strengthen fundamental democratic rights,” says Rode.

“With this year’s award, the Nobel Committee has made a clear appeal to the world that democracy is the basis for stability and peace. Through participation, influence and mutual respect, democratic societies contribute to peace, security and development across national borders. We must not take that for granted,” he concludes.

Finn Jarle Rode - María Corina Machado quote

About The Oslo Center

Founded in 2006, The Oslo Center is a Norway-based non-governmental organization that works to strengthen democratic institutions and processes worldwide. Through partnerships, technical assistance, and advocacy, the Center promotes inclusive governance, political participation, and democratic resilience in transitional and fragile contexts.

Media release: John Inge Løvdal Appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Oslo Center

Media release: John Inge Løvdal Appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Oslo Center

Thursday 2 October, 2025 (Oslo, Norway) – The Oslo Center, an independent organisation dedicated to advancing democracy, inclusive processes, and dialogue, has appointed John Inge Løvdal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Løvdal brings more than 20 years of experience in democracy development and international affairs.

Prior to The Oslo Center, Løvdal served as Program Director at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), where he worked to strengthen political parties and increase the participation of women, youth, and marginalised groups in electoral and political processes. He has worked across continents in Ethiopia, Kenya, Ukraine, Somalia, and Nepal.

“John Inge is an experienced and courageous leader, with more than two decades of expertise that directly aligns with The Oslo Center’s mission. Few people in Norway have his depth of operational experience in democracy development. His knowledge will be invaluable to The Oslo Center,” says Finn Jarle Rode, Chair of The Oslo Center.

Bringing Global Expertise Back to Norway

Løvdal returns to Norway with extensive experience from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

“Our time is marked by global unrest, declining optimism among young people, and democratic backsliding on every continent. When I began working in democracy development 25 years ago, many believed democracy’s progress was inevitable. Today, we know it is under pressure. Democracies like Norway must therefore support democratic institutions and defenders abroad, not only out of principle, but because it is in our own interest to strengthen democracy globally. Even though the challenges are greater than just a few years ago, we must believe in our ability to succeed,” says John Inge Løvdal.

Familiar with The Oslo Center’s Work

The Oslo Center currently runs programs in Kenya, as well as a virtual program for young people in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, and participates in initiatives in East,West and Central Africa. The organisation is also developing new programs in Ukraine, Somalia, and Senegal, all focused on strengthening democratic participation and fostering inclusive dialogue between citizens and governments.

Løvdal knows this work well through his current role as Program Director at The Oslo Center. He will take over as CEO on January 1, 2026.

“It is meaningful to return to the Oslo Center. I look forward to building on our important work together with skilled colleagues and partners, and to contributing at a time when democracy must be defended,” Løvdal says.

About The Oslo Center

Founded in 2006, The Oslo Center is a Norway-based non-governmental organization that works to strengthen democratic institutions and processes worldwide. Through partnerships, technical assistance, and advocacy, the Center promotes inclusive governance, political participation, and democratic resilience in transitional and fragile contexts.

About John Inge Løvdal

John Inge Løvdal holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Oslo. He has more than 20 years of experience in international development, specializing in democracy, governance, and electoral processes across Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is recognized for his expertise in including marginalized groups in political and electoral processes, and for his ability to work with political parties, governments, election commissions, academia, and civil society in complex political environments.

He has led projects for both NDI and the Oslo Center, funded by the EU, Norad, USAID, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

National Democratic Institute (NDI): Founded in 1983, NDI is an American non-governmental organization that supports democracy worldwide by strengthening political parties, elections, parliaments, and civil society in partnership with local actors.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID): USAID was the U.S. government’s development agency responsible for non-military foreign aid. Established after World War II in the wake of the Marshall Plan, it operated under the U.S. Secretary of State. USAID was dissolved on March 28, 2025, with 83% of its programs cancelled and the remainder transferred to the U.S. State Department.