The first four years since inception
The Oslo Center promoted peace and human rights through intercultural and interreligious dialogue and knowledge exchange.
In its first four years, it raised awareness of global human rights concerns and published reports on countries such as Eritrea and North Korea. The Center also launched international projects focused on coalition building, democratization, and human rights in regions including Kenya, Somalia, Myanmar, and Ukraine.
One of its notable contributions was the development of the Universal Code of Conduct on Holy Sites, a practical framework aimed at protecting sacred places and fostering interreligious reconciliation.
During this foundational period, the Center’s work was shaped by its Co-Founder Kjell Magne Bondevik’s vision for inclusive dialogue and democratic support. His emphasis on democracy assistance laid the groundwork for the organization’s evolving mission.
The Oslo Center made a strategic approach integrating human rights with democracy assistance and institution building
The work of human rights and interreligious dialogue still being a priority, but rather as an integrated component of democracy assistance. From this point on the Oslo Center has shared technical expertise and experience to support good governance, political institution-building, inclusive participation, and civic engagement.
Today, the Oslo Center has evolved into a dynamic organization with international partners and an ever-growing interest in our activity. The positive impact of our support in democratization encourages us to set new higher objectives to enlarge our reach, help more partners in their democratization path while promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and fostering strong, transparent, and accountable institutions.
Throughout the years the Oslo Center has grown and developed into the organization it is today. It is our practical and process oriented approach, as well as the significance we put on local ownership that has made us into who we are today.
