Bjornar Dahl Hotvedt was speaking this Monday at the closing conference of the Norwegian-Angolan Research Programme on Angolan governance and domestic politics, a cooperation between academic institutions from both countries, sponsored by the Norwegian Embassy in Angola, which lasted more than four years.
According to the ambassador, in “complex times” of disinformation, independent research becomes not only an academic value, “but a necessity for any society that aspires to intellectual sovereignty and fair development”.
“For a country like Angola – with a rich history, a young population and immense potential – investing in independent research is investing in the future. It is ensuring that decisions are guided by evidence”, he stressed.
The event was marked by the launch of the anthology “Angola, pós-dos Santos”, which brings together a collection of articles produced by Angolan and Norwegian researchers and other international academics, who conduct research on Angola.
The Norwegian ambassador emphasized that the research promotes the formation of “a generation of critical thinkers, capable of questioning and proposing solutions adapted to the country’s reality”.
“Since its beginning in 2020, the research program has proposed to address issues that are central to Angola’s present and future: political challenges, economic dynamics and paths towards more transparent, inclusive and effective governance”, he said.
According to the Norwegian diplomat, “in times of change, such as those experienced by the country in the post-dos Santos period, these issues require critical attention, rigorous analysis and, above all, a spirit of global cooperation”.
The work brings together different voices, perspectives and analyses, synthesizing with depth and sensitivity the main fruits of the collective work, highlighted Bjornar Dahl Hotvedt.
The Norwegian diplomat highlighted that bilateral collaboration between the two countries covers the areas of human rights, demining, women's empowerment, environmental issues, the energy sector and a strong academic exchange between Norwegian institutions and three Angolan universities.
