PRIO welcomed guests for a special event this week, marking the transition of leadership from outgoing Director Henrik Urdal to incoming Director Nina Græger.
The event, titled “A Conversation About Peace Under Pressure,” brought together leading voices in foreign policy, defence, academia and peace research for an engaging discussion and farewell reception.
The event began with welcoming remarks and reflections from key national figures. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Deputy Minister of Defence Marte Gerhardsen both spoke to the challenges facing peace and security in the current geopolitical climate.
Also offering remarks was Mari Sundli Tveit, head of the Research Council of Norway, who acknowledged PRIO’s longstanding contribution to Norwegian and international scholarship, and highlighted the importance of research-based knowledge now more than ever.
In a conversation moderated by Research Professor Inger Skjelsbæk, Henrik Urdal and Nina Græger reflected on the shifting nature of global peace and conflict, and the role of research in navigating an increasingly complex international landscape.
“In a time when the norms that underpin international cooperation are being challenged, the role of independent, critical research is more vital than ever,” said Urdal. “I am proud of what we have achieved at PRIO over the past eight years, and deeply grateful to the colleagues and partners who made that possible.”
Nina Græger, who takes over as PRIO Director in July, underscored the Institute’s mission to confront polarization with research and democratic principles: “Knowledge is the best medicine against polarized discourse. I believe PRIO’s strong research foundation and democratic values will enable us to make our voices heard through the populist and authoritarian winds that are blowing.
“PRIO’s research aims to inform and shape key decisions on peace and security, while also raising vital questions that stakeholders and decision-makers may be unwilling or unable to confront.”
The event concluded with reflections from incoming University of Oslo Rector Ragnhild Hennum, Norad Director Bård Vegar Solhjell, Acting Secretary General of Red Cross Norway Simen Saxebøl and PRIO Board Chair Trine Skei Grande.
The evening ended with a warm reception, offering colleagues, partners and friends of PRIO a chance to mark the transition and celebrate shared achievements in the field of peace research.
