By Diplomatic Correspondent
Vvnewsbd,com, Dhaka: Norway remains firmly committed to promoting democracy, peace, and sustainable development in Bangladesh and across the world, Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen said on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the Rotary Peace Conclave 2026, Bangladesh, held at the United International University (UIU) in the capital, the ambassador emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing today’s global challenges. The theme of the conclave was “Promoting Peace in a Changing World.”
Ambassador Gulbrandsen described Bangladesh as a long-standing and trusted partner of Norway. He noted that the two countries had recently signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening judicial independence and reform. Highlighting their collaboration in United Nations peacekeeping operations, he praised the courage and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in advancing global peace and security.
The inaugural session featured a keynote presentation titled “Rotary Peace Fellowship and the Role of Rotary International in Promoting Global Peace,” delivered by PDG Ishtiaq A. Zaman AKS, Country Coordinator of Rotary International Bangladesh.
Among the special guests were Prof. Dr. Sharif Nafe As-saber, Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh; Prof. Dr. ANM Meshquat Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of Primeasia University; and Dr. Md. Zulfiqur Rahman, Registrar of United International University.
The event was chaired by Rotarian Abdullah Jamil Matin, Chairman of Rotary Peace Conclave 2026 and President of the Rotary Club of Eskaton Dhaka, which organized the conclave.
The conclave featured three major sessions. The first plenary session, titled “Building a Peaceful World Amid Global Crises: The Bangladesh Peacekeeping Experience,” focused on peacekeeping, security, and regional cooperation. The second plenary session, “Rotary’s Commitment to Peace: A Core Area of Focus,” highlighted Rotary’s contributions to peacebuilding and community engagement. In addition, the inaugural session included a special discussion on Rotary’s role in promoting global peace.
In his remarks, Ishtiaq A. Zaman said that nearly 6,000 Rotarians are currently active in Bangladesh. He noted that, in addition to disaster response, vaccination campaigns, food assistance, and healthcare services, Rotarians can play an even more significant role in supporting war-affected communities and advancing global peace.
Dr. Md. Zulfikur Rahman said Bangladesh’s armed forces have made valuable contributions to peacekeeping efforts around the world. He added that Rotary has the opportunity to further strengthen these initiatives through greater engagement and collaboration.
Delivering the welcome address, AKM Shamsul Huda, Deputy Country Coordinator of Rotary International, observed that while enormous resources are spent globally on weapons and military activities, comparatively little is invested in peacebuilding. He said Rotarians remain committed to standing beside war-affected people and spreading the message of peace.
At the conclusion of the conclave, participants jointly reaffirmed their commitment to promoting lasting peace and strengthening global cooperation for a more peaceful world.
