On the occasion of the Norway-Nepal Association’s 40th anniversary, we will publish interviews with people who have a relationship with the association. Follow along and get to know the association better!
What is your favorite memory from Nepal?
Both Kuloy and I were critical to organized bistand in Nepal – both having seen the ‘good, bad and the ugly.’ One year the NNF Board invited about 9 organizations operating in Nepal to send a representative to an open meeting. They sent some questions in advance that the participants were to answer verbally. Questions covering their goal, practical set up, budgets in Nepal, and how much went to administration.
Halvor and I agreed to come with other questions from the audience – we sat away from each other – and there were a few red faces. Most of them could not answer our questions like how many western workers, nepalese workers, costs of offices and accommodation etc. We knew some had luxurious villas with large gardens, and used 4x-wheel based vehicles daily between residence and their offices , often with a driver! I asked why they could not do it as my representative did ‘use a bicycle to work.’ Halvor asked why they had to have large warehouses that were usually 80% empty, with warehouse staff and security staff etc. Why not pool resources., he asked. From that it came out that some of them didn’t know the others were even working in Nepal.
Out of 9 agencies, I think we came to the conclusion that only 3 operated in a financially and ethically effective manner – based on what we knew in advance and from that meeting. Today’s Bistand is no better – costs kr 2.5 million a year to have one ‘aid worker’ and family in a developing country – before they do anything. Kr 400 million a year to Nepal year after year after year – a super fort-knox like luxurious embassy building, filled with high paid staff , who live in luxury flats/ townhouses – to do what? Give work to the 4 security personnel on duty every day, and cleaning staff.
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How did you first join the Norway-Nepal Association?
The original members were philosophers and mountaineers – an environment I wished to be a part of. Found them a bit stiff and serious, but behind this exterior a lot of warmth and humor. I was on the Board for two or three different periods. Today I am no longer a member.
What are your wishes and dreams for the association in the next 40 years?
I remember NNF original mandate was the giving of information both ways – ie Norway to Nepal and Nepal to Norway – which still seems a worthy aim. Own NNF projects in Nepal have been discussed, fear was that ‘self interest’ would raise its ugly head – so I was always against that. If anything, a NNF project could be put into motion, but would strongly suggest clear criteria, and control mechanisms.
Norge-Nepalforeningen 