Towards a UNITAR office in
Bergen, Norway
Einar Bjorgo, UNITAR/UNOSAT
Bergen, 22 October 2009
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What is UNITAR?
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Mission: To deliver innovative training and integrate research on knowledge systems
for capacity development of beneficiaries (UN Member States, local governments,
sister agencies, NGOs, IOs)
Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR has built sustainable partnerships acquiring
unique expertise and accumulating experience and knowledge to fulfil its mandate.
These accomplishments have enabled UNITAR to respond to the growing demand
from UN Member States for training and capacity development in the fields of
Environment; Peace, Security and Diplomacy; and Governance
Offices: Geneva (HQ), New York, Hiroshima, (Brazil)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth
Assessment Report, 2007:
Continued Green House Gas (GHG) emissions at or above
current rates would cause further warming and induce many
changes in the global climate system during the 21st century
that would very likely be larger than those observed
during the 20th century.
Numerous long-term changes in the climate have been
observed, including extreme weather such as droughts,
heavy precipitation, heat waves and the intensity of tropical
cyclones.
A future of more severe storms and floods along the world's
increasingly crowded coastlines is likely.
Source: IPCC, 2007
Regions likely to be specially affected by climate
change:
Arctic, because of the impacts of high rates of projected warming on natural systems
and human communities
Africa, because of low adaptive capacity and projected climate change impacts
small islands, where there is high exposure of population and infrastructure to
projected climate change impacts
Asian and African megadeltas, due to large populations and high exposure to sea
level rise, storm surges and river flooding
Source: IPCC, 2007
Increased awareness of international humanitarian
community:
Recent severe storms, floods and droughts appear
to show that computer models predicting more
frequent "extreme weather events" are on target.
Examples of potential climate change impact on
humanitarian relief and human rights:
disruptions in food supply in a world that is already afflicted with food shortages and
famines
access to freshwater supplies is decreasing in most populated areas
most affected: developing world - fewer resources for coping with storms, floods,
droughts, disease outbreaks, and disruptions to food and water supplies.
...potentially leading to more natural disasters with devastating effects on
local communities, incrased conflicts due to tensions over natural resources
and forced migration following conflicts and changed climatic conditions
More knowledge is needed to better
understand how climate change, humanitarian
Photo: UNHCR
relief and human rights issues interact. Only
then can a more holistic approach be
implemented where people live – locally.
P
Photo: Gov. Philippines
UNITAR Bergen office
The Bergen office will be a hub for UNITAR’s collaboration with Nordic actors.
The expertise available regionally, nationally and locally in the fields of
humanitarian assistance, human rights and climate change research is
significant.
Why Bergen? (why not?)
Local internationally renowned expertise in climate change research,
humanitarian relief and human rights. Examples: University of Bergen, Bjerknes
Centre for Climate Research, Christian Michelsen Institute, Rafto Foundation,
Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre, UN Association, etc.
Strong local, regional and national support
Modern city development and easy access from anywhere in the world ensures
strong sustainability
Photo: Bergen Tourist Office
The Bergen office will
Act as UNITAR antenna for the Nordic countries and provide a link between relevant
UNITAR and sister agencies programmes/activities with the expertise existing in
Bergen, Norway and other Nordic countries
Together with local, national and regional partners implement ground-breaking
research with focus on humanitarian, human rights and climate change thematic,
including mapping output when appropriate
Facilitate fund raising for all UNITAR programmes concerned
In addition, the office is foreseen to be a door-opener for local expertise
(students, researchers, business) to the United Nations.
National and Nordic partners
Examples of partners in Norway: Kongsberg Satellite Services based in Tromso,
UN Environment Programme Grid-Arendal and UN Development Programme
Oslo Governance Centre.
Examples of Nordic region partners: Metria of Sweden, National Survey and
Cadastre of Denmark.
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Status
2007: Informal contacts and discussions on feasability of UNITAR presence in
Bergen
2008:
UNITAR Executive Director letter to City of Bergen (CoB) formally indicating interest of
UNITAR presence
First mission from Geneva to Bergen meeting with local authorities and potential research
partners in cllimate change
2009:
Feb: Joint mission City of Bergen & UNITAR to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo presentation of idea. General support towards office at MFA
Feb: Mission by City of Bergen to UNITAR in Geneva to learn more of organization and UN's
main office in Europe
Feb: Mission by UNOSAT to Bergen for formal discussions with City of Bergen and County of
Hordaland, discussions with potential partners in human rights
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Status (contn’d)
Aug: Joint mission (CoB, UNITAR) to MFA State Secretary Gry Larsen. Formal talks and
presentation of status. Request for political and financial support towards the office
Sep: Funding by CoB to UNITAR for preparatory work in support to the establishment of the
office
Oct: Meeting in Geneva: Commissioner Lisbeth Iversen and Climate Chief Eva Britt Isager
from City of Bergen met with UNITAR Executive Director Carlos Lopes
Nov: All interested local and county actors invited to Geneva for information meeting and
visit of UNITAR / UN Office in Geneva
Current status: Ready for rapid implementation of Office as soon as
commitment from MFA is received
UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications
Programme (UNOSAT)
Using satellite imagery, satellite communication and satellite navigation (GPS)
to improve humanitarian relief and development, human rights, adaptation to
climate change
Pragmatic approach, but need to understand the big picture
Collaboration UNITAR Bergen and UNITAR Geneva (CERN)
Better use of download station at Svalbard, work with local, national and
regional expertise in training and methods development
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UNOSAT rapid mapping 2003-2009 (173 activations)
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Rapid mapping by type of emergency
2008-2009
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6 February 2009
IDP shelters erected along beach zone
Several thousand
IDP shelters erected
on beach, most
within 200 m of
coastline
6 March 2009
www.unitar.org
einar.bjorgo@unitar.org