Approximately 150 diplomats, peace mediators, and international experts are convening at Losby Gods in Norway this week for the annual Oslo Forum. Hosted by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the conference aims to address a global landscape defined by 65 active armed conflicts—the highest number recorded since 1945, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD).
Why is the Oslo Forum held behind closed doors?
The Oslo Forum operates under strict protocols of confidentiality and discretion to facilitate open dialogue among conflicting parties who often cannot meet in public forums. According to press spokesperson Mariken Bruusgaard Harbitz, this environment is essential for peace diplomacy, as it allows representatives from governments, civil society, and opposition groups to engage in “honest conversations” without the pressure of media scrutiny. The participant list remains largely restricted, a practice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes is standard for high-level, invitation-only diplomatic summits worldwide.
How are costs for the conference managed?
The Norwegian government covers significant expenses for the forum, including travel and accommodation for select participants. While high-ranking government officials are generally expected to cover their own travel to Norway, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically pays for hotel and local transport costs during the event, as stated by Mariken Bruusgaard Harbitz. For non-governmental participants, such as civil society representatives or independent experts, the Ministry more frequently covers both travel and lodging. This funding model has drawn scrutiny in the past; Nettavisen reported that in 2025, the Ministry spent nearly 100,000 kroner on hotel stays for high-level officials from regimes including Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
What are the primary focus areas for 2025?
The conference program centers on international humanitarian law, maritime security, and regional conflict resolution. Specific sessions are dedicated to the Middle East, West Africa, Latin America, and the Horn of Africa. Despite the general secrecy surrounding the guest list, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the attendance of several key figures, including:
- William Ruto, President of Kenya
- The United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser
- China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East
- Foreign ministers representing various Sahel nations
When tracking international diplomacy, look for the distinction between formal state-to-state negotiations and “track two” diplomacy, which often takes place in informal settings like the Oslo Forum to build initial trust.
Future trends in global peace mediation
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasizes that few modern conflicts reach a conclusion through total military victory. Instead, the vast majority of wars end at a negotiating table. This shift suggests that the future of international relations will rely heavily on “long-term credibility” and sustained back-channel communication between major powers. As geopolitical tensions rise, the relevance of neutral venues like Norway is expected to persist, though the fiscal transparency of these high-cost diplomatic gatherings will likely remain a point of public and political debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who funds the Oslo Forum?
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides the primary funding for the event, with an estimated annual budget of roughly 20 million kroner.
Why are some participants’ names kept secret?
The forum is designed as an informal, confidential space. Discretion is required to allow representatives from conflicting parties to speak freely, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How does the forum handle travel expenses for delegates?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has restrictive guidelines. While many government officials cover their own travel to Norway, the Ministry often covers local hotel and transport costs, particularly for those representing civil society or non-governmental organizations.
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