The CSD Speaker Series is pleased to host a special talk with His Excellency Mr Espen Barth Eide, Foreign Minister of Norway, at King’s College London. This event is organised in collaboration with KCL Nordic Society and LSE Nordic Society.

About the Talk

In an era of increasing uncertainty, European security faces a range of complex and interconnected challenges. This talk will provide an opportunity to reflect on some of the key issues shaping the security landscape for Norway, its European and NATO partners, from geopolitical tensions to the need for collaborative solutions in a rapidly evolving global context. Drawing on his extensive experience in diplomacy, defence and international affairs, Mr Eide will offer valuable insights into the shared responsibilities required to address these challenges.

About the Speaker

His Excellency Mr Espen Barth Eide currently serves as Norway’s Foreign Minister, a role he has held since October 2023, having assumed the role prior from 2012-13. He has an extensive career in governmental and political roles, including as Minister of Defence, where he led Norway’s defence policy and international defence relations. Mr Eide has also served as a Member of Parliament and held positions in several ministries, including as State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and for Defence respectively. His leadership within the Norwegian government has been instrumental in shaping national and international policy on security, defence, and foreign relations.

Beyond his governmental work, Mr Eide has built a distinguished career in international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. He served as UN Under-Secretary-General and the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus (2014-17), facilitating peace negotiations. As Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, he contributed to global discussions on governance, climate and security. Additionally, Mr Eide has been involved in various advisory roles, including as Senior Advisor to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Board member of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, and Chair of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva. His academic background as a political scientist with expertise in international security, European integration and peace building further complements his broad experience in conflict resolution and global cooperation.

About the CSD Speaker Series

The Conflict, Security and Development (CSD) Speaker Series is an initiative from the Conflict, Security & Development Research Group in the Department of War Studies. It aims to bring together interested individuals with some of the brightest and most influential thinkers in the fields of conflict, security, and development.