In a world where more people are displaced than ever before, humanitarian action faces mounting pressures — from protracted conflicts and climate change to polarized politics and dwindling trust in international institutions. At the same time, there is a growing pushback against the very principles of international humanitarian law, as states and non-state actors alike increasingly challenge its universality and seek to reinterpret its obligations in ways that weaken civilian protection.
After nearly ten years as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, Filippo Grandi has witnessed these changes firsthand. This event brings him together with Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Milad Reznad, head of the Student Parliament, and other key voices for an open conversation on what it means to lead, to act, and to adapt in an era of global upheaval.
The discussion will engage students, academics, policymakers, and humanitarian practitioners in exploring how international protection and assistance can remain relevant, principled, and effective in a rapidly changing world.
The event is co-hosted by The University of Oslo, The Norwegian Refugee Council, UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Program
- Welcome remarks by the prorector of University of Oslo, Bjørn Jamtveit
- Short video from Global University Academy
Conversation
Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner for Refugees
Jan Egeland, Secretary General, Norwegian Refugee Council
Milad Rezvan, Head of Student ParliamentModerated by Hannah Tembeka Tørres, Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers
- Audience Q&A
- Closing remarks
Participate
The event is free and open to all. Register by 14 november via the link below.