In the vibrant city of Istanbul, the Future Leaders Executive Program welcomed a distinguished guest, one of the most successful head of government of the Nordic world in decades: H.E. Kjell Magne Bondevik, the former Prime Minister of Norway. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of ethics, religion, and politics, Bondevik shared his invaluable insights on the relevance of ethical principles in a successful political career.

Kjell Magne Bondevik is a Lutheran priest and former politician. Since 2006, he is leader of the Oslo Centre for Peace and Human Rights. Excellency Bondevik served as the State secretary from October 1972 to August 1973, at the Office of the Prime Minister, and as the  Councillor of State from June 1983 to May 1986 (Chief of the Ministry of Church and Education). He was appointed deputy to the Prime Minister from October 1985 to May 1986. He served as the Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from October 1989 to November 1990. Finally, Excellency Bondevik got the Prime Minister office from October 1997 to March 2000, and from October 2001 to October 2005.

Drawing from his profoundly rich professional and personal journey, Bondevik emphasized three fundamental values that are essential for political leaders to uphold. Firstly, he highlighted the significance of human dignity, which serves as the foundation for human rights as enshrined in the UN Human Rights Declaration. Recognizing the inherent worth of every individual is crucial in shaping policies that promote equality and justice.

Secondly, Bondevik emphasized the commandment of love; highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of compassion and empathy in political leadership. The principle of loving one's neighbour as oneself holds relevance in private but even more in public domain including the realm of politics, where understanding and cooperation are essential for the well-being of society.

Moreover, Bondevik's experience as a member of the standing committee on Finance equipped him with valuable skills that he successfully utilized during his tenure as Prime Minister. He stressed the significance of compromise, communication, and coordination—the three C's—for effective coalition cooperation. Respecting and collaborating with individuals from different political parties is vital in fostering constructive governance.

Human Rights should never be a poster child for empty promises

Reflecting on his own choices and moral convictions, Bondevik recounted an instance where he declined an invitation from former leaders George W. Bush and Tony Blair to join the military intervention in Iraq. He cited two reasons for his decision: a political concern regarding the absence of a UN mandate and the violation of international law, as well as an ethical perspective on the necessity of exhausting peaceful means before resorting to the use of force. He pointed out the injustice of the situation, highlighting those subsequent investigations found no evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Looking towards the future, Bondevik expressed his concern about the possibility of a war between Russia and the rest of the world, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts and peaceful resolutions. While he believes that democracy is the most suitable political system for all nations, he stressed that it cannot be imposed on countries. True democracy extends beyond free and fair elections and includes the fair treatment and inclusion of minority groups. Creating platforms for meaningful dialogue between leaders and the people is vital for fostering a thriving democratic society.

H.E. Kjell Magne Bondevik's participation in the Future Leaders Executive Program provided an invaluable opportunity for emerging leaders to gain insights into the intersection of ethics and politics. His experiences and wisdom shed light on the essential values and principles that can guide aspiring leaders on their path to success, ensuring a more inclusive, compassionate, and just future.

As the event draw to a close, H.E. K.M. Bondevik and President of ICYF, Taha AYHAN (as a principal host to the event) jointly expressed what all participants had already concluded throughout the day: that the Future Leaders Executive Program offers a unique setting and the winning narrative. Excellency Bondevik and President Taha both agreed that this particular format – in which an established experience meets the new passions, drives, rhythms and colours through cross generational leaders’ talks – represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from verities of environments: the state, intergovernmental, and corporate sectors of all meridians.

The mesmerising ship of insights and wisdom gets a full swing sail once again. Its spring semester closing port of call awaits before too long, with a serving Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Abazovic, and the International Liberal President, Ms. Al Haité (on 23rd and 24th June).  

Büsra öztürk has a MA in Political Science | MA in Communication Sciences and Journalism | Research Fellow at OSCE | former Teaching assistant at the Department of Government in Vienna | Student of Law (focusing on Intl Human Rights and Humanitarian Law). Ms. öztürk is the IFIMES Information Officer that follows the Austrian political affairs as well as the Intl FORAs based in Vienna.