In focus: Youth in Norway

The Crown Prince and Crown Prince have established a humanitarian fund that supports projects for youth at risk of marginalisation.

Foundation

When the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were married in 2001, they wanted a wedding gift that would benefit others. The Norwegian Government gave them the gift of NOK 1 per inhabitant for the basic capital of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess’ Foundation.

Today the fund is a foundation that works to improve opportunities for young people, to minimise marginalisation of youth. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess sit on the board of the fund, and take active part in the collaborative projects – through workshops and participation in various activities under their auspices.

Wisemen’s Day

For many years the Crown Prince and Crown Princess have invited 60–80 young leaders to their home at the Skaugum Estate for a day-long gathering on the theme of values-based leadership. The event focuses on the questions “What kind of leader do you want to be?” and “How will you use your own resources for the benefit of society?” – and all the participants have had the opportunity to participate actively in workshops with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess as well as external consultants in the management field.

Participants of Wisemen’s Day 2016 gathered outside the Skaugum Estate. Photo: Christian Lagaard, The Royal Court

The participants represent a broad spectrum of Norwegian society – from companies and organisations, to academia, politics and the cultural sphere.

Themed dinners

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess recognise that people can see new opportunities and find new collaboration partners when good meeting places are created. For many years they have therefore been organising and hosting luncheons and dinners at their home at the Skaugum Estate – where the guests can share their experiences and establish new contacts. Some of the themed gatherings hosted by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess have focused on Norwegian music export, Norwegian design, artificial intelligence, marine pollution, and young entrepreneurs.