Wednesday, 18 March, 17.00-18.20, FSEGA, room 118

This lecture will highlight critical issues related to policy formulation and policy implementation in relation to migration management and nation building. Another issue of importance is the disparity between theory and reality which is seen as a sign of failure of contemporary migration and a lack of political will among politicians to address the lack of effective policies and methods of intervention. An overview of migration and migration management in Norway will contribute in greater understanding of the critical issues related to immigration to Norway from various European countries, ethnic minorities and diaspora identities and the ongoing debate related to discrimination, diversity management, anti-Islamic sentiments and the radicalization of young people from different ethnic minorities.

Entrepreneurship and rural development in Senegal

Wednesday, 18 March, 18.30-20.0, FSEGA, room 118

The presentation will discuss the complex body of knowledge and experiences needed at local, national and international level to promote the creation of favorable entrepreneurial culture and ecosystems in rural areas. Other relevant issues to be discussed are social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship training and the role of academic institutions in building entrepreneurial ecosystems to address rural development.

Rural development is a key element of the national development strategy in Senegal and entrepreneurship is seen as a cornerstone to reduce poverty and create income and employment opportunities.  According to recent estimates, the proportion of individuals living below the poverty line is approximately 54%, with increasing poverty in rural areas and a slight decrease in urban areas. Thus, success in poverty alleviation and rural entrepreneurship will require the development and implementation of transformational strategies to unleash and harness the creativity of both rural and urban based entrepreneurs and institutions. To overcome challenges and constraints, support roles are required as well as the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem consisting of a unique blend of policies, strategies, financial resources, methods and tools.

About the speaker:

Birame Diouf, Director, Norwegian Directorate of Diversity and Integration (IMDi)

Birame Diouf is from Senegal, West Africa. He moved to Norway in 1986 when he was granted a scholarship from the Norwegian Royal Foundation of King Haakon. He studied Business Administration and International Development and work at different public institutions in Norway before returning back to Senegal from 1998 to 2005 to establish Centre Fagaru, a nature reserve and a rural resource centre. Birame Diouf’s extensive experience as a practitioner in public administration includes a variety of administrative and managerial roles with numerous public agencies and organizations along with an history of service on various government and not-for-profit commissions and boards at national and international level. Birame Diouf is today a director at the Norwegian Directorate of Diversity and Integration called IMDi. IMDi is a national agency affiliated to the Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion. The Ministry has the overall responsibility for children welfare services, family affairs, childhood development, integration and diversity, anti-discrimination, equality and consumer affairs.