Central bank governor Ida Wolden Bache had to interrupt her speech to students at the University of Oslo due to a loud protest by around 50 students advocating for divestment from companies investing in Israel.
Ida Wolden Bache, the governor of Norway's central bank, had her speech at the University of Oslo interrupted by a group of approximately 50 protesting students. The demonstrators were organized by the student association 'Students for Palestine' and called for the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund to divest from companies involved in Israel. The interruption occurred just ten minutes into her address, leading both Bache and the protesters to leave the venue shortly afterward.
The central bank, led by Bache, manages Norway’s large sovereign wealth fund, which has investments in various companies globally, including those with ties to Israel. This protest is part of a broader movement among university students in Norway, reflecting growing public sentiment and political discourse regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its implications for international investments. Bache acknowledged the emotional strength of student engagement concerning the issue while addressing the media post-event.
This incident highlights the active role of students in socio-political issues, indicating a strong connection between university activism and global conflicts. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of national financial institutions in regards to ethical investment practices and how these are influenced by public opinion. Bache's response suggests an awareness of these dynamics, but the incident may also prompt further discussions about the intersection of education, finance, and global humanitarian issues.
