Rektor’s Greeting

As we start the new academic year at UWC Red Cross Nordic, I’m excited to welcome our new students and staff members and welcome back those who return from holiday to our amazing community by the fjord. This is a place where we come together from all corners of the globe, bringing our diverse experiences and perspectives to create something truly special. This year, working with the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo, we’re putting a spotlight on peace—not just as a lofty ideal, but as something we can practically work towards, every day, right here, with each other.

Building trust is the foundation of building peace, which is not merely the absence of conflict; but an active pursuit of understanding, empathy, and collaboration. In a world where challenges grow more complex each day, the need for peace is more urgent than ever. At UWC Red Cross Nordic, we believe that peace begins with education and that our students have the potential to be its strongest advocates.

Supported by the governments of Norway and other Nordic countries, the Red Cross, and private donations, our college remains a testament to what is possible when people come together with a shared vision. We are not a private institution, but a community supported by many, committed to offering opportunities to students from more than 90 countries, regardless of their financial circumstances. This diversity is our strength, however it is under threat because government funding from the Nordic region has reduced and we now have to focus more strongly on fundraising from private philanthropy and other sources to avoid having to increase fees or select fee payers. In our 30th Anniversary year we must reach out for the support of those who have benefited over our last 30 years.

At UWC Red Cross Nordic, peace is woven into every aspect of our educational model. It is found in the way we learn together—through the values of rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, in our experiential education that challenges both body and mind, and in the connections we forge that transcend borders and backgrounds. Our students are not only learners but also contributors, shaping and sharing their perspectives, and forming relationships that will last a lifetime.

Through our association with the Red Cross, we are reminded of the importance of taking action to protect those in need, and to preserve our natural environment. These pillars—our Nordic context, our respect for nature, and our commitment to understanding humanity—are the foundation upon which we build our vision of peace.

As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and determination. The challenges our world faces are significant, but so too are the opportunities to make a positive impact. At UWC Red Cross Nordic, we aim to empower each student with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to shape a world that is not only more sustainable but also more peaceful for everyone and everything.

Welcome to RCN’s 30th Year of learning, growth, and shared purpose. Together, we must strive to continue our mission into the future, with students selected regardless of their ability to pay. Please respond when we reach out!

Pelham Lindfield Roberts

Rektor