Anniken Huitfeldt

Anniken Huitfeldt (51), member of the labour party, was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs on 14 October 2021.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for Norwegian foreign policy, the promotion of Norway’s interests internationally and the foreign service, which includes more than 100 embassies, permanent missions and delegations, and consulates general.

 

Ms Huitfeldt comes from Jessheim, Norway, and has a Master’s Degree with specialisation in History. She has worked as a researcher at the research foundation FAFO. She has been particularly engaged in efforts to promote security policy, equality and climate. Hobbies include running, cross-country skiing, literature and theatre.

 

From 2013 to 2021 Ms Huitfeldt chaired the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. She was Minister of Labour from 2012 to 2013, Minister of Culture from 2009 to 2012 and Minister of Children and Equality from 2008 to 2009. She was elected to the Storting (Norwegian parliament) in 2005 and has been a member since then.

Ms Huitfeldt is married and has three children.

 

Political appointments 

2021–                Minister of Foreign Affairs 

2013–2021         Chair of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence  

2013–2021         Chair of the Parliament’s Enlarged Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee

2012–2013         Minister of Labour

2009–2012         Minister of Culture 

2008–2009         Minister of Children and Equality

2005–2009         Vice Chair of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Education and Research

2005–                 Member of the Storting

 

Political positions

2019–                 Member of the Board of The Progressive Alliance

2019–                 Leader of Akershus Labour Party

2017–                 Member of the Board of The Party of European Socialists (PES)

2007–2019         Head of the Norwegian Labour Party women’s network

2002–                 Member of the Labour Party Central Executive Committee

1999–2000         Vice President of the International Union of Socialist Youth

1996–2000         President of the Labour Youth League (AUF)

 

Other posts

2001–2005         Member of the Board of Save the Children Norway

2000–2005         Researcher, FAFO