The Royal Norwegian Society for Development (Norges Vel) was established in 1809 and is one of the oldest active organizations in Norway. Norges Vel has been involved in inter-national developmental work since 1978 and has vast experience from various countries and regions around the globe. Our mission is to help build viable local communities at home and abroad.

Today, The Royal Norwegian Society for Development is an open and independent organisation, working in the best interests of society. Commercial development is our tool for realising the vision of sustainable local communities.

Our principal tasks include contributing to the development of commerce and long-term environmental initiatives. By means of sustainable projects we are contributing to wealth creation in local communities both in Norway and internationally.

From community development to commercial development and international engagement

For more than 200 years, the Royal Norwegian Society for Development has been a leader in the work of developing and modernising Norway. In recent years we have concentrated on helping local resources to be used as well as possible to create new jobs through commercial development.

Our international engagement began in the 1970s and was built on a desire to use our skills in the field of commercial development to benefit also the poorest parts of the world. International work is now a part of the organisation’s identity.

Distinctive aid work

Through our main focus on commercial development, the Royal Norwegian Society for Development is distinctive from most other Norwegian charitable organisations that operate aid work. With our skills, we contribute to reinforcing the organisation of small-scale village producers, improving their bargaining position and connecting them to a larger market. This provides both new jobs and an increased income stream.

Sustainability and social responsibility

The Royal Norwegian Society for Development’s mission statement is to promote sustainable commercial development in local communities, nationally and internationally. We believe this to be the best way to exercise social responsibility. The idea that genuine development and combating poverty cannot occur without financial growth is thus fundamental to all the commercial-development tasks and development projects in which we become involved.