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Following a commission to create a “tool for dialogue,” Hydro joined forces with design firm Snøhetta and furniture maker Vestre to create an interactive installation in aluminium for the Nobel Peace Center.

Engraved on the bench is Mandela's quote; "the best weapon is to sit down and talk."

Mandela’s famous quote, from which the installation derives its name, is engraved into the aluminium surface of the bench. Standing as a symbol of diplomacy and dialogue, the bench is a tangible tribute to the legacy of Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize, and efforts to find effective solutions for peace.

“We are very proud to participate in such a meaningful project, especially here at the UN on Nelson Mandela Day. As a global industrial company, we believe that close dialogue is the foundation for viable business and sustainable operations within the communities where we operate, with our customers, and beyond.” says Inger Sethov , Executive Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs in Hydro, who participated in the event.

ribbon cutting ceremony

Dignitaries such as Norway’s permanent representative to the UN, Ms. Mona Juul and Minister of International Development, Mr. Dag Inge Ulstein as well as South Africa’s permanent representative to the UN, Mr. Jerry Matjila and Minister of Tourism, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, took part in the unveiling ceremony alongside Liv Tørres, CEO of the Nobel Peace Center and representatives from Hydro, Snøhetta, and Vestre.

The installation will remain at the UN through September, after which it will travel to Oslo and its permanent location near the Nobel Peace Center and Oslo’s City Hall, home of the annual Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony. 

Following Snøhetta and Vestre’s longtime commitment to social design in public spaces, the project aims to be a tool to bring about social change. Designed as a semi-circle that meets the ground at its lowest point, the gentle arc allows gravity to pull those sitting on it closer together. The installation’s simple gesture invites its users into dialogue.  The robust aluminium structure will ensure the bench’s longevity, promoting diplomacy and dialogue for many years to come.

 

Community engagement and stakeholder dialogue

In Hydro we are committed to dialogue with our local communities where we operate and other stakeholders. This helps us understand what is expected of us, what is important to our stakeholders and how we can solve common challenges. Read more about our work here

Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

In Hydro we strive to make a positive difference by strengthening our local communities and our business partners. While we report on all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, we have aligned our strategy to three of them. Read more about our work here

The Design process with Snøhetta

We always start our design process through dialogue. Through dialogue with our collaborators and internally in our project teams, we work to define what potential each project realistically has based on market opportunity, research and exploration. Read the interview with Marius Myking Director of Product Design, Snøhetta here

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