The Ethical Council for the Defence Sector is an independent body, appointed by the Norwegian Government and administered by the Ministry of Defence. The Council consists of eight members and is currently led by Mrs. Kjersti Fjørtoft, a professor of philosophy at the University of Tromsø, Norway.
The main task of the Council is to contribute to strengthening ethical awareness and reflection among all persons working in the defence sector, as well as contributing to ethical and sustainable management of human values and material assets. Another key task is to contribute to the upholding of the defence sector’s public trust and support in Norwegian civil society.
In more detail, the Council shall:
- Through regular contact with leaders and other personnel in the defence sector, contribute to an active ethical debate, as well as provide advice when relevant.
- When needed, provide ethical guidance and advice to departments in the Ministry of Defence and the agencies in the sector.
- Evaluate ethical norms and values in the defence sector, including compliance.
- Assist the defence sector in implementing targeted measures to mitigate ethical challenges.
- Contribute to maintaining a focus on ethical aspects within organizational development and learning in the defence sector as a whole.
- Function as an authority in its subject area.
- On the Council’s own initiative – or by request from others – discuss matters of concern, including the strengthening of ethical standards in management processes.
- In order to gather information, as well as to provide assistance when needed, address the Ministry of Defence, its departments, or agencies in the sector with regard to specific cases.
- Make public statements, as long as these are in line with the security regulations of the defence sector.
The Ethical Council for the Defense Sector consists of eight members, including two deputy members. All are appointed by the Ministry of Defense. The council possesses ethical, legal, and military expertise.
Kjersti Fjørtoft
Bio
Professor of Philosophy at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. She has extensive experience with ethics and committee work both at the university and beyond. Head of ERF from November 1, 2020.
Rune Wenneberg
Bio
Sergeant Major and Defense Chief Sergeant in the Defense Leadership.
Educated through the entire Defense education system.
Broad operational leadership experience from the Defense, including operations in Lebanon, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Norunn Kosberg
Bio
Philosopher with a specialization in human rights and ethics. She has extensive experience in teaching and organizational work. She has authored several books on ethics. Secretary for ERF since November 2019.
Camilla G. Cooper
Bio
International law jurist and associate professor at the Norwegian Defence University College, Staff College division. Elected to the committee from June 1, 2022.
May Thorseth
Bio
Professor at NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, and head of NTNU's Program for Applied Ethics. She has extensive experience with ethics and committee work both at the university and beyond. Elected to ERF from October 1, 2019.
Gudmund Waaler
Bio
Dean of Bergen. He has previously worked as a field chaplain, teacher, author, researcher at the Naval Academy, and Chief Chaplain in the Norwegian Navy. Elected to ERF from November 1, 2020.
Mathea Slåtholm Sagdahl
Bio
Assistant professor at the Department of Philosophy at the University of Oslo. Has worked with ethics, conscription, and gender. Project manager for the research project "The Profoundest Problem in Ethics" from 2023. Elected to ERF from October 1, 2019.
