About FTU
Forum for Technology and Development Cooperation (FTU) – formerly the Norwegian Development Forum.
FTU is an editor-controlled and independent media organization that shares knowledge related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We focus on technology, innovation, research, and issues concerning developing countries. We always strive to maintain a high level of professional and technical quality and present technological solutions to global challenges.
We are volunteer editors and journalists who identify subject-matter experts in international affairs, technology, and research for our productions. We produce broadcast programs, news articles, and podcasts on topics at the intersection of international development assistance and technology. We plan to launch a podcast series around summer 2026 and publish articles and reports in both Norwegian and English from June 2026. Previously, FTU exclusively organized seminars that were streamed and uploaded to YouTube. FTU covers the area between Teknisk Ukeblad and Panorama Nyheter.
We find experts from a wide range of organizations and professional communities, and cooperate with the following organizations, among others: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norad, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, the Centre for Global Sustainability at the University of Oslo, AFAG (the Association of Norwegian Architects), Habitat Norway, WWF, LO (through the Norwegian Union of Electricians and IT Workers), NHO, NABA, NTNU, the University of Bergen, Norwegian university colleges, Renewable Norway, Itera, the Ukrainian Association in Norway, the Norwegian Hydrological Council, Norwegian Church Aid, the Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwegian People’s Aid, the Urban Coalition for Ukraine, the Norwegian Water Association, Rise Ukraine, the Centre for Environmental Humanities at the University of Oslo, AHO, NMBU, the Ministry of Culture and Equality, and Tekna’s professional networks and associations.
We professionally livestream and produce podcasts using our own equipment, which we also lend to other NGOs that support our mission.
Forum for Technology and Development Cooperation (FTU) was founded in 1978 by Norad. It is an association for individual and institutional members, in which the association owns the media organization through the Annual General Meeting.
We follow the Code of Ethics for the Norwegian Press and the Editors’ Code.
We meet the definition of journalism provided in the report of the Freedom of Expression Commission, NOU 2022: 9: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/nou-2022-9/id2924020/?ch=14
FTU’s Purpose
Forum for Technology and Development Cooperation (FTU) is a platform for debate and information.
FTU shall promote science, technology, and innovation in development cooperation by creating awareness, sharing knowledge, and establishing partnerships. FTU shall highlight the potential of technology to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals for decision-makers, organizations, businesses, and individuals.