[19 March 2014] -- The Cities Alliance mourns the loss of Per Nygaard, a great representative for Norway and one of the Cities Alliance's most consistent and constructive partners.
Per represented Norway on the Cities Alliance’s Board for many years in his capacity as Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
Noted for his low-key style and quiet manner, Per’s deeply held views, extensive experience, professionalism, and integrity helped shape the Cities Alliance into the successful organisation that it is today. Everyone who worked with him appreciated his integrity, great sense of humour and real spirit of mischief.
With his expertise in gender issues and sustainability, Per brought a welcome perspective to the Cities Alliance. Along with his colleague Erik Berg from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Per was a driving force behind the Cities Alliance’s efforts to incorporate gender issues into its activities – a legacy which remains today.
“Per made an enormous contribution to the overall direction of the Cities Alliance, particularly with his empathy for social justice, the poor, and for promoting the role of women,” said William Cobbett, Director of the Cities Alliance who worked closely with Per for years. “He was the model of a committed public servant, and he will be sorely missed.”
Educated as a political scientist, Per joined the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in Oslo directly after graduation and remained there throughout his career. He held various positions throughout the Ministry, and although gender and sustainability were his main areas of expertise, his breadth of knowledge led him to be intimately involved with virtually all of the Ministry’s activities.
In addition to his day job, Per was active as a local politician in his community and well known as a talented musician who loved jazz and performing with his band. He passed away 10 March 2014.
Per Nygaard, left, and his colleague Erik Berg, right, on a site visit during a Cities Alliance board meeting.
“Per made an enormous contribution to the overall direction of the Cities Alliance, particularly with his empathy for social justice, the poor, and for promoting the role of women. -- Cities Alliance Director William Cobbett
