Mayor Gunnar Bakke of Bergen, Norway

Gunnar Bakke was introduced to INSP in 2009 during his support of the organisation's 14th annual conference in Bergen, co-hosted by the local street paper Megafon. He spoke of his admiration of street papers' enterprising approach to poverty alleviation and expressed his interest in Megafon's international connections through INSP.

Speaking of his new appointment as INSP Patron, Mayor Bakke said: "It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to be a Patron of the International Network of Street Papers. The organisation is doing an excellent job worldwide, providing a much needed voice to people who would otherwise not have one. Most importantly, street papers give homeless and disadvantaged people a means to earn a dignified living by helping them to help themselves.

"Through dedication to the less fortunate members of our communities and with a critical eye toward the ways in which our society is structured, street papers create understanding and a dialogue between different social groups and cut down harmful social barriers. By purchasing a street paper, we all support this good work.

"I personally hope that a larger number of politicians and policy-makers worldwide will recognise and support the successful work of INSP and street papers. I intend to use my position as patron to help raise awareness about street papers, and the very important function they have in our society."

Click here for an article in Norwegian, in Bergens Tidende newspaper.

Click here for an INSP press release about the appointment.