News of Norway, August 21, 2002
"I would be over 69 years old when a second five-year term would expire, and that's simply too old," she told the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.
She also told Aftenposten that her position as Director-General is "demanding, with a lot of traveling required". While stressing that she never shied away from a hectic, demanding life before, she said her "decision has to do with recognizing one's limitations".
Young Prime Minister
Dr. Brundtland has been a pioneer in several contexts, both on the national and international political arena. In 1981, at the age of 41, she was appointed Norway’s Prime Minister for the first time. She was then both the youngest person and the first woman ever to hold the office of Prime Minister in Norway.
During her two other periods as Prime Minister, in 1986-1989 and 1990-1996, she established herself as a great statesperson and came to be known as "Mother Gro" for many Norwegians.
Dr. Brundtland took office as Director-General of the WHO in July of 1998. She was nominated by WHO's Executive Board on 27 January and elected to the post on 13 May by the Member States of WHO. Her tenure with the UN health organization has been highlighted by her vigorous campaigns against smoking and AIDS.
No return
Dr. Brundtland told Aftenposten that "there would be no let-up in her pace during the remainder of her term", which ends in July of next year.
Speculation has arisen in the Norwegian press following Dr. Brundtland’s announcement centering on the possiblity of her return to the political scene. Dr. Brundtland has denied any such plans, but admits she might consider writing a column for one of the major newspapers in the country.