Speech at Consert in Beijing

Ministers, Vice Ministers, World Bank Chief of Mission, Dear friends,

Ibsen’s play An Enemy of the People concludes with Dr. Stockmann’s immortal words that the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.

For many years this was true in matters related to sustainable development and climate change. The environmental “whistleblowers” were strong but lone voices.

But today we know better. The recent report by the International Panel on Climate Change proves beyond doubt that climate change is man-made.

Henrik Ibsen wrote that his most important task was to “awaken the people and inspire them to think about the bigger issues.”

Today there are no bigger issues than climate change.

This evening’s performance, “A Tribute to the Green Call”, aims to convey the message of environmental awareness in a new an innovative way. Among the audience are Norwegian and Chinese representatives of science and industry that continue to provide the innovative solutions that will help us face the challenges of climate change.

We must succeed and we will succeed in meeting those challenges. I can think of no better tribute to the green call.

Thank you, and enjoy the performance!