United Nations Global Compact

Dear ocean friends,

Supporters of this grand initiative,

 

Life began with the ocean.

These masses of water cover nearly three-quarters of our planet.

The ocean is the world’s most important stakeholder.

It makes life on Earth possible.

 

The ocean is also home to the majority of the Earth's plants and animals.

Some we know.

Many of them we don't.

Yet.

 

90 percent of the ocean is still undiscovered.

A dozen people have walked on the moon.

Only three have successfully gone down – and come back up – from the deepest parts of the sea.

We depend on the ocean.

 

We should all treat the ocean well.

And take good care of it.

As if, it was our lifeblood.

Sadly, we do not.

If the ocean is in trouble, so are we.

Mankind is consuming the ocean’s resources at an alarming rate.

There are limits to what we can put into the ocean.

And there are also limits to what can be taken out.

We need to realise that the ocean's resources are not limitless.

 

Historically and today, Norway is a seafaring nation. 

We have always been a people of the ocean.

The ocean has constantly encouraged us to meet new challenges.

Without surrender.

Norway will use our experiences and knowledge to create an international understanding on sustainable use of the oceans.

This is crucial if we want future generations to live by and from the ocean.

 

The Norwegian Government has launched an ambitious ocean strategy.

It stretches from green technology, digital solutions and innovative use of marine resources to international diplomacy and the fight against overfishing.

And, our time biggest challenge when we talk about the ocean and the environment: Plastic.

The success of our strategy depends on our capacity to combine our long history of maritime competence with innovation and research.

Today, the Norwegian shipyards are getting greener and we are building the world's first gas-driven ferry, the first electric ferry and the first electric fishing boat.

And so much more.

 

Among the great challenges the world faces is how to ensure enough food.

Our common aim is to get rid of extreme poverty and hunger by 2030.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector and has the potential to produce the seafood needed to help meet the demands of a growing population.

That is why Norway is taking fish farming off shore.

To revolutionise the aquaculture industry.

 

The ocean is the most important thing we have.

We should view it as our highest priority.

And take care of the ocean systems that make our lives possible.

That is why Norway warmly welcomes the UN Global Compact.

The world's largest corporate sustainability initiative that is taking crucial steps to reach the UN goals.

 

With the support of business and other stakeholders, we are taking action.

And believe me.

Norway is in.

With all our heart.

 

This initiative suits our broader strategy to show international leadership in protecting the Law of the Sea and facilitating sustainable growth through responsible management and use of resources.

This project is shaping a sustainable future.

You are taking a leading role.

And we need even more to join.

To take the next step.

 

John F. Kennedy once said something like this:

"I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it's because we all came from the sea.

And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears.

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came."

I guess he was right.

 

There is not a lot we know about the future.

But, one thing is for sure:

The ocean will remain our fortune and our destiny.

An important source for the economy, our health, security and most importantly of all:

Our existence.

 

Let's continue to create solutions to global challenges.

Let's head into the future.

Together.

 

Thank you for your attention.