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Senator Nunn, Secretary Shultz, distinguished guests;

Let me congratulate you all on the 10th anniversary of the Nuclear Treat Initiative.

It is an honor to accept the NTI George Shultz Award. I accept this award on behalf of the Norwegian people and their partners – in governments and in civil society – who are working to reducing global nuclear danger.   

The NTI/George Shultz award bears the name of a man who, having had the huge responsibility of handling his country’s security policy over many years has shown exceptional leadership in the field of nuclear disarmament. This gives the prize particular significance.

As Norway continues to recover from the terror attacks of July; as the United States comes out of the 10th anniversary of 9/11; as Japan continues to recover from nuclear tragedy at Fukushima; we are reminded of what it is like to confront the unthinkable. 

And we should be reminded of this: in avoiding a tragedy with nuclear weapons, we have been lucky.  But luck simply isn’t good enough. And luck is not something you want to build a safe future on.

Thanks in large part to NTI’s steadfast and courageous efforts, we are at last asking the right and fundamental question: whether nuclear weapons enhance our security in today’s world.   

With their unique ability to disrupt our societies, our economies, our environment and all life on earth, the question is whether we can continue to justify the real, catastrophic risk of conscious use, of misuse and of accident.

In conclusion, let me encourage the Nuclear Threat Initiative to continue to build awareness, political momentum and legitimacy - so that reducing the nuclear danger stays on top of the agenda for nuclear and non-nuclear states alike -  and to continue demanding that the words of the world’s leaders be translated into action.

Our vision must be a world without nuclear weapons. Though, it may not happen in the short run, we should pursue this vision.

I would like to thank the NTI for being such a powerful force in making the world a safer place. 

I wish you a successful anniversary.