Åpning av utstillingen “From Lomonosov to Nansen and beyond”

Check against delivery
(the speech was shortened when delivered,
the following text is the longer version)

Dear friends,

Thank you, Mayor Hausberg. I am glad to see you all here – on the eve of the Arctic Frontiers conference, which brings together hundreds of people from many different countries with specialist knowledge of Arctic matters.

The exhibition is dedicated to two remarkable personalities who devoted much of their lives to the Arctic: Mikhaíl Vasilyevich Lomonosov and Fridtjof Nansen. Two towering figures – almost mythical characters – in the history of Arctic exploration and science.

Many of you are familiar with the location of the Lomonosov Ridge and the Nansen Basin. But what really makes these two men stand out in the history of Russia and Norway, and internationally, is the breadth of their engagement and the diversity of the contribution they made – far beyond the boundaries of natural science.

Lomonosov – as the Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Iljá Mikhailsjúk will no doubt point out – was a true polymath. He distinguished himself not only in geography, physics, chemistry, mineralogy and optics, but also in history, philology, poetry, grammar and art. And he made a very significant contribution to the development of the modern Russian language.

Nansen was not only an explorer, oceanographer, geologist and meteorologist, but also a zoologist and neurobiologist, as well as a renowned humanitarian worker and diplomat. They were both “Renaissance men”.

In today’s world, a cross-disciplinary approach is needed as much as ever, and the careers of Lomonosov and Nansen should serve as an inspiration.

Equally important is their understanding that science and the humanities must go hand in hand.

We are not studying the state of the Arctic for the sake of science, but for the benefit of human beings, for the development of our human societies, and to prepare us to meet both the present and the many future challenges in the Arctic.

That’s why the opening of this exhibition is an appropriate conclusion of the Lomonosov–Nansen seminar that some of you have attended today; it is also a prelude to tomorrow’s Arctic conference, and indeed a perfect start to this year of anniversaries. Here in Norway, we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Fridtjof Nansen and the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen’s journey to the South Pole. 

Dear friends,

Nansen is a familiar name to most Russians, and for many reasons. Unfortunately, I must say, Lomonosov is not that well known to the general public in Norway. It is time we change that. This exhibition will help to do just that with its celebration of the 300th anniversary of Lomonosov’s birth.

The High North is where Norway and Russia meet to discuss common interests, opportunities and challenges: climate change, melting ice, the vulnerable environment, energy resources, the North–East Passage, fish stocks, business opportunities, art festivals, the importance of education, knowledge, research, sports, employment opportunities, easier border crossings, etc. The legacy of Nansen and Lomonosov brings our two countries closer together.

However, Fridtjof Nansen was not the first Nansen to visit Russia. Early in the 17th century, his forefather Hans Nansen, who later became Mayor of Copenhagen, took part in an expedition to the Kola Peninsula. That was the start of a successful career as a merchant sailor. His Compendium Cosmographicum and several other books about his travels were published in the 1650s.

Lomonosov was a native of the Arkhangelsk region, which is often referred to as Russia’s cultural treasury, as old customs and traditions have survived there to this day. Arkhangelsk, downstream from Lomonosov’s native Kholmogory, was to become the most important meeting place for Russian traders, Pomors, and Norwegians in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Lomonosov’s father was a successful farmer, fisherman, merchant and ship owner who sailed to Kola and Lapponia, and probably Norway. Mikhail accompanied his father on these voyages from the age of ten. A fascinating story.

Now, returning to today’s world, 2010 was truly a remarkable year in Norwegian–Russian relations. An achievement of historic importance was the signing in September of the agreement on maritime delimitation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Another important event was the reopening of the Norwegian consulate in Arkhangelsk – where I met you, Mr Mikhailtsjúk. Then, in November, we signed an agreement which will introduce a visa-free regime for those who live in the border area.

Norway and Russia have a broad agenda for developing our cooperation further in 2011 and the years ahead. The Arctic will continue to be a top priority. In this vast region, with its challenges and opportunities, Norway and Russia are natural partners. This exhibition sheds light on a proud history, and it provides inspiration for the future. We can build on a heritage we share.

Now, finally, let Fridtjof Nansen’s concluding words from his address at St. Andrews University in November 1926 inspire us: “... All of us are explorers in life, whatever trail we follow. (...) it is the explorers with the true spirit of adventure we now need ...” 

Dear friends,

My warm thanks to the organisers of the exhibition. I hereby have the honour to declare the exhibition dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Mikhail Lomonosov and the 150th anniversary of Fridtjof Nansen open.