Visit to Nice: reception

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends of the ocean,

It is such a pleasure to see you all here on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a ship that symbolises both Norway’s proud maritime heritage and our future-oriented commitment to the oceans. Like many Norwegians, I grew up with a deep connection to the ocean. The ocean has shaped our identity, sustained our economy, and inspired our sense of stewardship.

Today, that stewardship is being put to the test. The signs are clear. The world’s oceans are in grave danger. The myriad of species and ecosystems whose existence depends on the ocean’s well-being are under threat. 

An ocean in balance is essential to ensuring the health of our planet, our economies, and our communities. The ocean regulates our climate, feeds billions and supports livelihoods. Yet today, the ocean we are so dependent on is under pressure from overexploitation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Global sea levels are continuing to rise. I have had the chance to witness first-hand the many ways this jeopardises lives and ecosystems, endangering the existence of entire communities. Moreover, illegal fishing is still a serious concern, as is piracy in some areas. And hazardous chemicals are still being dumped into the waters from sea-going vessels and coastal sewers.

The High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy was created to address these threats, based on the belief that protection, production and prosperity can and must go hand in hand. I am proud that Norway was one of the 14 founding members. Our shared ambition is bold but necessary: sustainable ocean management of 100% of all national waters.

In line with the Panel’s transformative agenda, all 18 member countries are now developing and implementing Sustainable Ocean Plans, national blueprints to align ocean governance with sustainability, equity, and long-term economic resilience.

But clearly, governments cannot do this alone. To unlock the full potential of these efforts we need the private sector, we need innovators, and we need philanthropy.

Supporting the Ocean Panel is an investment in the resilience of our planet, in global food and climate security, and in building a sustainable future for the next generations. Together, we can inspire new solutions, work at scale, and show how leadership on ocean issues can deliver results far beyond the water’s edge.

This evening, we are celebrating what we’ve achieved so far, while also discussing our next goals.

So tonight we are taking a breath. We are resting, but only for a moment. Because there is still so much work to do. 

Thank you all for your attention.