natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Politics – I hope – at its best!
Politics – I hope – at its best!
Let me first share with you a Norwegian perspective – or rather a historical context of where Norway “comes from” – 1911: only six years after Norway became independent.
Let me first share with you a Norwegian perspective – or rather a historical context of where Norway “comes from” – 1911: only six years after Norway became independent.
It should be remembered and understood how our polar explorers and polar history formed an extremely important part of Norwegian identity, Norwegian history and the whole Norwegian narrative.
It should be remembered and understood how our polar explorers and polar history formed an extremely important part of Norwegian identity, Norwegian history and the whole Norwegian narrative.
As a new generation of historians will recall, it was as if Norwegians went on skis to national independence.
As a new generation of historians will recall, it was as if Norwegians went on skis to national independence.
In 1905, when Norway gained independence and its own foreign service, our first Ambassador to London was no other than Fridtjof Nansen (Mr Polar Explorer himself) – the first among Norwegians was sent to the first among capitals, our close ally.
In 1905, when Norway gained independence and its own foreign service, our first Ambassador to London was no other than Fridtjof Nansen (Mr Polar Explorer himself) – the first among Norwegians was sent to the first among capitals, our close ally.
We were – in 1911 – a very young nation, a vulnerable nation, and a poor nation.
We were – in 1911 – a very young nation, a vulnerable nation, and a poor nation.
A total of two million people.
A total of two million people.
During the 19th century, more than a million Norwegians had immigrated to the US and Canada.
During the 19th century, more than a million Norwegians had immigrated to the US and Canada.
Child mortality was high in Norway.
Child mortality was high in Norway.
Child labour figures were high too, as was unemployment.
Child labour figures were high too, as was unemployment.
Now, think about imperial Britain, Germany and Russia, and our old “masters” Denmark and Sweden.
Now, think about imperial Britain, Germany and Russia, and our old “masters” Denmark and Sweden.
Contrasts.
Contrasts.
Norway needed heroes.
Norway needed heroes.
Norway needed men who took risks, broke records, survived, returned to their fatherland and won – frontrunners, symbols and icons showing that “we can do it”.
Norway needed men who took risks, broke records, survived, returned to their fatherland and won – frontrunners, symbols and icons showing that “we can do it”.
These polar expeditions, and there are quite a few of them from the 1880s to 1920s, helped to build our nation.
These polar expeditions, and there are quite a few of them from the 1880s to 1920s, helped to build our nation.
They strengthened our independence and democracy, the position of our newly arrived king and queen, gave people Norwegian idols, heroes.
They strengthened our independence and democracy, the position of our newly arrived king and queen, gave people Norwegian idols, heroes.
These adventures wrote chapters in the history, the tale, the story, of Norway.
These adventures wrote chapters in the history, the tale, the story, of Norway.
Pre-1905: just consider the pride of identifying yourself with Norwegians – from a country that was not yet a state – who competed and won against explorers from the great powers.
Pre-1905: just consider the pride of identifying yourself with Norwegians – from a country that was not yet a state – who competed and won against explorers from the great powers.
The polar explorers gave Norway an image, a reputation, an identity.
The polar explorers gave Norway an image, a reputation, an identity.
The saying goes – at least in Norway – that Norwegians are born with skis and that Norwegians froze themselves to (gaining) independence.
The saying goes – at least in Norway – that Norwegians are born with skis and that Norwegians froze themselves to (gaining) independence.
So, our nation’s story is quite different from the United Kingdom’s in the 1910s.
So, our nation’s story is quite different from the United Kingdom’s in the 1910s.
You had the empire.
You had the empire.
We had been close to being a colony for centuries.
We had been close to being a colony for centuries.
Norway and the UK – close in geography – but quite different when it came to mood, identity and outlook.
Norway and the UK – close in geography – but quite different when it came to mood, identity and outlook.
Slide: From the ship deck, dogs.
Slide: From the ship deck, dogs.
Talking about dogs, as you are aware, Roald Amundsen chose the Royal Geographical Society for his first talk on his expedition to the South Pole.
Talking about dogs, as you are aware, Roald Amundsen chose the Royal Geographical Society for his first talk on his expedition to the South Pole.
He addressed the Society on 15 November 1912 and included the following report from his journey the previous year, exactly 100 years ago, on 1 December 1911:
He addressed the Society on 15 November 1912 and included the following report from his journey the previous year, exactly 100 years ago, on 1 December 1911:
“On December 1 we had left behind us this crevassed glacier, so full of holes and bottomless chasm.
“On December 1 we had left behind us this crevassed glacier, so full of holes and bottomless chasm.
Our altitude was 9100 feet.
Our altitude was 9100 feet.
Ahead of us, and looking as a frozen sea in the fog and snowdrift, was a sloping ice-plateau studded with hummocks.
Ahead of us, and looking as a frozen sea in the fog and snowdrift, was a sloping ice-plateau studded with hummocks.
The march over “The Devil’s Dancing room” was not entirely pleasant.
The march over “The Devil’s Dancing room” was not entirely pleasant.
Gales from south-east, followed by snowdrift, were of daily occurrence.
Gales from south-east, followed by snowdrift, were of daily occurrence.
We saw nothing, absolutely nothing.
We saw nothing, absolutely nothing.
The ground below us was hollow, and it sounded as if we were walking on the bottom of empty barrels.
The ground below us was hollow, and it sounded as if we were walking on the bottom of empty barrels.
We crossed this unpleasant and ugly place as quick and as light of foot as possible, all the time with the unpleasant possibility of being engulfed”.
We crossed this unpleasant and ugly place as quick and as light of foot as possible, all the time with the unpleasant possibility of being engulfed”.
1 December 1911.
1 December 1911.
Roald Amundsen’s talk at the Society in November 1912 was followed by comments by his British friend and colleague Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Roald Amundsen’s talk at the Society in November 1912 was followed by comments by his British friend and colleague Sir Ernest Shackleton.
A great polar explorer.
A great polar explorer.
However – and here is my point about the dogs (see photo behind me) – the episode Amundsen remembered best occurred during the dinner when the Society’s President, Lord of Keddlestone, George Nathaniel Curzon (former Viceroy of India, Chancellor of Oxford University) proposed a toast for Amundsen’s dogs!
However – and here is my point about the dogs (see photo behind me) – the episode Amundsen remembered best occurred during the dinner when the Society’s President, Lord of Keddlestone, George Nathaniel Curzon (former Viceroy of India, Chancellor of Oxford University) proposed a toast for Amundsen’s dogs!
Amundsen – who was not amused by Lord Curzon’s sense of humour – would remember the episode – the offence – in detail, for the rest of his life.
Amundsen – who was not amused by Lord Curzon’s sense of humour – would remember the episode – the offence – in detail, for the rest of his life.
Both Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen visited the Royal Geographical Society frequently, and the ties between the British and Norwegian polar communities were as close at that time as they are today.
Both Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen visited the Royal Geographical Society frequently, and the ties between the British and Norwegian polar communities were as close at that time as they are today.
There is a long history of cooperation between Norwegian and British Polar explorers and scientists, both in the Arctic as well as in Antarctica.
There is a long history of cooperation between Norwegian and British Polar explorers and scientists, both in the Arctic as well as in Antarctica.
Slide: International research expedition on the ice sheet (Lance).
Slide: International research expedition on the ice sheet (Lance).
Photo.
Photo.
So, I am happy that we have now decided to engage in even closer polar cooperation – on cultural heritage and on polar science – as set out in the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that Foreign Secretary William Hague and I signed yesterday.
So, I am happy that we have now decided to engage in even closer polar cooperation – on cultural heritage and on polar science – as set out in the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that Foreign Secretary William Hague and I signed yesterday.
Under the MoU on cultural heritage we will cooperate on areas such as documentation, outreach and the conservation of specific cultural monuments.
Under the MoU on cultural heritage we will cooperate on areas such as documentation, outreach and the conservation of specific cultural monuments.
Focus under the science MoU is on scientific and logistical cooperation in Antarctica and in Svalbard – Ny-Ålesund.
Focus under the science MoU is on scientific and logistical cooperation in Antarctica and in Svalbard – Ny-Ålesund.
We need more knowledge about the polar areas – for example about the impacts climate change in these vulnerable areas will have on the rest of the world.
We need more knowledge about the polar areas – for example about the impacts climate change in these vulnerable areas will have on the rest of the world.
Slide: Two maps, the Arctic and Antarctica.
Slide: Two maps, the Arctic and Antarctica.
Now, to broaden the picture: Norway’s High North policy – looking to the future
Now, to broaden the picture: Norway’s High North policy – looking to the future
The High North: the Norwegian Government’s number one foreign policy priority.
The High North: the Norwegian Government’s number one foreign policy priority.
(And we are seeing increasing interest from European countries, the EU, and countries further afield – China, Japan, Korea, India.)
(And we are seeing increasing interest from European countries, the EU, and countries further afield – China, Japan, Korea, India.)
Three key drivers:
Three key drivers:
resources (fisheries, petroleum, minerals), and
resources (fisheries, petroleum, minerals), and
international cooperation, relations with Russia.
international cooperation, relations with Russia.
100 years ago, large parts of Antarctica and the Arctic had not been explored.
100 years ago, large parts of Antarctica and the Arctic had not been explored.
Blank areas on the map – and on the ground.
Blank areas on the map – and on the ground.
They are still among the parts of the world we know least about.
They are still among the parts of the world we know least about.
But we know one thing.
But we know one thing.
That knowledge is paramount:
That knowledge is paramount:
o We know that some of the most rapid and major effects of climate change are taking place in the polar regions.
o We know that some of the most rapid and major effects of climate change are taking place in the polar regions.
o We also know that our understanding of the implications of these effects will be decisive for our ability to address global warming.
o We also know that our understanding of the implications of these effects will be decisive for our ability to address global warming.
The Arctic and Antarctica both have a polar climate, but they are fundamentally different, as you all know:
The Arctic and Antarctica both have a polar climate, but they are fundamentally different, as you all know:
“Antarctica” means the opposite of the Arctic.
“Antarctica” means the opposite of the Arctic.
The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land masses, by coastal states with zones and shelf.
The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land masses, by coastal states with zones and shelf.
Antarctica is a land mass surrounded by oceans.
Antarctica is a land mass surrounded by oceans.
Antarctica has no permanent population (except researchers).
Antarctica has no permanent population (except researchers).
In the Arctic people have lived for thousands of years.
In the Arctic people have lived for thousands of years.
The five countries surrounding the Arctic Ocean – the United States, Canada, Russia, Denmark/Greenland and Norway – have internationally recognised sovereignty over land and, as a consequence, jurisdiction over maritime zones.
The five countries surrounding the Arctic Ocean – the United States, Canada, Russia, Denmark/Greenland and Norway – have internationally recognised sovereignty over land and, as a consequence, jurisdiction over maritime zones.
In Antarctica, claims to sovereignty and jurisdiction were frozen in the Antarctic Treaty.
In Antarctica, claims to sovereignty and jurisdiction were frozen in the Antarctic Treaty.
The Antarctic Treaty is therefore an agreement to disagree.
The Antarctic Treaty is therefore an agreement to disagree.
By looking beyond the disagreement on jurisdiction, it provides a well functioning legal order that deals with the challenges at hand.
By looking beyond the disagreement on jurisdiction, it provides a well functioning legal order that deals with the challenges at hand.
Thus, peace, stability, environmental protection and international scientific collaboration have been maintained in Antarctica.
Thus, peace, stability, environmental protection and international scientific collaboration have been maintained in Antarctica.
A remarkable achievement.
A remarkable achievement.
As in Antarctica, the legal framework for the Arctic is already in place.
As in Antarctica, the legal framework for the Arctic is already in place.
However, the Arctic Ocean is not governed by a particular regime, or by a specific treaty.
However, the Arctic Ocean is not governed by a particular regime, or by a specific treaty.
This does not leave the Arctic in a legal vacuum.
This does not leave the Arctic in a legal vacuum.
In principle and in reality, there is no difference between the Arctic and any other ocean – such as the Atlantic or the Pacific.
In principle and in reality, there is no difference between the Arctic and any other ocean – such as the Atlantic or the Pacific.
The Arctic is fully covered by the principles and regulations enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in addition to various environmental and fisheries agreements, IMO rules and other general regulations.
The Arctic is fully covered by the principles and regulations enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in addition to various environmental and fisheries agreements, IMO rules and other general regulations.
More than 150 states are party to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, which reflects international customary law on a large number of key issues.
More than 150 states are party to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, which reflects international customary law on a large number of key issues.
The five coastal states bordering the central Arctic Ocean (that I mentioned) have repeatedly and recently reaffirmed that the Law of the Sea provides a solid foundation for continued development of the international governance framework for the region.
The five coastal states bordering the central Arctic Ocean (that I mentioned) have repeatedly and recently reaffirmed that the Law of the Sea provides a solid foundation for continued development of the international governance framework for the region.
So my point is this: the challenges in this region have more to do with the implementation of existing rules than with an actual lack of rules.
So my point is this: the challenges in this region have more to do with the implementation of existing rules than with an actual lack of rules.
There is no lack of rules.
There is no lack of rules.
We are “filling in” with policies, with cooperation.
We are “filling in” with policies, with cooperation.
I use to say: the key word is High North – Low Tension.
I use to say: the key word is High North – Low Tension.
You read the discussion on these issues in the media from time to time, so therefore I say: there is no need for a new, comprehensive international legal regime governing the Arctic Ocean.
You read the discussion on these issues in the media from time to time, so therefore I say: there is no need for a new, comprehensive international legal regime governing the Arctic Ocean.
But there is a need – and that is for responsible coastal states and other states to assume their full rights and responsibilities in a transparent and accountable manner.
But there is a need – and that is for responsible coastal states and other states to assume their full rights and responsibilities in a transparent and accountable manner.
I see a need for governments to continue to come together to develop policies and rules to manage growing human activity.
I see a need for governments to continue to come together to develop policies and rules to manage growing human activity.
Slide: From Nordland (sculpture).
Slide: From Nordland (sculpture).
Now, two weeks ago I presented our first white paper on Norway’s High North policy.
Now, two weeks ago I presented our first white paper on Norway’s High North policy.
Returning to the “story of Norway”, our history and geography – long coastline, sea, harsh climate, rich in resources, livelihoods through generations.
Returning to the “story of Norway”, our history and geography – long coastline, sea, harsh climate, rich in resources, livelihoods through generations.
Norway and Britain – allies, sharing the North Sea.
Norway and Britain – allies, sharing the North Sea.
Step-by-step, we have built capacity so as to be at the forefront of knowledge about the High North – from knowledge of climate change in the Arctic via traditional polar science to new insights into geopolitical changes in the Arctic and new business opportunities in strategic sectors such as aquaculture, petroleum, shipping and mining.
Step-by-step, we have built capacity so as to be at the forefront of knowledge about the High North – from knowledge of climate change in the Arctic via traditional polar science to new insights into geopolitical changes in the Arctic and new business opportunities in strategic sectors such as aquaculture, petroleum, shipping and mining.
When talking to pupils and students in Norway, I often raise the question: Why did thousands of Norwegians leave their country 100 years ago when there were oil and gas under the seabed, opportunities for fish farming in the fjords and significant marine bio-prospecting activities?
When talking to pupils and students in Norway, I often raise the question: Why did thousands of Norwegians leave their country 100 years ago when there were oil and gas under the seabed, opportunities for fish farming in the fjords and significant marine bio-prospecting activities?
The answer is obvious today: They did not know.
The answer is obvious today: They did not know.
They lacked the knowledge.
They lacked the knowledge.
Now we know much more, but there are still many knowledge gaps that need to be filled if we are to make full use of the new opportunities arising in the High North.
Now we know much more, but there are still many knowledge gaps that need to be filled if we are to make full use of the new opportunities arising in the High North.
Slide: The Fram Centre, Tromsø.
Slide: The Fram Centre, Tromsø.
Close cooperation and interaction with the scientific community is key to achieving our four overarching goals for the High North:
Close cooperation and interaction with the scientific community is key to achieving our four overarching goals for the High North:
Stability and predictability.
Stability and predictability.
Sustainable management and use of the resources.
Sustainable management and use of the resources.
International cooperation and international law.
International cooperation and international law.
Value creation and employment.
Value creation and employment.
These goals are both foreign policy oriented and they involve other ministries as well.
These goals are both foreign policy oriented and they involve other ministries as well.
The Norwegian High North policy is both a national project and a generational project.
The Norwegian High North policy is both a national project and a generational project.
Now, let me very briefly – as I conclude my address – draw your attention to a few of the trends that I believe will shape the future in the Arctic region:
Now, let me very briefly – as I conclude my address – draw your attention to a few of the trends that I believe will shape the future in the Arctic region:
Slide: Energy.
Slide: Energy.
Melkøya.
Melkøya.
i) A new energy province in Europe
i) A new energy province in Europe
The Barents Sea is likely to become an important European energy province.
The Barents Sea is likely to become an important European energy province.
How rapidly it develops and how important it becomes will depend on market conditions, technological developments, the size of any commercially viable discoveries of oil and gas, and how fast renewable energy sources are developed.
How rapidly it develops and how important it becomes will depend on market conditions, technological developments, the size of any commercially viable discoveries of oil and gas, and how fast renewable energy sources are developed.
Long distances, market-related issues, the need for new infrastructure, and environmental and safety issues will pose challenges.
Long distances, market-related issues, the need for new infrastructure, and environmental and safety issues will pose challenges.
All the evidence suggests that the energy dimension will be the most important driver of increased interest in this region in political and business circles in other parts of the world.
All the evidence suggests that the energy dimension will be the most important driver of increased interest in this region in political and business circles in other parts of the world.
Climate considerations.
Climate considerations.
Other industries like fisheries.
Other industries like fisheries.
European energy security, global energy supplies.
European energy security, global energy supplies.
Developing industry and services in North Norway.
Developing industry and services in North Norway.
Also potential for renewable energy developments, including hydropower and wind and wave power.
Also potential for renewable energy developments, including hydropower and wind and wave power.
ii) A new industrial age in the north
ii) A new industrial age in the north
The natural resources of the High North have been there since time immemorial.
The natural resources of the High North have been there since time immemorial.
It is knowledge and growing demand that is making it possible to utilise them: fisheries, aqua-culture, petroleum, shipping and mining.
It is knowledge and growing demand that is making it possible to utilise them: fisheries, aqua-culture, petroleum, shipping and mining.
iii) Pioneering work on integrated marine management
iii) Pioneering work on integrated marine management
Management plans have been put in place to ensure long-term integrated management of Norway’s sea areas and encourage value creation within a framework that maintains the structure, functioning and productivity of their ecosystems.
Management plans have been put in place to ensure long-term integrated management of Norway’s sea areas and encourage value creation within a framework that maintains the structure, functioning and productivity of their ecosystems.
Slide: The Northern Sea Route, map with photo of a ship.
Slide: The Northern Sea Route, map with photo of a ship.
iv) The growing attraction of the Arctic Ocean
iv) The growing attraction of the Arctic Ocean