natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
We need people who lead the way.
We need people who lead the way.
The other day, I was reading about Hannes Hafstein, your first Minister under home rule (1904–1918), who brought about impressive improvements to communications in Iceland – bridges, roads and even a railway.
The other day, I was reading about Hannes Hafstein, your first Minister under home rule (1904–1918), who brought about impressive improvements to communications in Iceland – bridges, roads and even a railway.
But perhaps one of Hafstein’s greatest achievements was to bring Iceland in contact with the rest of the world through the telegraph.
But perhaps one of Hafstein’s greatest achievements was to bring Iceland in contact with the rest of the world through the telegraph.
According to the book I read, these plans were realised in 1905, with the signing of a contract with the Great Nordic Telegraph Company for a cable to be stretched from Scotland via the Faroe Islands to the eastern part of Iceland.
According to the book I read, these plans were realised in 1905, with the signing of a contract with the Great Nordic Telegraph Company for a cable to be stretched from Scotland via the Faroe Islands to the eastern part of Iceland.
Just think about that – one hundred years ago – installing a telegraph cable down on the seabed, hundreds of kilometres below the sea, while we still find it incredible today to think of the gas pipelines in the North Sea.
Just think about that – one hundred years ago – installing a telegraph cable down on the seabed, hundreds of kilometres below the sea, while we still find it incredible today to think of the gas pipelines in the North Sea.
Well, there was plenty of protest back in 1905, and more than 300 farmers rode to Reykjavik in order to stop the project.
Well, there was plenty of protest back in 1905, and more than 300 farmers rode to Reykjavik in order to stop the project.
Over the next few years, telegraph wires were put up all around the country, bringing untold benefits for private homes and for business communities.
Over the next few years, telegraph wires were put up all around the country, bringing untold benefits for private homes and for business communities.
The telegraph and later the telephone soon won universal approval and the protest was forgotten.
The telegraph and later the telephone soon won universal approval and the protest was forgotten.
In the midst of a crisis, let us always remember this: we can rise to the occasion if we pull together.
In the midst of a crisis, let us always remember this: we can rise to the occasion if we pull together.
We can turn the tide if we emphasise the need for collective action and collective responsibilities.
We can turn the tide if we emphasise the need for collective action and collective responsibilities.
We can reap new benefits for all if we share the fruits of progress in an equitable fashion.
We can reap new benefits for all if we share the fruits of progress in an equitable fashion.
Norway and Iceland have done that before.
Norway and Iceland have done that before.
Now, it is time to do it again.
Now, it is time to do it again.
The rest of the Minister’s speech was based on the following talking points (check against delivery)
The rest of the Minister’s speech was based on the following talking points (check against delivery)
Key elements of Norway’s High North Policy
Key elements of Norway’s High North Policy
During the Cold War the High North was just a frozen area.
During the Cold War the High North was just a frozen area.
It is still pretty cold, but it is getting alarmingly warmer in a physical sense.
It is still pretty cold, but it is getting alarmingly warmer in a physical sense.
It is an area where we need to take a broad and generational perspective.
It is an area where we need to take a broad and generational perspective.
Our policy must be based on predictability and knowledge.
Our policy must be based on predictability and knowledge.
I think we still have to update our mental maps of what the High North entails in terms of challenges and opportunities, and what it means for Norway and Iceland, and for our relations with our other neighbours, partners and allies.
I think we still have to update our mental maps of what the High North entails in terms of challenges and opportunities, and what it means for Norway and Iceland, and for our relations with our other neighbours, partners and allies.
Upon taking office in 2005, the Norwegian Government declared that the High North would be Norway’s most important strategic priority area in the years ahead.
Upon taking office in 2005, the Norwegian Government declared that the High North would be Norway’s most important strategic priority area in the years ahead.
This goal was elaborated in our High North Strategy, which was presented two years ago, and you’ll find it on the Foreign Ministry’s website in English and Norwegian.
This goal was elaborated in our High North Strategy, which was presented two years ago, and you’ll find it on the Foreign Ministry’s website in English and Norwegian.
Its objectives can be summed up as: promoting presence, activity, knowledge and international cooperation in the High North.
Its objectives can be summed up as: promoting presence, activity, knowledge and international cooperation in the High North.
It involves both domestic and foreign policy, and we are implementing the strategy along a number of tracks.
It involves both domestic and foreign policy, and we are implementing the strategy along a number of tracks.
One of these is an intensified contact with the countries in the region – and Iceland is indeed among them.
One of these is an intensified contact with the countries in the region – and Iceland is indeed among them.
I have given emphasis to establishing what we call “High North dialogues” with our Nordic partners, with Russia, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, other countries in Europe and the EU institutions.
I have given emphasis to establishing what we call “High North dialogues” with our Nordic partners, with Russia, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, other countries in Europe and the EU institutions.
And my meetings in Reykjavik today can be seen in this context.
And my meetings in Reykjavik today can be seen in this context.
From day one, my goal has been to raise the profile of Norway’s High North policy in talks with colleagues and in regional and international forums.
From day one, my goal has been to raise the profile of Norway’s High North policy in talks with colleagues and in regional and international forums.
It is, some times, a real challenge.
It is, some times, a real challenge.
As you know, knowledge of High North is not always very impressive further south.
As you know, knowledge of High North is not always very impressive further south.
As a German professor once told me in Berlin, “I thought Schleswig-Holstein was the High North!”
As a German professor once told me in Berlin, “I thought Schleswig-Holstein was the High North!”
To address challenges as well as opportunities we need political visions and ambitions.
To address challenges as well as opportunities we need political visions and ambitions.
In the years to come, my task as a politician – and your task as future politicians, lawyers, scientists, civil servants, journalists or teachers – will be to manage all these dimensions in a responsible fashion.
In the years to come, my task as a politician – and your task as future politicians, lawyers, scientists, civil servants, journalists or teachers – will be to manage all these dimensions in a responsible fashion.
One of the dimensions is quite frightening.
One of the dimensions is quite frightening.
The Arctic Sea ice is melting faster than experts predicted only a few years ago.
The Arctic Sea ice is melting faster than experts predicted only a few years ago.
The truth is inconvenient.
The truth is inconvenient.
We have all seen the famous National Geographic photographs of lonely polar bears; they still appear in the newspapers almost every week.
We have all seen the famous National Geographic photographs of lonely polar bears; they still appear in the newspapers almost every week.
Another species that is severely affected – but not so often referred to – is the ivory gull.
Another species that is severely affected – but not so often referred to – is the ivory gull.
What we should realise – and the point I want to make here – is this: that the ivory gull and the polar bear play a similar role to the canaries once used in the coal mines in the United Kingdom.
What we should realise – and the point I want to make here – is this: that the ivory gull and the polar bear play a similar role to the canaries once used in the coal mines in the United Kingdom.
Do they have enough “oxygen”?
Do they have enough “oxygen”?
Do they have the conditions they need to survive?
Do they have the conditions they need to survive?
Meeting the global challenge of climate change must be our first priority.
Meeting the global challenge of climate change must be our first priority.
I cannot at all share the “delight” of those who welcome the melting of the ice cap because they think this will be beneficial for the economy.
I cannot at all share the “delight” of those who welcome the melting of the ice cap because they think this will be beneficial for the economy.
It isn’t.
It isn’t.
Climate change is the “greatest and widest-ranging market failure ever seen” to quote the Stern Review.
Climate change is the “greatest and widest-ranging market failure ever seen” to quote the Stern Review.
Global warming, if it continues unchecked, is a looming disaster for the whole world.
Global warming, if it continues unchecked, is a looming disaster for the whole world.
And it will be a real disaster, in a way that the financial crisis is not.
And it will be a real disaster, in a way that the financial crisis is not.
We know that a one-metre rise in sea levels – which many scientists forecast could soon become inevitable – will cause serious flooding of major cities.
We know that a one-metre rise in sea levels – which many scientists forecast could soon become inevitable – will cause serious flooding of major cities.
The global consequences will be so destructive and destabilising that the effects of the financial crisis will pale into insignificance in comparison.
The global consequences will be so destructive and destabilising that the effects of the financial crisis will pale into insignificance in comparison.
That is if we do not act on a global scale.
That is if we do not act on a global scale.
The Arctic Council – which brings the five Nordic countries together with Russia, Canada and the United States – has monitored and led research on climate change in the region, and has provided important input to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC.
The Arctic Council – which brings the five Nordic countries together with Russia, Canada and the United States – has monitored and led research on climate change in the region, and has provided important input to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC.
It is vital that we – indeed that you who are studying and working at universities and research institutes – continue to learn about the causes and consequences of climate change in the High North.
It is vital that we – indeed that you who are studying and working at universities and research institutes – continue to learn about the causes and consequences of climate change in the High North.
I mentioned the rich resources of this region.
I mentioned the rich resources of this region.
This morning, Norway and Iceland signed a bilateral agreement on cross-boundary petroleum resources.
This morning, Norway and Iceland signed a bilateral agreement on cross-boundary petroleum resources.
The backdrop is Iceland’s planned activity in the north-eastern reaches of its shelf.
The backdrop is Iceland’s planned activity in the north-eastern reaches of its shelf.
Once again we found common ground by working together, taking the time needed and focussing on mutual advantages.
Once again we found common ground by working together, taking the time needed and focussing on mutual advantages.
I welcome this development and look forward to cooperating with Iceland in this field in the future.
I welcome this development and look forward to cooperating with Iceland in this field in the future.
Looking ahead to future oil and gas activities in offshore areas, we always underline that exploration and production must be in accordance with the highest standards for health, safety and the environment.
Looking ahead to future oil and gas activities in offshore areas, we always underline that exploration and production must be in accordance with the highest standards for health, safety and the environment.
There is no room for compromise there.
There is no room for compromise there.
Norway’s approach is to take a cautious, step-by-step approach to the development of our petroleum sector in the High North – precisely as we have been doing in the Norwegian Sea since the 1960s.
Norway’s approach is to take a cautious, step-by-step approach to the development of our petroleum sector in the High North – precisely as we have been doing in the Norwegian Sea since the 1960s.
In 2006, we adopted an Integrated Management Plan for the Barents Sea–Lofoten Area.
In 2006, we adopted an Integrated Management Plan for the Barents Sea–Lofoten Area.
Its overriding concern is to ensure that the development of the energy sector does not take place at the expense of the fisheries.
Its overriding concern is to ensure that the development of the energy sector does not take place at the expense of the fisheries.
I mentioned the fisheries.
I mentioned the fisheries.
Cooperation with Russia is a key element for us here and in our High North efforts in general.
Cooperation with Russia is a key element for us here and in our High North efforts in general.
Norway and Russia have a proud tradition of sound management of the important fishery resources in the north, including the North-East Arctic cod.
Norway and Russia have a proud tradition of sound management of the important fishery resources in the north, including the North-East Arctic cod.
We also cooperate closely with Iceland with regard to straddling stocks in the North-Atlantic.
We also cooperate closely with Iceland with regard to straddling stocks in the North-Atlantic.
In other waters fisheries management has not been as successful.
In other waters fisheries management has not been as successful.
Therefore, the Norwegian–Russian cooperation on fisheries management will remain very high on our priority list.
Therefore, the Norwegian–Russian cooperation on fisheries management will remain very high on our priority list.
We have achieved remarkable results in an intensified cooperation with Russia over the past couple of years, not least in combating illegal fishing.
We have achieved remarkable results in an intensified cooperation with Russia over the past couple of years, not least in combating illegal fishing.
Our goal is to continue to preserve the stocks in the Barents Sea and the North Atlantic.
Our goal is to continue to preserve the stocks in the Barents Sea and the North Atlantic.
Moreover, Norway and Iceland will continue to play a leading role in the management of living marine resources.
Moreover, Norway and Iceland will continue to play a leading role in the management of living marine resources.
Our fish stocks are well managed and together we have influenced EU resource management towards sustainability.
Our fish stocks are well managed and together we have influenced EU resource management towards sustainability.
Norway and Iceland also stand together in promoting a scientifically based approach to the exploitation of marine mammals in the IWC and in the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, NAMMCO.
Norway and Iceland also stand together in promoting a scientifically based approach to the exploitation of marine mammals in the IWC and in the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, NAMMCO.
In addition, we have been pioneers in the fight against illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) catches in home waters, as well as regionally and globally.
In addition, we have been pioneers in the fight against illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) catches in home waters, as well as regionally and globally.
In 2005, it was estimated that around 25 per cent of all cod caught in the Barents Sea – every fourth fish that is – was illegal.
In 2005, it was estimated that around 25 per cent of all cod caught in the Barents Sea – every fourth fish that is – was illegal.
We have brought these figures down.
We have brought these figures down.
Through a comprehensive effort by the Norwegian Government, agreements have been entered into with European coastal states.
Through a comprehensive effort by the Norwegian Government, agreements have been entered into with European coastal states.
And coastguard inspections on both the Norwegian and the Russian side have been strengthened.
And coastguard inspections on both the Norwegian and the Russian side have been strengthened.
This is equivalent to a saving of 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner.
This is equivalent to a saving of 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner.
The Barents Sea is one sea and it is one ecosystem.
The Barents Sea is one sea and it is one ecosystem.
We have been fishing in these waters for centuries, and we will continue to do so.
We have been fishing in these waters for centuries, and we will continue to do so.
Exploration and production of petroleum is one of the other main focus areas in the Arctic.
Exploration and production of petroleum is one of the other main focus areas in the Arctic.
The first major Norwegian field development in the Barents Sea – the Snøhvit oil field off western Finnmark – is a relatively small project.
The first major Norwegian field development in the Barents Sea – the Snøhvit oil field off western Finnmark – is a relatively small project.
Nevertheless, it has had a significant positive impact on the communities onshore.
Nevertheless, it has had a significant positive impact on the communities onshore.
So far, most of the activity has taken place in the Norwegian Sea, but there is also major potential on the Russian side.
So far, most of the activity has taken place in the Norwegian Sea, but there is also major potential on the Russian side.
The Norwegian town of Kirkenes – where you find street signs in both Norwegian and Russian – is the closest harbour to the Shtokman gas field in the Barents Sea.
The Norwegian town of Kirkenes – where you find street signs in both Norwegian and Russian – is the closest harbour to the Shtokman gas field in the Barents Sea.
Shtokman is a Russian field, and the Russians are intent on proceeding on their own terms.
Shtokman is a Russian field, and the Russians are intent on proceeding on their own terms.
Inevitably though, such major developments as the Stockman field, where Norway’s StatoilHydro holds a 24 per cent share in the development project, will bring about significant changes in the whole Barents region.
Inevitably though, such major developments as the Stockman field, where Norway’s StatoilHydro holds a 24 per cent share in the development project, will bring about significant changes in the whole Barents region.
My point to you is this: both Norway and Iceland are well placed along important transportation routes.
My point to you is this: both Norway and Iceland are well placed along important transportation routes.
Take another look at the map.
Take another look at the map.
The knowledge-based and innovative maritime industries in Norway, Iceland and Russia can expect to benefit in terms of construction activity, supply and procurement, transportation, expertise, and so on.
The knowledge-based and innovative maritime industries in Norway, Iceland and Russia can expect to benefit in terms of construction activity, supply and procurement, transportation, expertise, and so on.
However, developing the northern energy province is a tremendously expensive and technologically demanding task.
However, developing the northern energy province is a tremendously expensive and technologically demanding task.
It will be a long-term project.
It will be a long-term project.
As I have said, we must have a generational perspective.
As I have said, we must have a generational perspective.
And we should respect that.
And we should respect that.
With increased energy production comes an increase in transport, which will need careful management.
With increased energy production comes an increase in transport, which will need careful management.
What if 3 000 Russian tankers from the inner parts of the Barents Sea start passing along the coast of Northern Norway every year?
What if 3 000 Russian tankers from the inner parts of the Barents Sea start passing along the coast of Northern Norway every year?
Their distance from the shore will be significant for us.
Their distance from the shore will be significant for us.
Their distance from the Icelandic shores will be significant for you.
Their distance from the Icelandic shores will be significant for you.
We have taken this issue to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which in 2006 adopted a mandatory routing scheme that ensures that ships sail further north from the Finnmark coast – the northernmost Norwegian county.
We have taken this issue to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which in 2006 adopted a mandatory routing scheme that ensures that ships sail further north from the Finnmark coast – the northernmost Norwegian county.
In other words, we need global rules.
In other words, we need global rules.
Container ships travelling between Rotterdam and Yokohama in Japan via the Northeast Passage will reduce the length of their journey by 40 per cent.
Container ships travelling between Rotterdam and Yokohama in Japan via the Northeast Passage will reduce the length of their journey by 40 per cent.
And if ships are able to sail straight through the Arctic, the distance will be even shorter.
And if ships are able to sail straight through the Arctic, the distance will be even shorter.
There will be drifting ice in these waters, and in the winter it will be dark day and night.
There will be drifting ice in these waters, and in the winter it will be dark day and night.
What kind of logistical opportunities and challenges does all of this pose?
What kind of logistical opportunities and challenges does all of this pose?
What is the potential for the county of Finnmark and the Norwegian coastline – or for the Icelandic coastline – as a platform for serving the vast seas of the far north?
What is the potential for the county of Finnmark and the Norwegian coastline – or for the Icelandic coastline – as a platform for serving the vast seas of the far north?
Both Norway and Iceland must raise these questions and be ready find answers.
Both Norway and Iceland must raise these questions and be ready find answers.
The safety of the new sea routes was also raised at the high-level meeting between the five coastal states bordering on the Arctic Ocean that took place in Illulissat, Greenland in May 2008.
The safety of the new sea routes was also raised at the high-level meeting between the five coastal states bordering on the Arctic Ocean that took place in Illulissat, Greenland in May 2008.
There was a clear understanding of the need for enhanced search and rescue capabilities and capacity around the Arctic Ocean.
There was a clear understanding of the need for enhanced search and rescue capabilities and capacity around the Arctic Ocean.
Cooperation and sharing of information will be vital for addressing these challenges.
Cooperation and sharing of information will be vital for addressing these challenges.
Of no less importance, there was also agreement that the Law of the Sea provides the basic foundation for resolving differences.
Of no less importance, there was also agreement that the Law of the Sea provides the basic foundation for resolving differences.
The Arctic Ocean is not “a legal vacuum” in need of international regulation.
The Arctic Ocean is not “a legal vacuum” in need of international regulation.