DUBAI – Norway celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday with a focus on its oceans economy and sustainability, as well as its seafaring heritage.
His Excellency Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and head of the UAE delegation welcomed His Excellency Børnar Selnes Skjæran, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo 2020 Dubai Commissioner General Office said: “Norway’s participation was designed to reflect its seafaring heritage, with the pavilion featuring its pioneering sustainable ocean solutions to the world, and leading position based on world-class technology and solutions within the oil and gas, aquaculture, fisheries, and maritime sectors.
“The relationship between Norway and the UAE has grown exponentially since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, and we look forward to exploring opportunities for further collaboration in areas of shared interest such as technology, sustainable development, and maritime activities that span the commercial and environmental spheres.”
HE Børnar Selnes Skjæran, said: “Today, Norwegian ocean industries are spearheading sustainable solutions from and for the ocean. The Norwegian energy, maritime and aquaculture sectors are paving the way for a green transition. As we look to the future – as we work to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – it will become even more important to ensure that we are choosing sustainability.”
He added: “We all know that it is only if we cooperate across borders and across oceans, that we can achieve what needs to be done. And I know that Norwegian companies can play a key role in addressing many of the challenges of the future, not just in terms of the solutions, regarding energy, green transportation, and food, but also in terms of the way they work and operate. Sustainability has many aspects – environmental, economic, and social – and they must be seen together.”
During a media briefing following the ceremony, HE Skjæran highlighted the significance of Expo 2020 Dubai, saying: “The world has gone through two years of the [coronavirus pandemic]. It therefore important now more than ever to bring people together to connect with each other, to share ideas and be inspired by each other.”
“The ocean has shaped Norway’s history and culture,” HE Skjæran said. “Through knowledge-based management and regulations that apply strict standards, we have created an industry where sustainable fisheries and sustainable aquaculture co-exist.”
Expo 2020 Dubai visitors were treated to a live musical performance by Norwegian singer-songwriter Even Johansen (aka Magnet), who entertained guests with guitar-based melodies.
Norway will continue to mark its National Day with a full programme of events. The afternoon starts with a high-level meeting titled ‘Tripartite Cooperation and UAE reform work’, organised by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), in cooperation with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO). The NHO and LO will also participate in the Women’s Pavilion Majlis session, ‘How gender diversity creates innovation, increased revenues, and sustainability’ in the afternoon.
Later, Norway will focus on its pavilion theme Pioneering sustainable ocean solutions – together with a business forum held at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). During the session, the country will take a deep dive into its existing sustainable marine solutions, as well as the history and cultural importance of its oceans.
National Day events will continue on Thursday morning with the seminar, ‘Sustainable Aquaculture – Feeding a growing world population’ at the Norway Pavilion.
Located in the Opportunity District, the Norway Pavilion showcases the proud Norse history of being among the greatest seafarers. The country has brought a powerful message about marine sustainability to Expo 2020 Dubai. With a bold architectural design based on ancient Norse trading boats, the pavilion has a pioneering vision for sustainable ocean development. Visitors can explore Norway’s eco-friendly fisheries, floating offshore wind power stations and seabed carbon-storage research.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020 Dubai’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.