Crown Prince Haakon opens UiT event in Nice

"We are very pleased that Crown Prince Haakon, who is a goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition, will open our session on the future of the Arctic and the world's oceans," says UiT Rector Dag Rune Olsen.

During the UN Ocean Summit in Nice this June, UiT will host two events aboard the SS Statsraad Lehmkuhl on Tuesday, 10 June. The first event, opened by H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon, will focus on what needs to be done as climate change and melting sea ice increase pressure on nature, local communities, and international cooperation. The event is organised in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Two men standing beside each other. — H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon met Rector Dag Rune Olsen at the Isfjord Centre in Ilulissat, Greenland, in 2022. On that occasion, the Crown Prince was participating in an outreach expedition organised by UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Foto: Rune Sundelin / UiT

"We need holistic management for the future. As a research and knowledge institution, it is our responsibility to ensure that management is based on science and includes Indigenous peoples, youth, and diverse cultural perspectives," says Olsen.

The importance of knowledge from arctic communities and indigenous Peoples

The event brings together political leaders, researchers, Indigenous representatives, youth, and civil society to discuss how we should manage the future of the Arctic in light of the significant consequences of climate change and geopolitical shifts.

"In the work towards a sustainable future, it is crucial to include knowledge from Arctic communities and Indigenous peoples. We aim to discuss how knowledge, innovation, and collaboration can contribute to solutions," says Olsen.

Hoping to learn more about how international politics affects the oceans

Additionally, three students from UiT will present the upcoming voyage through the Northwest Passage in August/September. For the first time, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl will sail through the Northwest Passage, 120 years after Roald Amundsen, as the first Westerner, completed the same journey with the sailing vessel Gjøa. Onboard this historic voyage will be 120 students from 18 countries and around 40 researchers from UiT and partner universities.

Portrait photo, young woman. — Yara Hannah Theresa Nieuwenhuis is one of the students who will present the voyage aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Foto: Karine Nigar Aarskog / UiT

UiT student Yara Hannah Theresa Nieuwenhuis will take part in the sailing voyage and will also present the upcoming expedition in Nice.

"I am really looking forward to going to Nice, especially because of the focus on ocean conservation and sustainable use. I hope to learn more about how international politics influences the future of our oceans and to hear different perspectives from others who care about these issues. I hope to take this knowledge with me when I board the Statsraad Lehmkuhl later this year," says Nieuwenhuis.

UiT student Mathis Jacob Schulz is also excited to attend the summit:

"I hope to have the opportunity to observe international governance up close. I look forward to meeting new people, gaining interesting experiences, and being part of the effort to build a better future for our oceans and the world," says Schulz.

Popular science lectures

During the second event aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, there will be popular science lectures on maritime law related to climate change, mineral extraction, and plastic pollution in the ocean, delivered by researchers from the National University of Singapore and the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea at UiT.

UiT will also participate in a sailing trip from Monaco to Nice, organised by the Ministry of Education and Research on 8 June, as well as the launch of the Ocean Incubator Network learning toolkit on the same day.

Rector Dag Rune Olsen is pleased that UiT has the opportunity to present research and contribute to discussions during the ocean summit.

"The Arctic is a global priority. What happens in the Arctic affects the entire world. Norway is a leader in Arctic research, and we have a responsibility to take the lead in developing knowledge-based management. UiT The Arctic University of Norway is in Nice to contribute a comprehensive knowledge base," says Olsen.

Aarskog, Karine Nigar [email protected] Seniorrådgiver kommunikasjon

Bredesen, Kim [email protected] Rådgiver

Published: 21.05.25 10:00 Updated: 21.05.25 10:23

Arctic Ocean Studentliv / Studier