H.M. Konungens tal vid konferensen “Impacts of Climate Change on the Maritime Industry"

A major cornerstone in Sweden´s relations with the rest of the world is the United Nations. It has always been and will continue to be so. We show this by strong political and financial support of the organization.

The world is becoming more and more inter-dependent and so many contacts are global in scope. The task of the United Nations, to bring parties together in search of common solutions, is therefore of growing importance. At the same time the challenges are larger and the issues to resolve are more demanding.

The theme of this conference, the impact of climate change, is perhaps one of the greatest challenges ever. It concerns not only all countries and all people but Mother Earth herself.

Sweden is proud to be the host country of the World Maritime University. The University now has an important network of former students in more than 140 countries, where the knowledge they have acquired can have a vital impact on the development. They are active in public institutions, universities as well as in all other areas related to the sea and the marine environment.

As the World Maritime University now celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary this is a most tangible result of the efforts that have been put into building this institution. It has become a landmark in the seafaring world.

My sincere hope is that it will continue to be so also in the future. The know-how and education that the WMU stands for is an important and necessary contribution towards our efforts to halt climate change.

I want to wish all of you who participate in this interesting conference an inspiring meeting. But I also wish you all possible luck in your future work for our environment, for the safe and healthy survival of Mother Earth.

Thank you.