Working together for a sustainable, greener future
Việt Nam News on Norwegian Constitution Day, celebrated on May 17
Norwegians celebrate May 17 as our National Day. On this day in 1814, Norway’s first constitution was signed. The Norwegian constitution is the second oldest in the world still in use. 208 years have passed but the core values of sovereignty of the people, separation of powers and individual rights enshrined in our Constitution remain because they form the backbone of Norway today.
Openness, free exchange of opinions, inclusive decision-making processes and effective rule of law are the cornerstones of a modern, dynamic society.
Therefore, the Norwegian society understands that we must continue to protect these values actively at home and through the cooperation efforts with our bilateral and multilateral partners.
This is more important than ever in a world of increasing geopolitical tension and conflict.
Respect for a rule-based international order with a strong UN at its core is the best protection for small nations like Norway.
Our Constitution Day is a celebration of our nation’s future with children’s parades in every corner of the country.
There are no displays of military power, no political speeches. Since the pandemic, this is the first year that children all over Norway will be able to parade again with marching bands and waving our national flag.
Last week, the International Conference on Sustainable Ocean Economy and Climate Change Adaptation co-chaired by Norway and Việt Nam with the great support of UNDP Việt Nam was successfully concluded.
One key outcome of the Conference was a Co-chair Statement: Towards a Sustainable and Resilient
Blue Economy.
This is another evidence of our close partnership and shared priorities as two coastal nations.
In the pandemic aftermath, we all understand that protecting a clean and productive ocean is more important than ever if we are to be able to build back better and harvest sustainably from the oceans also in the years to come.
To do this, we should join hands in addressing all threats to oceans, including climate change.
Both Norway and Việt Nam set high ambitions for protecting healthy oceans, progressing green transition, and implementing the Paris Agreement.
When it comes to the green transition, oceans offer great opportunities for our businesses to cooperate in promoting sustainable marine aquaculture, offshore wind and green shipping.
A key to achieving our climate objectives is to transform the way we produce and use energy. We have both announced increased climate commitments. Now we need to focus on implementation and building partnerships that can deliver.
Although our points of departure are different, there exists a solution: cooperation and partnership.
In her recent visit to Việt Nam, State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bjørg Sandkjaer highlighted the need for all countries to take concerted and immediate action to deliver on their commitments. Without global cooperation, we cannot solve common problems.
The green energy transition is a painful but unavoidable process. I am very happy to see strong interest from Norwegian energy companies in supporting and contributing to Việt Nam’s efforts towards this goal.
I firmly believe we will strengthen our cooperation in moving the sustainable development agenda forward – not only in the interests of a clean environment but also for our prosperity.
Happy Norwegian Constitution Day! Hipp Hipp Hurra!