After a hectic county tour in Norway with Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon travelled directly to New York. He arrived Sunday evening, and yesterday, a hectic week started for the Norwegian Crown Prince. This week the United Nations has its “UN high-level week”. His Royal Highness is followed by a huge diplomatic corps from Norway. In addition, Norway’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs are with him in New York.
Crown Prince Haakon was the keynote speaker when the United Nations Global Compact launched its principles for a sustainable sea on Monday. UNGC is a global network for companies that want to contribute to sound and sustainable practices. More than 9,500 companies from 160 countries are connected to the network, making it the world’s largest corporate social responsibility initiative
In his speech, the Crown Prince said: “Both personally, and in my capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP, one of my top priorities is raising awareness of these common global goals. The ocean is a key priority because it relates to so many of our global challenges.”
Norwegian participation has a particular emphasis on the sea, climate, development and peace work. This is also the last high-level meeting before the Security Council election next year. Norway is a candidate for one of the seats in the Council, and it is important to highlight how Norway can contribute to such a role. Crown Prince Haakon has been the lead-promoter of Norway getting the future place in the Security Council. In addition to attending the Climate Summit and launching the Principles for Sustainable Management of the Sea, Crown Prince Haakon was also attending a gathering to combat children’s suffering during war.
His Royal Highness said during this event: “I would also like to thank the child delegates for being here and for sharing their stories. I myself have children at home, a daughter and a son, who are the same age as you are. It really makes a deep impression to hear you speak. It reminds us how important it is to take action on this very important issue.”
Crown Prince Haakon has also met many other royals during his visit, and he will meet more in the days to come. On Monday, he met, among others, Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein. The Crown Prince also spoke during a lunch for Nordic and Caribbean Foreign Ministers in the Norwegian consul’s residence in New York. Crown Prince Haakon ended Monday’s programme at a networking meeting organised by the World Natural Fund. Today, Tuesday, the Crown Prince will among other things attend a summit on the UN’s sustainability goals and meet King Abdullah of Jordan.