Norway’s prime minister visits New York

Jonas Gahr Støre calls on United Nations Security Council, Equinor, and NYC mayor

Photo: Pontus Höök / NTB
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was seen walking the streets of New York City.

Regjeringen.no

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre traveled to New York on Jan. 23 to chair two meetings of the United Nations Security Council during its Norwegian presidency in January. The prime minister also met with the U.N. Secretary-General and visited Equinor’s offshore wind project, and met with the people behind the Norwegian award-winning film The Worst Person in the World.

Urban warfare, Afghanistan

At the United Nations on Jan. 25, the prime minister led an open debate in the Security Council on the protection of civilians in urban warfare. It was the last Norwegian signature event during Norway’s presidency of the Security Council in January.

“Warfare in densely populated areas creates enormous and unacceptable human suffering, which we must seek to prevent. Norway, together with the other members of the Security Council, wants to discuss what we can do to better protect civilians when armed conflicts are fought in cities and densely populated areas,” said Støre before the meeting.

The prime minister also chaired a meeting of the Security Council on Afghanistan the following day. The meeting was important, both because the international community must do what is possible to avert the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, but also because the Security Council will soon be negotiating a new mandate for the U.N.’s presence in Afghanistan.

UN Secretary-General

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has agreed to open both of these meetings. The prime minister also had separate meeting with the U.N. Secretary-General for a discussion on the most pressing global challenges and the need for strengthened international cooperation.

“I look forward to meeting Guterres and discussing with him how we and the U.N. member states through strengthened international cooperation can best solve today’s global challenges,” he said before the meeting. “His vision for his second term as Secretary General is inspiring and strategically important,” he added.

Value creation through offshore wind

Equinor recently signed a contract with the state of New York for offshore wind projects off the East Coast of the United States. The prime minister visited the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which will be the landing site for electricity generated from these major offshore wind projects.

“Norway and New York have common ambitions in renewable energy and green growth. I am proud that Equinor is a significant partner in New York’s ambitious commitment to renewable energy and look forward to learning more about the projects,” said Støre.

The first electricity from Equinor’s three offshore wind projects will be delivered in 2025, and according to Equinor, the projects will together produce electricity corresponding to the needs of around 2 million households, contributing $4.5 billion in value creation and 5,200 jobs in the state of New York.

The prime minister also met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to discuss climate issues and sustainable solutions.

The Worst Person in the World

In the spring of 2021, The Worst Person in the World, the third film in director Joachim Trier’s Oslo trilogy, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film received rave reviews, and actress Renate Reinsve was the first Norwegian to win the award for best actress there.

The film is a strong contender for an Oscar nomination and will be released in American cinemas on Feb. 4. Director Trier, actor Reinsve, and producer Andrea Berentsen Ottmar are all in New York in connection with the U.S. premiere.

“It is fantastic to be able to meet the people behind the critically acclaimed film The Worst Person in the World,” said the prime minister. “The film’s success shows that it is possible for the Norwegian film industry to entertain international ambitions. I wish them good luck with the launch and crossing my fingers for the Oscar nomination.”

The Oscar nominations will be announced on Feb. 8, and the awards ceremony will take place on March 27.

This article originally appeared in the Feb. 4, 2022, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.