The ocean is key to our history, identity and economy and the South Pacific together with Norway have much in common as large ocean states.

Speaking to students of the University of the South Pacific today, Crown Prince of Norway, Haakon Magnus says their visit aims to strengthen their cooperation with Fiji, especially on mutual challenges.

Prince Magnus says this includes having healthy oceans and fighting climate change.

He adds that both countries need to work together to reach common goals as Norway is also experiencing the impacts of this global challenge.

“Our winters are getting shorter than before and our glaciers are getting smaller. This is how we are connected. The ice in the North is melting which means it leads to the ocean coming up or the ocean rising all over the world. And of course in this region where you have done the least I guess to create the problem. You’re bearing the brunt of the consequences.”

The Prince says there are reasons for people to be hopeful as solutions lie in international cooperation, technology and leadership.

It was also highlighted that students from the University of Bergen in Norway have engaged with USP for student exchange programs which is continuing to grow.

Students of both universities have taken up marine studies, climate science and Pacific studies.