Bergen hopes to host the Ocean Decade Conference in 2030—one of the world’s most important forums for marine research and ocean policy under United Nations Ocean Decade. Both politicians and experts agree that efforts must be stepped up now if this goal is to be achieved.
The conference will be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2027. The goal is for Bergen to take over as the host city three years later.
Bergen, the Maritime Capital
“This is a highly international event that the Norwegian government is formally bidding for, but it is Bergen that is being positioned as the host. We are the ocean capital, and that is what the international community expects,” says Jon Askeland, county mayor and chairman of the board of One Ocean Havbyen Bergen.
Askeland points out that the Ocean Decade conference is closely linked to the UN Decade of Ocean Science and requires a strong scientific foundation.
“The Institute of Marine Research in Bergen is among the top five in the world, and together with the University of Bergen and other national institutions, we have strong research credibility,” he says.
Askeland also highlights the Statsraad Lehmkuhl and One Ocean expeditions as key elements of the application.
“The research expeditions and the ship are absolutely crucial to our international profile and play a key role in attracting applicants. We are now pursuing multiple avenues through international committees, diplomacy, and our networks,” he says.
Broad political consensus in Bergen
“There is a clear political majority both in Vestland County and on the Bergen City Council to work purposefully toward the Ocean Decade conference in 2030. This has been approved on several occasions,” says Chris Jørgen Knudsen Rødland (Conservative Party).
He believes that Bergen’s greatest competitive advantage is the synergy between research and industry.
“The close collaboration between the research community and the business sector provides us with concrete solutions and innovation for cleaner oceans and a better climate. That’s what sets Bergen apart from many other cities,” he says.
At the same time, he emphasizes the need for national support.
“This isn’t a project Bergen can handle on its own. We need the government on board—this should be a joint national effort,” says Rødland.
“There is overwhelming political consensus that this is an opportunity Bergen must seize. Unanimous decisions by the city council give us an excellent starting point for our future work,” says Linn Kristin Engø (Labour Party).
Does Bergen have the capacity?
Issues related to infrastructure and implementation have been central early in the process.
“We have both large hotels and Grieghallen, and the conference will be organized with parallel sessions, as is common at many major international conferences. It’s entirely possible, but it requires close cooperation across the entire city,” says Engø.
“The organizers are clear that this isn’t about hosting the largest possible conference, but about quality. Bergen has many suitable venues, and I’m convinced that this can be worked out—with or without new city venues,” says Jon Askeland.
Bergen is thinking long-term
“We started talking about United Nations Ocean Decade ten years United Nations Ocean Decade . The fact that Bergen is now systematically building momentum through One Ocean Week every year leading up to 2030 is both strategic and impressive,” says Petter Haugan of the Institute of Marine Research.
Haugan believes Bergen should actively leverage its international network in the years ahead.
“Bergen is a city characterized by newcomers and global connections. In a turbulent world, the ocean can serve as a unifying force. Our ambition should be to invite the world here to take concrete action for the ocean,” he says.
A unique opportunity for Western Norway
“It’s hard not to get excited. This is an area where we are world leaders—the ocean, seafood, and the entire value chain surrounding them. It gives us a unique opportunity,” says Monica Mæland, CEO of Bergen Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
At the same time, she emphasizes that the work will be demanding.
“This will cost money and require broad cooperation. We also need to convince the government that this is an important and worthwhile investment in Western Norway,” she says.
