On Monday, April 20, experts, policymakers, the business community, and young people gathered for a dialogue on our shared future for the ocean at the One Ocean Summit 2026.
“Welcome to Bergen and to the One Ocean Summit 2026. I am particularly proud to welcome you to the magnificent Håkonshallen. This venue has served as both a royal residence and a setting for important gatherings and decisions,” said the governing mayor Meyer.
She pointed out that Håkonshallen still fulfills its original purpose today.
– Today, Håkonshallen once again serves as a venue for dialogue, discussion, and forward-looking decisions. Here, we bring together world-leading marine scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and young voices to address the most pressing challenges facing the ocean. Bergen is honored to host and serve as the meeting place for this global dialogue.
The theme of this year's summit is "A Safe and Predictable Ocean." WATCH VIDEO
“The ocean is the very lifeblood of our planet. This issue directly addresses the challenges we face, both locally and globally,” said the city council leader.
Bergen: City of Knowledge
Margareth Hagen, Rector of the University of Bergen, highlighted Bergen as a city shaped by knowledge, curiosity, and innovation.
“Welcome to Bergen, a city defined by knowledge, research, and development. Bergen is a leading student city with a strong academic community and an active role in societal development,” said Hagen.
She highlighted the university’s extensive expertise in the field of marine science.
– One of our greatest strengths is interdisciplinary marine research, spanning fields from climate science, marine biology, geology, and oceanography to law and political science. This breadth lays the foundation for sound ocean governance.
Hagen also emphasized the importance of cooperation.
– We greatly value the strong partnerships we have with other research communities in Bergen, with the business community, and with the public sector.
As Norway’s largest university in the marine sciences, the University of Bergen offers world-class education and research.
– We conduct groundbreaking research in the fields of the deep sea, polar regions, marine ecosystems, and research related to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The University of Bergen is also the UN’s academic hub for Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water.
PHOTO: Morten Sæle
Responsibility and Vulnerability
"A long coastline brings with it both responsibility and vulnerability," the principal pointed out.
– Knowledge and a long coastline come with great responsibility. At the same time, an open coastline makes us vulnerable. We see this more and more clearly in today’s challenging security, environmental, and geopolitical situation.
She described One Ocean Week as more than just a conference.
– This is a gathering place where we come together across sectors to discuss our shared responsibility for the ocean and our coastal communities. At the same time, it is a festival of knowledge where insight and curiosity go hand in hand with passion and a love of sharing knowledge.
County Mayor Jon Askeland emphasized that the topic can be interpreted in several ways.
“A safe and predictable ocean is about science, knowledge, responsibility, and leadership. The world stands at a crossroads when it comes to the ocean. Through the UN Decade of Ocean Science, global knowledge, innovation, and cooperation can strengthen the foundation for a sustainable future,” said Askeland.
Watch the video from the meeting
The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet and is essential for a stable climate, global trade, and biodiversity. At the same time, the ocean faces major challenges such as climate change, competition for resources, and growing geopolitical tensions.
Working toward a safe and predictable ocean means securing maritime areas, protecting ecosystems, and building trust across national borders. At the same time, we must use knowledge and technology to anticipate risks and shape a sustainable future. These topics were highlighted at this year’s summit. WATCH VIDEO
Among the guests were Minister of Fisheries and Marine Affairs Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, State Secretary Astrid Bergsmål of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and United Nations Ocean Decade Barbière, Coordinator of United Nations Ocean Decade Sustainable United Nations Ocean Decade . His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon was also in attendance. The full program can be found here.
A Week Dedicated to the Ocean
One Ocean Week will take place for the fourth time in Bergen from April 18–24. See the program at oneoceanweek.no.
One Ocean Week is organized by One Ocean, Bergen, Norway, with support from The City of Bergen, Vestland County, and the University of Bergen.
Read more:Here's how the opening weekend went
