Norway has unveiled its pavilion design for the Expo 2020 Dubai with the theme ‘Norway as a world leading ocean nation’, aiming to strengthen the country’s position as a leading ocean nation, and present sustainable technologies and solutions to an international audience.
The pavilion will be designed by a consortium of the country’s designers Rintala Eggertsson Architects, Expomobilia and Five Currents. Its design and content will effectively convey the theme and contribute to further strengthening the perception of the importance of a sustainable use and development of the ocean. Senior officials stated that, Norway will present ocean industries, ocean research and solutions to meet the UN Sustainable Department Goal number 14 in an interactive and playful way.
Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway said: “Norway has large and important ocean industries, such as oil and gas, seafood and maritime sector and the government’s goal is for Norway to be a leading ocean nation.”
“We therefore need to take an international leadership role on important ocean issues and be at the arenas where solutions to the world’s challenges are discussed. Expo 2020 will be such an arena.”
He also said the core exhibition will consist of 680 sqm interactive space that is designed to be playful, educative and interesting as well as highlight the country’s position with ocean issues. There will also be thematic days and weeks highlighting and discussing important issues related to sustainable use and development of the ocean.
“Collectively, all the Norwegian activities aim to provide a glimpse into what the country can offer to preserve and sustainably use the ocean. It all starts below the sea bed, leading the visitor through all levels of the ocean up to the surface; – covering environmental and climate aspects, research and innovation, and presenting sustainability solutions provided by Norwegian ocean-related technology companies from all types of industries,” explained Isaksen.
Officials also commented that Norway’s coastline is one of the longest in the world and that marine areas are five times as large as the land, with thousands of Norwegians working within that industry- be it in oil and gas, maritime or seafood sectors. In total, they said these industries account for 70 percent of Norwegian export earnings.