Nor-Shipping has announced that John F. Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, will deliver a closing address at the Ocean Leadership Conference, taking place on Tuesday 6 June.

Kerry, a former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate, will share the stage with other key global figures including Dr Andrew Forrest, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, and Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel laureate in Economics and former Chief Economist at the World Bank. In his role as President Joe Biden’s ‘climate champion’, Kerry will address business leaders from around the world on the need to work together today to enable a sustainable tomorrow; balancing commercial opportunity with environmental ambition.

Driving developments

“We are honoured to confirm that John F. Kerry, for so long a leading light in the world of international politics and diplomacy, has accepted the invitation to speak at next week’s Nor-Shipping,” comments Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping. “As one of the driving forces behind the successful negotiation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Special Presidential Envoy Kerry is acutely aware of the need for sustainable ocean development; understanding that the decision makers gathering at Nor-Shipping have a vital role to play in that process.

“His addition to our unique line-up of global authorities, experts and thought leaders confirms both the standing of our Ocean Leadership Conference and its potential for enabling positive progress. With our main Nor-Shipping 2023 theme of #PartnerShip, we are delighted to be collaborating with so many respected individuals and organisations on securing the profitable, sustainable health of our ocean space.”

The top table

Kerry was sworn in as the first ever United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate on 20 January 2021, with President Biden saying that he would ‘have a seat at every table around the world’ in his quest to combat climate change. At Nor-Shipping he will share ‘the table’ with a broad range of big names from the ocean industries and beyond, including Guy Platten, Secretary General, of the International Chamber of Shipping; Kjerstin Braathen, CEO, DNB; and Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO, DNV, amongst others.

Knut Arild Hareide, the Director General of Shipping and Navigation at the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, will also hold a ‘final words’ presentation alongside Kerry, blending a national perspective with growing global ocean ambitions.

Countdown to opportunity

Further details of the Ocean Leadership Conference, and information on how to acquire tickets, can be found here.

In addition to the conference, Nor-Shipping’s main exhibition will gather tens of thousands of delegates, and around a thousand exhibitors, in Lillestrøm, with a host of networking and knowledge sharing events spread across Oslo.

Highlights from the week’s programme include the first ever Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind and Offshore Aquaculture Conferences, the Second Maritime Hydrogen Conference, the Fourth International Autonomy Summit, the Blue Talks, and the always popular AfterWork@AkerBrygge social scene.