Vidar Helgesen, recently appointed Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO), has accepted the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition. "Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a unique platform for bringing people together and sharing knowledge", says Helgesen.
“The One Ocean Expedition is an excellent example of what the UN Decade of Ocean Science aims to achieve - reaching a broad audience with the message of the ocean's crucial importance to us all.”
As head of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Helgesen holds a key position in international ocean research, and with his background as Minister of Climate and Environment, he brings a strong commitment to the ocean and sustainability to the expedition.
What inspired you to become a goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition?
– The One Ocean Expedition is an inspiring contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Since the IOC coordinates the Ocean Decade, am I very eager to support it.
You were recently appointed as leader of the UN’s International Ocean Commission (IOC), which organizes the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Could you explain what the Ocean Decade is and why it’s important for our future?
– We now know that the ocean is vital to both the planet and humanity, but there’s still much we don’t understand about what’s happening within it. The Ocean Decade aims to generate more scientific knowledge about the ocean to support sustainable development.
– This is a decade not only for scientists but for everyone who depends on the ocean and can contribute to its health—in other words, all of us. The One Ocean Expedition is an excellent example of what the Ocean Decade seeks to achieve: broad outreach to share how essential the ocean is for all of us.
The sailing route for the One Ocean Expedition 2025–2026. Statsraad Lehmkuhl will visit over 25 ports across three continents.
How do you believe the One Ocean Expedition can help engage the public and policymakers in efforts for a sustainable ocean?
– Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a unique platform for bringing people together and sharing knowledge, whether it’s docked or at sea. Engaging busy decision-makers can be challenging, but you’d have to be remarkably indifferent not to want to board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The One Ocean Expedition is therefore very well positioned to invite key figures, introduce them to the importance and state of the ocean, and have conversations about the necessary efforts for a healthier ocean.
What do you hope will be the long-term outcomes of the One Ocean Expedition for both Norway and the international community?
– The same as the Ocean Decade’s goal: to mobilize the knowledge we need for the ocean we want.
Lecture on the main deck in the Pacific Ocean during the first One Ocean Expedition. Photo: Malin Kvamme
Finally, what is your personal connection to the ocean, and how has it influenced your commitment to ocean-related issues?
– I was born in Bodø, into a family for whom the sea provided income, joy, and loss across generations. I grew up on Nøtterøy, where shipping, whaling, and especially swimming were part of the everyday life. My grandfather was a clipfish trader and shipowner, sailing fish to Bergen, from where it was exported around the world. As my former boss and now fellow goodwill ambassador Erna Solberg likes to say, ‘Bergen was founded on the exploitation of northerners.’ But, knowing you can’t outmatch the people of Bergen, you might as well join them—so I’m now happily supporting Statsraad Lehmkuhl!
With his new role, Helgesen joins an impressive team of goodwill ambassadors for the expedition, including Crown Prince Haakon Magnus, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Conservative Party leader Erna Solberg, and the UN’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson.
Published: 14.11.24
By Helene Spurkeland
Photo: Vidar Helgesen, Eivind Senneset, Helene Spurkeland
