Mayors, Ministers, Excellencies, Friends of Denmark

It’s a heartfelt pleasure for my wife Crown Princess Mary and me to welcome you to the Royal Halls of Christiansborg in Copenhagen.

Like most other large cities, Copenhagen is growing and following a global trend: By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in urban areas or cities.

Rapid urbanization makes it even more crucial that cities focus on organizing their city planning in a smart way to cope with increased traffic and higher housing demands, while turning them into green attractive livable spaces for the citizens. 

Thinking green has been part of the Danish DNA for decades. Denmark was forced to think smart and green in the early seventies due to soaring oil prices in the Middle East, as a consequence the foundation was laid for many of our successful green companies today. 

Promoting sustainability has become a Danish trademark, and Danish companies have become world leaders in smart green innovation. 

Many of these solutions are integrated into our capital city. To give you an example: In Copenhagen 99% of the buildings are heated with clean district heating. 49% of all the commute to work and educational institutions are by bike, and our harbor is so clean, that you can swim in it - and we do!

Copenhagen is widely recognized for its livability and holistic approach to urban development.

By investing in climate adaptation, the city has been able to accelerate the process of making Copenhagen a better, safer, healthier and more cohesive city to live in.

As C40 mayors and ambitious leaders of large and important cities from around the world you are in the frontline when it comes to resolving the challenges of urbanization and climate change. 

Together you represent more than 700 million people.

Together you hold the key to action, you hold the key to change.

Denmark has always been dedicated to international cooperation and is aware of its global responsibility, is eager to learn and is happy to share. 

We are proud that you can witness Copenhagen’s sustainable solutions firsthand. And we will use the opportunity of your presence to hopefully inspire you, but also to be inspired by you.

Mayors of the world, I wish you a great and successful summit.