Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, friends of Greenland.

It is a pleasure and privilege to open the Greenland Day at this, the largest and most prestigious mining conference in the world. It is of course good in itself to be back in Canada, but I am especially pleased to be here because Greenland is very close to my heart.

Over the years the country’s magnificent scenery and its kind-hearted people have given me many unforgettable memories. I have had the privilege of experiencing the unforgiving but also astonishingly beautiful nature when covering more than 2,800 km in one of the most desolate regions on the planet on a dog sled 19 years ago. A grueling expedition that honoured the way the Greenlandic people have always travelled and survived. 

The amazing arctic nature and the kindness and hospitality of the people are only some of the wonders of Greenland. Since the 18th century, exploration has again and again shown the unique riches of Greenland that exist below the surface. I have personally enjoyed a small part of these riches, as gold mined in South Greenland was used for the wedding rings carried by The Crown Princess and myself.

Today, we are gathered to showcase Greenland as an attractive destination for investors in mining and minerals.

Greenland Day will demonstrate what Greenland is doing to develop the mining sector. It will highlight the experience and the expertise that already exist. And it will show how the government of Greenland is working to further improve the regulations supporting sustainable mining, all in the best interests of its people, the industry and in particular the environment.

Maintaining a high level of environmental protection is pivotal to safeguarding the fragile eco system for generations to come. And sustainable development is about protecting the environment and its complex systems, while also creating jobs and economic growth towards the positive development of society.

I hope that both Greenland and its investors will benefit from this conference.

Thank you.