Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening

It’s wonderful to be back in the US and so soon after my last visit. Actually, I was in NY just last week for the UN General Assembly were cross-cutting partnerships and the role of the private sector in development were a couple of the issues I noted were heavily discussed. 

I’m sure you have all heard in one way or another something about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals or the Global Goals, or otherwise referred to as the 2030 Agenda. It is an ambitious Agenda for people, planet and prosperity that will guide us towards a better world for all of us, with the promise of leaving no-one behind.

In order to have a chance of succeeding everyone and every country must take ownership of the Agenda. And here the private sector has a significant role to play. Private businesses can provide innovation, know-how, technology and expertise in a number of areas that are critical to ensuring sustainable development and finding new solutions.

The Global Goals will be a driving force for opening new markets and creating a better enabling environment for business. And as such, present a wide spectrum of opportunities for visionary companies (like yourselves) and innovative partnerships.

Being at the UN, highlighted, once again for me, the importance of coming together for a common purpose to achieve common goals and transformative change.

Being together here tonight - outstanding companies from 2 countries - reflects just that, a common belief that doing business together is better than doing it alone. American and Danish businesses share the ambition to continuously seek innovative and new-thinking solutions to create healthier, more efficient and sustainable societies. This common ambition provides a solid platform for our businesses to share knowledge, experience and know-how and to increase bilateral trade and collaboration to the mutual benefit of both countries.

For the Crown Prince and me, our time in Boston and Massachusetts, together and apart, carries with it fond memories. From our official visit in 2011, to us both being fortunate to be part of the world-class learning environment at Harvard.

Harvard was an extraordinary experience for both of us. With such a distinguished faculty coupled with the unique community of engaged experts, it is difficult not to have your life changed or at least broadened. And we are so happy that even more Danes will have that opportunity in the future. Tomorrow, my husband’s foundation will grant an additional 250.000 dollars in scholarships for Danes to study at Harvard.

The openness of the American people is something the Crown Prince and I find heart-warming. We always look forward to visiting and meeting new and seeing familiar faces. We have formed many friendships here and one friend who is with us tonight is Ambassador Rufus Gifford - the American ambassador to Denmark and a Boston native. We know he is very fond of Denmark and the Danes – he got married there. And the Danes are likewise very fond of him, but Massachusetts and New England, is where his heart is.

So, how far back do the relations go? And what’s a Danish dinner speech without a Viking reference! As the story goes, around the turn of the century, the Nordic Viking ‘Leif den Lykkelige’ or ‘Leif the Happy’ – apparently we have always been happy people – was the first explorer to land on the coast of North America. After spending a winter in the harsh climate he decided to pack-up and head home, believing that there was no future for that land. We are still happy people but, the lack of foresight shown by Leif the Happy is regrettable.

Approximately 800 years later, marked the beginning of Diplomatic relations between our two nations. But we consider that relationship also to be a friendship. A friendship based on common values, like-mindedness, honesty and respect. And a healthy relationship that is constantly growing and developing and one where we can meet challenges together with new solutions and collaborations.

A good example of this is how we both prioritize good care for the sick and the elderly, promote high food quality and in general seek higher standards of living for everyone.

Massachusetts and Denmark value continuous innovation and sustainability, also in our choice of energy sources.

With the recent Energy bill passed, Massachusetts will become a bridgehead for offshore wind energy in America. More than thirty years ago, Denmark was the first country to install wind turbines. Since then, we have become a global pioneer in the wind power industry. It is estimated that ninety percent of all offshore wind turbines in the world are either produced by Danish companies, or have foundations and components developed in Denmark.

As such, the companies representing the Danish energy sector have extensive knowledge and expertise and they are here to share valuable insights. They know that their American counter-parts also have a lot to offer them in this respect.

And this exchange is true for all of the sectors represented.

The Crown Prince and I are proud to lead a delegation that represents some of the best of Denmark.

One thing we do well in Denmark is being understated. My impression is that in America; if you like something you say it, if you think you did a good job it is also okay to say it. So, in good American spirit I’ll briefly mention some very good reasons for American companies to consider establishing or expanding their presence in Denmark. 

Denmark is a world leader within sustainability, healthcare, agriculture and food as well as the maritime sector and the companies that are here tonight reflect cutting edge technologies and state-of-the art solutions and services.

We are ranked number one in the latest annual edition of Forbes’ “Best Countries for Business”.

We have one of the most liveable capitals.

And – on top of all that – we are incredibly happy people!

So I want to encourage even more American companies to look to Denmark in the future.

Sustainable Development for people, planet and prosperity provides new opportunities for growth but to truly capitalize on those opportunities it will require innovative partnerships, new business models and news ways of thinking.

Thank you for your warm hospitality and the ambition that such a gathering represents. We look forward to returning the favour when you come to Denmark. 

Please join me in welcoming the next speaker, the Danish Minister for Environment and Food, Mr. Esben Lunde Larsen.

Thank you.