Minister of Education, Research and Church Affairs, Mr. Jon Lilletun

The University Courses on Svalbard

Longyearbyen, 16. august 1999

It is a great pleasure for me on behalf of the Norwegian government to welcome you to Svalbard, and to studies at The University Courses on Svalbard (UNIS). Some of you have spent the spring term in Longyearbyen, but for many of you this is your first term at the world’s northernmost university.

Svalbard has always been a place for international research on arctic-related subjects. The Treaty of Svalbard from 1920 states Norwegian sovereignty over Svalbard. But it also ensures people from the nations who have signed the Treaty the right to establish activities here on equal terms. Due to this, scientists from all nations are given the opportunity to do research on Svalbard.

The Norwegian government is deeply concerned about the conservation of the environment on Svalbard. Research activities should be adjusted to the restrictions made to protect the environment and the Arctic wilderness. In a longer perspective, research will also benefit from these restrictions, since most of the research on Svalbard depends on access to unspoiled nature. I hope all of you will show consideration for the need to protect the environment.

The community in Longyearbyen has built its existence on mining. Coal mining still plays a central role, but education and research are of increasing importance. Tourism is also becoming an important part of Svalbard’s economy.

Svalbard is definitely the most accessible arctic area in the world. Its location, the qualities of its nature, climate and infrastructure and Svalbard’s legal status are good preconditions for making this area a base for international research. UNIS is a very important part of the science system on Svalbard.

UNIS came into operation in 1993, when the first 23 students started courses in Arctic Geology and Arctic Geophysics. In January 1994 UNIS was constituted as a foundation owned by the four universities on the Norwegian mainland. It is a young institution – five years old – in the academic world five years is not very much. But UNIS is a very active five-year-old. UNIS has now reached its target of one hundred students. Almost half of them are non-Norwegians. I especially welcome the foreign students at UNIS.

I have noted that UNIS has been through an evaluation. I am pleased with the conclusion that UNIS is on a good track. But I would like to mention one issue that concerns students from the Norwegian universities: One of the conclusions in the report is that steps must be taken to solve the problems connected with the reluctance of your home universities to accept courses taken at UNIS. The report makes an important point. I agree that taking courses at UNIS should not make the period of study longer.

International networks have expanded rapidly in the fields of education and research. Norway has a long tradition of international co-operation in education. Many Norwegians have gone abroad to study. But there are not so many foreign students at Norwegian universities and colleges. One obvious reason is the language. Very few people outside Norway understand Norwegian, which normally is the teaching language at our universities. This is not so at UNIS.

The courses at UNIS are given in English, but I don’t think this is the main reason why foreign students choose to take part of their studies at this institution. Like Norwegian students they come because UNIS offers courses in arctic natural science and technology. The nature on Svalbard makes a unique setting for teaching and field studies. The polar bear is part of the natural environment, and makes training in shooting necessary for all students. So UNIS is truly an arctic university.

As you probably know, Longyearbyen is not a typical Norwegian city. Also for students from the universities on the Norwegian mainland, the stay at UNIS will be very different from studying at home. I am sure that the unique nature on Svalbard and the international atmosphere you meet here at UNIS, will inspire and benefit all of you.

You have come to a very special community. As students you will be staying only for a short period, but you will probably become more closely integrated into the surrounding community here than you would be in any other university town.

The staff and students at UNIS make important contributions to the social and cultural life in Longyearbyen. I understand that the integration of students into the community of Longyearbyen has been positive and without conflict with the people who stay more permanently on Svalbard.

Svalbard satisfies all requirements needed to make your stay an adventure. I hope you succeed in your studies and have an unforgettable time at UNIS. I hereby declare the fall-term for opened.