Velkomsttale til modtagerne af COP15-klimastipendierne
Videnskabsminister Helge Sanders tale ved modtagelse af COP15-studerende i Café Væksthuset, Københavns Universitet 1. september 2009. Talen er på engelsk.
Det talte ord gælder.
Ladies and Gentlemen. As the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, I would also like to extend a warm welcome to:
- the COP15 climate scholars
- to the diplomatic representatives from the students' home countries
- to the representatives from the Danish universities
- to members of the press.
World class Danish Climate programmes
It is with great pleasure, that I have noticed the overwhelming interest in the COP15 scholarships. There have been more than 800 applicants from all over the world for the eleven scholarships.
This interest indicates that Denmark is an attractive study destination for talented students. It also shows that Danish universities can offer qualified programmes related to climate change challenges.
World class student
Dear COP15 climate scholars. You are all qualified and have high academic and professional credentials. You have a variety of experiences, ranging from:
- construction of wind turbines in Brazil
- working with waste management and energy conservation in Cameroun
- participation in environmental NGO work in Pakistan.
In every sense of the word you are world class students. And the world needs young people like you. Denmark needs young people like you. Denmark is a modern knowledge society with an open economy. Denmark depends on knowledge and innovation – so we need talented young people.
It is important for the Danish government to attract international students. By being here today you contribute to this goal. In this way you will be an asset to Danish education and Danish society. Danish higher education is international, and we are actively promoting our programmes to international students.
Your contributions to the blogs at "My Study in Denmark" has lead to an increased interest in Danish higher education and specifically in study programmes related to climate change. Your observations and personal accounts are very important to us – because you are an expert in "Being an International Student in Denmark".
Ambassadors for Denmark
Many of you come from countries situated in parts of the world, where climate changes are visible and very serious indeed. You have all witnessed these changes. The Master's programme, you are about to begin, will enable you to contribute with suggestions on how to address these climate problems.
Several of you have explained, that without the COP15 scholarships, you would not have been able to undertake this Master's programme. Your interest in issues related to climate change will probably not finish once your Master's programme is completed. Some of you might stay in Denmark, some will return to their home country and some might go to other countries. Regardless of where you will go, I hope that you will be true ambassadors for Denmark, and for the combat of climate changes.
Final statement
During the coming months you will hear a lot about climate change, at the universities, in the media, and in connection to the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December.
At a more personal level you are also likely to experience a climate change soon, namely the beginning of the Danish autumn and not least winter. However I hope you will enjoy this natural climate change.
Once again, a very warm welcome to Denmark and all the best wishes for your study period here.
