On March 20, 2025, Norwegian Ambassador to China Vebjørn Dysvik visited Renmin University of China (RUC), where Zheng Shuiquan, the Vice Chair of the University Council at RUC met with the Ambassador and his delegation. During the visit, Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik also delivered a speech at the RDCY Forum for Area Studies, Ambassador Forum No.7 titled “Green and Low-Carbon Transition: Experiences and Perspectives”. The lecture attracted more than a hundred participants from across the university—including Norwegian students—as well as representatives from relevant enterprises and media. The event was hosted by Wang Wen, Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin Universtity of China (RDCY).

In his speech, Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik highlighted that climate change has become a serious global challenge requiring a collective action. He noted that Europe has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Norway is dedicated to transforming into a low-carbon society by 2050, and China has pledged to reach carbon neutrality before 2060. He underscored that the climate commitments of China and Norway will profoundly shape the trajectory of their future economic and social development. He further stressed that current policy decisions will determine the sustainability of critical infrastructure and energy systems over the coming decades, urging the younger generation to actively engage in advancing green and low-carbon transitions. “It is particularly meaningful to engage with students like yourselves,” he remarked. “Very soon, you will join the professional ranks - working as researchers, government officials, and business executives in private or state-owned companies. Each of you will play a distinct yet vital role in the green transition, contributing to the development of China's economy and society in a greener, fairer, and more sustainable way.”

Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik pointed out that last year marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway, highlighting how climate and environmental cooperation has been a key part of the bilateral relationship since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Environmental Cooperation in 2008. He emphasized that joint efforts on emissions trading, plastic and chemical pollution, and biodiversity restoration reflect the shared commitment of both countries to addressing pressing global challenges.

“Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's successful visit in September included constructive meetings with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang. During the visit, the Prime Minister and Premier Li Qiang established a formal dialogue on the green transition, aimed at fostering closer cooperation between the two governments, businesses, and organizations. This initiative seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve and restore biodiversity, and develop new green industries and jobs. Under this green framework, we have signed new MoUs on green and low-carbon development with the National Development and Reform Commission.” He also noted, “One of the most critical areas of collaboration between Norway and China is the development of the China's Emissions Trading System (ETS),” and highlighted the joint shipping project between the two countries in Hong Kong.

During the Q&A session, participants actively posed questions on topics including Sino-Norwegian cooperation, climate change, and green technologies. When asked about U.S. President Trump’s climate policies, Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik emphasized that addressing the climate crisis requires global action, with all major nations working in the same direction. He noted that although the U.S. government withdrew from the Paris Agreement, cities and enterprises in the United States continue to drive climate initiatives, which is an encouraging signal. He added that effective global climate governance depends on international collaboration—particularly in areas such as carbon pricing, where cooperation between Norway and China has already achieved significant progress.

Regarding cooperation between China and Norway in the field of green and low-carbon transition, Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik stated that Norway and China have already engaged in substantial collaboration in green technology and innovation sectors, including carbon reduction technologies and electric vehicles. He noted that although challenges remain in achieving carbon neutrality goals, the cooperation between the two countries provides a valuable reference for global climate governance. He further emphasized that two-way collaboration between governments and enterprises is crucial when advancing green technologies and emission reduction measures.

Regarding Norway’s tariff policies on Chinese electric vehicles, Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik explicitly stated that as a non-EU member country, Norway has not imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. He emphasized Norway’s commitment to fair trade and expressed the intention to promote further cooperation in sustainable development between both parties through reducing trade barriers. Additionally, he advised Chinese enterprises considering European investments to thoroughly understand the policies and market characteristics of different countries, maintain mutual trust, actively integrate local resources in localized operations, and enhance corporate

Following the speech, Zheng Shuiquan, the Vice Chair of the University Council at RUC, met with Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on further strengthening the China-Norway network for humanities and education cooperation, promoting academic exchanges in green development and sustainable development, and advancing joint cultivation of young talents. Chu Zhubin, Deputy Director of International Office, and Director of the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs Office at RUC, Wang Wen, Dean of RDCY, and Yang Qingqing, Vice Dean of RDCY, Henrik Nykvist, Counselor for Science and Technology of the Norwegian Embassy in China, and Elin Merete Økstad, Environment Counsellor of the Norwegian Embassy in China joined the meeting.

Ten representatives from institutions and companies including Luzhou Laojiao, Beijing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, Chinese Young Entrepreneurs’ Association, China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector, Zhongguancun Science City, and Beijing Zhongguancun Association of Foreign-founded Enterprises were invited to participate in this Ambassador Forum.