Þyngri þjóðir og heilsuveilli

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Iceland, and in particular to this meeting.

I value your decision to come here to work together for many reasons, but mainly for the following three:

First, the problem you are dealing with, obesity, is certainly a growing threat to the health of Icelanders, one that we realize that we must put very high on our list of priorities. Obesity has become a major problem in most western societies, and unfortunately we here in this country are scoring very high on any list of obesity, and the problem just keeps growing.  

Realizing this, on taking office in March this year, I made a pledge to concentrate my efforts on two issues regarding health, one of which is prevention.  I am determined to work hard on that, and one of my focus points will be nutrition and physical activity.  To assist in establishing our goals and to implement our strategies, I decided to add a special adviser to the staff of the Ministry of Health.  The adviser will emphasize public health issues regarding nutrition and physical activity in her work. 

Your meeting is therefore very much in line with my focus points, and is thus very much appreciated.

Second, I am certainly aware of the contribution that the Nordic cooperation can bring us, and how important it is that we share our knowledge and experiences with each other.  This holds true in so many areas, not the least in the health care sector.  Research activities, strategies for prevention, clinical experience and new approaches are all neccessary and sharing these will enhance the work in all of our countries. 

As a former Minister for the Cooperation of the Nordic Countries, and as an Icelander and a half Norwegian, I know that there is very much to gain from working together in the Nordic countries, and am pleased that you are doing so in this area.

Third, your decision to come to our beautiful country at the hight of summer back home is certainly appreciated.   I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for coming and to urge to see some of our country, the weather being as it is, but there is certainly so much to enjoy. 

Finally, let me whish you a fruitful and an enjoyable conference on a very important issue.  I know that this is the first time this conference is held here, and I hope that you bring home good memories with the added knowledge.

I declare the  Nordic Obesity Meeting open, and repeat my wishes for a effective learning experience for the benefit of the public of our countries.

Thank you.

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