– We humans need to know that we can do something so that life will be as good as possible, both for ourselves and for people we are happy with. This is how His Majesty King Harald started this year’s New Year’s speech. Throughout the speech, the question of what one can do for others came up again. – This is especially important in troubled times, when we are faced with challenges that are difficult to do anything about for each and every one of us. – One can easily feel powerless, said the king. – But precisely then we have to look up to gain perspective, and recognize that we need each other. He pointed to a message on this year’s Mental Health World Day: We need each other – look up. – It is a time to see each other now, said the king. It was long uncertain whether King Harald would deliver the New Year’s speech this year. In mid-December, he was on sick leave and admitted to Rikshospitalet. A few days later he was discharged. Three days before the New Year, it became clear that the king would give his speech as usual. A year with a lot of drama He pointed out that 2022 has been a year with a lot of drama, which we still stand by. A woman walks in a street full of destroyed A woman walks in a street full of destroyed Russian military equipment in Bucha, Ukraine, April 3, 2022. Photo: Rodrigo Abd / AP – With Russia’s brutal warfare in Ukraine, a new seriousness has come over our part of the world, said the king. He paid attention to Norwegians who have contributed both through humanitarian work and in other ways to help people in need. He also sent a greeting to the refugees who have come to the country. – I hope that everyone who gets to create new homes in Norway will experience the warmth and safe harbor they seek for themselves and their loved ones. King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon visited the arrival center for refugees at Helsfyr in Oslo in March. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB He also addressed those who are now worried about the future, and said he felt for everyone who now feels new burdens after two heavy years of the pandemic. – I hope for better times for everyone who struggles and is worried. To the young people – I want to send a special greeting to our young people tonight, said the king in his New Year’s speech. He asked them to remember that everyone has something completely unique and valuable about them, which is only theirs. The royal couple say hello to Aminde Fiol Lillebø (6) and Gulliver Gryt (10) during their county tour in Møre and Romsdal. The children are waiting to give flowers and drawings to the royal couple. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB – And there is nothing sick or abnormal about having period pain. To be sad and feel that one is not enough. That’s how it is for all of us, throughout our lives, he said. Both world history, Norwegian history and individual life stories are full of stories about falling and then rising again. – This is history’s and life’s own rhythm. We fall, and we rise. Again and again. – But I rarely manage it alone. We need each other, said the king. He encouraged the young people to look up, both to see others and to see who can help you when you yourself need it. – It is a strength to be able to ask for help when I need it. Cannot make progress for granted Further in the speech, the king said that much has gone the right way up to now: More people have come out of extreme poverty and there has been more democracy. – I have almost expected that the world will continue to move forward. Unfortunately, I cannot take this for granted. A young person ran across the remains of the glacier on top of the mountain Zugspitze in Germany, which has lost a large part of its volume in recent years. The picture was taken in June 2022. Photo: Michael Probst / AP – Over large parts of the world we now see that democratic freedoms are being weakened. Poverty is increasing again. Several are refugees due to war, conflict and climate. And the climate, that is the most serious thing now, said the king. – We must do everything we can to protect our land. Both to protect people’s homes, and to preserve the wonderful nature where all living things are connected. – This is really an area where we need each other, said the king. A man tries to prevent a forest fire from reaching his house in the village of Casal da Quinta in Portugal. The picture was taken in July 2022. Photo: Joao Henriques / AP – Everyone is equally dependent on our earth, and climate change does not stop at national borders. – I sincerely hope that I will now be able to act in line with the seriousness of the situation, said the king. A new unity Towards the end of the speech, he addressed all the country’s citizens. – Over the past year, I have experienced a new unity in the West and Europe, said the king. It has reminded us of the value of our democratic freedoms, he said. – Our democracy begins here: With the trust that we want each other well. That we work for a common good that embraces as many people as possible. And with immersion in other people’s lives, who have it differently than ourselves. To make this happen, everyone must experience being listened to, said the king. – In this way, we can preserve and strengthen what Norway has built together. And everyone can contribute. He ended the speech by repeating the question he wants people to ask each other more often: What can I do for you? – I wish everyone a happy new year.
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The King’s New Year’s speech 2022 – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
