Conference report: towards a brighter future of China–Norway marine and polar cooperation

The 3rd Annual China–Norway Marine University Consortium Alliance Conference, held in October 2024, served as a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange between the natural and social sciences. The event underscored the importance of academic cooperation in the context of the complex geopolitical landscape. The conference featured sessions on marine geology, ocean dynamics, marine ecology, genetic adaptation, marine health, renewable energy, and Arctic governance. Experts from China, Norway, and other countries presented on diverse topics, including climate change impacts, sustainable development, biodiversity protection, Arctic cooperation, and social science. The discussions highlighted the synergies between scientific and policy domains, emphasizing the need for collaboration in areas, such as low-carbon transitions, sustainable ocean governance, and green energy. This conference, the first to be held in person since the COVID-19 pandemic, marked a significant milestone in advancing China–Norway relations, fostering mutual trust, and promoting collaborative initiatives in marine science and Arctic governance—critical for addressing global challenges.