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Keynote SpeakerSturla Henriksen

Special Advisor to the United Nations Global Compact, acclaimed figure on a broad range of global maritime-related topics; Co-chair of the ocean track under the G20 presidency of South Africa 2025; Author of "The Ocean: How it Has Formed Our World - and Will Shape Our Destiny"

Special Advisor, Ocean, to the UN Global Compact, co-chair of the G20 Ocean Dialogues, board member of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, and author of "The Ocean: How it Has Formed Our World - and Will Shape Our Destiny". Former director of Astrup Fearnley Asset Management, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Senior Executive of Accenture, Deputy Chair of the DNV Council, Norwegian representative to the Trilateral Commission, and member of the China Council Task Force on Green Maritime Operations. He has for many years been a licensed scuba-diver instructor. ... Read more

Watch Sturla Henriksen in action

Popular Talks by Sturla Henriksen

  • Dire Straits: A Maritime Perspective on Great Power Competition and the end of Pax Americana
  • The Arctic: From a Frozen Front to a Geopolitical Hotspot
  • China’s Maritime Dominance: A Potential Chokehold on Global Trade
  • Seabed minerals: A Race to the Bottom?
  • The Ocean: Where the Crises of Today meet the Opportunities of the Future

Biography

Since 1. January 2018, Sturla Henriksen has been Special Advisor, Ocean, to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), New York, chairing UNGC’s global ocean- related projects with corporations, research institutions, international regulatory bodies and national governments. With a membership of more than 25.000 companies and civic society organizations, the UNGC is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative and the United Nations’ main body for cooperation with the international business community. The UNGC Board is chaired by the United Nations Secretary General.

Sturla Henriksen has previously been director at Astrup Fearnley Asset Management, Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, and a Senior Executive at Accenture. He has also held positions in the EU Commission Services (Brussels), the European Free Trade Association (Geneva), the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, Statistics Norway, and as officer in the Norwegian Armed Forces.

He graduated Candidatus Oeconomiae in general economics from the University of Oslo, and his educational background further comprises the Norwegian Army Officer School, the BI Institute of Business Administration, the Norwegian Defense College, and the Advanced Management Program, INSEAD (France).

He has been co-chair of the Oceans20 Engagement Group under the G20 presidency of Brazil, a board member of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), and a member of the Advisory Board for the Executive Ocean Leadership Program, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. He has previously served at the boards of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA), and as deputy chair of the Council of Det norske Veritas (DNV). He has been a Norwegian representative to the Trilateral Commission, member of the World Economic Forum’s Arctic Expert Panel, and member of the China Council Task Force on Green Maritime Operations, an advisory body to the Chinese government.

He is author of «The Ocean: How it Has Formed Our World – and Will Shape Our Destiny», Hero/Legend Times Group, London, UK, 2025.

Sturla Henriksen has for many years been a licensed scuba-diver instructor. He is the father of four daughters and has two grandsons. He lives with his family in Oslo, Norway.

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How to book Sturla Henriksen as a keynote speaker

How do I book Sturla Henriksen for a keynote speech?

You can book Sturla Henriksen through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Sturla's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Sturla Henriksen's speaking fees?

Sturla Henriksen's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Sturla tailored to your event.

What topics does Sturla Henriksen speak about?

Sturla Henriksen speaks on Geopolitics, Leadership, Security, Sustainability. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Sturla to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Sturla Henriksen available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Sturla Henriksen for events worldwide, subject to Sturla's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Sturla Henriksen deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Sturla Henriksen is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Sturla Henriksen?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Sturla can accommodate.

Can Sturla Henriksen tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Sturla Henriksen on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Sturla can offer.

What languages does Sturla Henriksen present in?

Sturla Henriksen delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Sturla Henriksen a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Sturla Henriksen's areas of expertise include Geopolitics, Leadership, Security, Sustainability. To get a clear sense of Sturla's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Sturla Henriksen speak at?

Sturla Henriksen can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Geopolitics, Leadership, Security, Sustainability is relevant. Details of Sturla's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Sturla Henriksen offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Sturla Henriksen is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Sturla Henriksen?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Sturla Henriksen, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Sturla's current availability for your dates.