The Nordic Region is more important than ever
“The Nordic community is unique. We share basic values and have great trust in each other. Norway would like to strengthen Nordic co-operation. This is clearly reflected in our government’s recently presented platform. In a world marked by increasing pressure on the rule of law and democracy, it’s more important than ever to protect the Nordic community,” says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers rotates between the five Nordic countries. This year Finland is the presiding country. On 1 January 2022, Norway will take over the baton and in its Programme for the Presidency, Norway will build on the three strategic focus areas that follow from Vision 2030.
A green Nordic Region - Sustainable development requires that we’re able to see the big picture and that we find joint solutions. The Norwegian Presidency will highlight the connection between climate and nature, reduce the loss of biodiversity and shed light on how nature-based solutions contribute to the green transition.
A competitive Nordic Region - The long-term growth potential of the economy also depends on us succeeding in turning production and consumption in a more sustainable direction. The Norwegian Presidency will use co-operation to our advantage to return to a strong Nordic business community and labour market that is resilient to new crises.
A socially sustainable Nordic Region - In a world marked by increasing pressure on the rule of law and democracy, and with a declining degree of trust between citizens and decision-makers, it’s more important than ever to protect the Nordic community of values based on sustainability, inclusion, democracy, openness, freedom of expression and equality. This need has become even clearer during the pandemic.
Vision 2030 is the Nordic Region’s contribution to achieving the climate goals in the Paris Agreement. Vision 2030 and the EU’s climate plan for 2030 both provide a clear and distinct course for the Nordic Region. The person in charge of leading Nordic co-operation in 2022 is Norway’s Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.
“The Norwegian Presidency will shed light on the pace of the green transition. The Nordic Region is also facing major restructuring needs. The choices we make now will affect both our own and future generations. Our strength lies in the fact that the Nordic Region shares an ambition to be a world leader in the green transition, competitiveness and sustainability. Together, the Nordic countries will act as a pioneering region internationally and contribute to the global community’s fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nordic co-operation is therefore important both for Europe and for the world,” concludes Minister for Nordic Co-operation Tvinnereim.
