About sustainable development
The Nordic countries agree that the whole Region has to work together towards sustainable development. Globalisation, the emergence of the information society, ageing populations and untenable levels of consumption and production – as well as the resultant climate change – present both challenges and opportunities for the Nordic countries. To meet these challenges and to take advantage of the opportunities requires joint Nordic cross-sectoral initiatives which integrate the principle of sustainable development.
What is sustainable development?
Nordic co-operation on sustainable development is based on the 1987 Bruntland Commission definition which defines sustainable development as development that meets the needs of current generations without imperiling the ability of future generations to meet their own.
There are three mutually dependent aspects to sustainable development: economic, social and ecological. One of these dimensions must not undermine the conditions for development at the expense of the others. Economic growth, good public health and a robust environment are fundamental requirements for sustainable development.
What does the co-operation cover?
The joint Nordic work focuses on areas in which the Nordic countries have a common interest and common challenges, since the chances of contributing to sustainable development are particularly good when co-operation adds more value, contributes to improved competences and the effective use of resources.
The Council of Ministers has had a sustainable-development strategy in place since 2000. The strategy complements the Nordic countries' national strategies and forms an overall multi-sectoral framework for the Council of Ministers' work on sustainable development. The Nordic sustainable development strategy also acts as an instrument for joint initiatives in the wider international negotiations on sustainable development.
The Nordic strategy for sustainable development 2009-2012 defines goals and initiatives for the climate and renewable energy, sustainable consumption and production, Nordic welfare states as instruments for sustainable development, research and education, participation of the public and local sustainable strategies.
How does co-operation work?
The Ministers for Nordic Co-operation have the overall responsibility for the Nordic governmental co-operation on sustainable development. An expert group will assist the ministers for co-operation in following-up on the Nordic sustainable development strategy and promoting activities that contribute to meeting the joint Nordic goals. Success in this work also requires that all councils of ministers take responsibility for and participate fully in the implementation of the strategy within the framework of their area of work. The Nordic Council of Ministers grants project funding for activities that contribute to the implementation of the Nordic strategy for sustainable development. The annual budget is approx. DKK 2.5 million. Thet Nordic Council's Environment and Natural Resources Committee is responsible for co-ordinating the work around sustainable development under the auspices of Nordic parliamentary co-operation.
