New co-operation between the Nordic Council and the UN

19.01.16 | News
UN agencies enter into new partnership with the Nordic Council

The Nordic Council president and vice president together with representatives from the four working committees met with the directors of five UN agencies at UN City in Copenhagen.

The meeting with these agencies marks the start of what is hoped will be a profitable partnership. The coming year will be useful for identifying intersections between the Nordic Council and the UN which can be developed further.

“We had a good discussion and it was equally good to put things into words,” said Henrik Dam Kristensen, President of the Nordic Council.

“Now we must identify exactly what we can put on the agenda that will be of benefit to both the Nordic Region and the UN. We must recognise the Nordic Council’s role, which is to work for the Region’s citizens, so we must identify the areas that we have in common, and those that we can promote together.

Sustainable development goals

In September 2015, all UN member states agreed on a number of common goals for the future – the so-called 17 ”sustainable development goals” – which are based on ensuring sustainable development for the entire world. In this respect it should be clear that we are working together and exchanging our experience with a view to establishing a joint monitoring system that can measure whether the sustainable development goals are being met.

“This co-operation is particularly exciting. The Nordic countries work for many of the same values as the UN – values such as equality,” said Mikkel Dencker, Vice President of the Nordic Council.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this is a partnership that will benefit both parties.”

The Nordic Council and the UN agencies are now planning a series of projects for 2016 in which the two organisations will stand side by side.