"During a financial crisis people who lack a proper foothold on the labour market, youngsters for example, run the risk of their prospects becoming even bleaker. Preventive measures and tangible initiatives to combat rising youth unemployment in the wake of the financial crisis are of vital importance," the committee members say in a joint statement.

The Committee believes that initiatives in the health and social sectors are the most important way of effectively focusing and prioritising the current round of globalisation initiatives designed to promote Nordic synergies.  The Committee is calling on the governments' to clearly stipulate that they will make Nordic welfare initiatives a priority in the coming fiscal year.

The Welfare Committee expects a response before the social affairs ministers meet in Iceland, 29-30 June. The chair of the committee, Siv Friðleifsdóttir, met with the Icelandic Health and Social Minister, Arnie Páll Árnason, to discuss the issue just last week.

The Nordic countries expect to be informed of the priorities for developing new globalisation initiatives when the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation meet in September.  In 2007, the Nordic prime ministers decided to prioritise joint Nordic approaches to global challenges.

The Welfare Committee works across party lines and national boundaries to promote a better welfare society in the Region and in neighbouring countries. The top priority in 2009 will be the work to create an inclusive and sustainable working life in the Nordic Region.

Further information about the Nordic Council Welfare Committee