Call for a Nordic minister responsible for children and young people

During the Nordic Council Session in Stockholm there was broad agreement that the strategy for children and young people in the Region was not followed up closely enough in practice. One of the reasons is that the work is carried out cross-sectorally by several different councils of ministers, which involves a need for co-ordination which is currently not adequately addressed.

On this basis, the Nordic Council calls upon the Nordic Council of Ministers to appoint a minister with responsibility to enhance the children and young people's strategy in the Nordic Region. The minister's responsibility will not just be to follow up on the strategy on a pure political matters, but also to ensure political competencies in children and young people at all levels in Nordic co-operation.

Broad agreement on the proposal

The proposal to enhance work with children and young people has been drawn up by three committees in the Nordic Council; the Citizens' and Consumer Rights Committee, the Welfare Committee, and the Culture, Education and Training Committee.

"We believe that it is time to prioritise work with children and young people in Nordic co-operation. Enhancing co-operation between the different sectors, for example education, health and culture, is one of the best opportunities we have to ensure that cases concerning children and young people can be followed up better. By appointing a responsible minister, Nordic co-operation will be better able to take care of the interests of children and young people", says Elin Hirst (Sj.), who is the Nordic Council's spokesperson for children and young people.

Enhance children and young people's strategy

The Nordic Council proposes also that the Nordic Committee for Children and Young People (NORDBUK) is given a stronger remit, so that the committee, together with the Nordic Youth Council (NYC), will have an annual dialogue with the appointed minister. The Council also calls for measures to be initiated to strengthen and ensure knowledge and competencies about children and young people in the various sectors.

Read the full proposal:

Committee proposal to enhance the children and young people's strategy in Nordic co-operation