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Globalisation Co-operation

The world is in constant change and global challenges place new demands on the Nordic countries. There are areas in which the Nordic countries working together can achieve more than what each country can do alone, and there are areas that need to be reinforced in order to create a new Nordic model whose development will involve the citizens. Large areas of the co-operation are now directed towards meeting global challenges.

The Nordic countries have a unique and longstanding relationship and, over the years, have been competitive and shown international commitment. In many respects the Nordic countries have been a leading region for other parts of the world.

The Nordic countries are often associated with the Nordic model. This model has proved successful and led to significant progress in several areas. The Nordic countries are known for their model of a universal welfare system with a strong link between welfare and labour market policies.

The Prime Ministers in Punkaharju

The Nordic prime ministers met in Punkaharju in 2007, amidst the Finnish lakes and forests, not far from the Region's neighbours to the east. The outcome of the meeting was a major Nordic initiative to tackle the global challenges - the Punkaharju press release. These initiatives are intended to develop the Nordic model, increase competitiveness, and to promote the Region as a pioneer in tackling globalisation.

The Nordic countries are working in partnership on a number of concrete projects to face up to the challenges posed by globalization. For example, the Nordic countries take great, global responsibility for the climate, the environment and energy, not least through the development of a unique, sustainable energy system, and focus on the construction and transport sectors. Culture is a mainstay of the Region and Nordic culture is given greater focus and presented around the world, for example, by promoting the creative industries. The largest ever joint venture in research and innovation has been launched. At the same time there is extra attention on promoting freedom of movement for individuals and business between the countries. In addition, extra efforts are being made for new innovative measures for health and better ways of including vulnerable groups in the workforce.

Annual Globalisation Forum

Every year the Nordic prime ministers meet in a globalisation forum with representatives from various sectors of society. This is one of the prime ministers' initiatives to meet the global challenges. New ideas are developed that can be translated into concrete projects to further strengthen Nordic co-operation - read the "Prime Minister declarations". As a basis for the forum every year a "Globalisation Barometer" is prepared which provides data on which to base decisions.

In 2010 Denmark holds the Presidency of the inter-governmental co-operation in the Nordic Council of Ministers and Denmark's prime minister will host the forum. The Danish Government's strong commitment to enhance the globalisation process is described in detail in its programme for 2010, "The Nordic Region pointing the way forward".

All of the globalisation projects are described in detail under "Concrete globalisation initiatives". Reports on progress of the work are compiled and reported to the prime ministers twice a year. All the reports can be read under the " Ministers for Co-operation's statements on globalisation ". In addition, new information is compiled in accordance with the development of the individual projects.