Sustainable Development
The Nordic countries are agreed that working towards sustainable development is one of the key challenges we face. Globalisation, the development of the information society, an aging population, and unsustainable consumer and production patterns with consequences for climate change present both challenges and opportunities for the Nordic countries. Meeting these challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities demand joint Nordic cross-sectoral efforts that integrate the principle of sustainable development.
What is sustainable development?
Nordic co-operation on sustainable development has its point of departure in the Brundtland Commission's definition from 1987, which defines sustainable development as development which meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
There are three interdependent dimensions of sustainable development; the economic, the social and the ecological. One of these dimensions must not undermine the conditions for the development of the others. Economic growth, good public health, and a safe and viable environment are all fundamental prerequisites for sustainable development.
What do we co-operate on?
The joint Nordic work focuses on areas in which the Nordic countries have common interests and challenges, where there are good prerequisites for contributing to sustainable development, where co-operation promotes synergy, contributes to increased competencies and efficiency in the use of resources.
The Nordic Council of Ministers has had a sustainable development strategy in place in the region since 2000. The strategy is the overarching framework for cross-sectoral work on sustainable development and it complements the Nordic countries' national strategies. The Nordic sustainability strategy should serve as a basis for common input in international negotiations on sustainable development.
The Nordic strategy for sustainable development 2009-2012 establishes goals and initiatives for climate and renewable energy; sustainable production and consumption; the Nordic welfare state as a tool for sustainable development; and education and research, public participation and local sustainability strategies.
How do we co-operate?
With regard to Nordic inter-governmental co-operation on sustainable development, the ministers for co-operation have the overall responsibility. An expert group has been established to assist the ministers for co-operation in the follow-up of the Nordic sustainability strategy and to promote activities that help to meet the joint Nordic goals. Success in this strategy also depends on all the councils of ministers taking responsibility for, and participating fully, in the implementation of the strategy within their policy area.
The Nordic Council of Ministers grants project funding to activities that contribute to the implementation of the Nordic strategy for sustainable development. The annual budget is approx. DKK 2.5 million.
With regard to Nordic inter-parliamentary co-operation, the responsibility for co-ordinating the work of sustainable development lies with the Nordic Council's Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
