"Nordic Resources" - Programme for the Icelandic Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2004

In 2004, Iceland will lead Nordic co-operation under the theme "Nordic Resources". The theme is broad in its scope.

Resources include the structure of society, social conditions, cultural heritage and natural resources.

The principal resource is, however, the Nordic people themselves, and the overall objective of the programme is to develop and make better use of human resources and thereby strengthen Nordic competitiveness internationally.

The Nordic Countries are rich in natural resources, untouched and diverse wilderness as well as exploitable reserves. The structure of society rests on a strong democratic foundation, democracy is alive and well, there is widespread social wealth, a fruitful social debate and thriving NGOs.

Administration in the Nordic Countries is open and transparent and the institutions in our society universally enjoy great confidence.

In general the Nordic countries have chosen the same solutions to ensure good education, research, use of technology, health services and social security.

All this has placed the Nordic countries in a prominent international position. The strong bond between these kindred nations bears witness to a shared rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Co-operation and relations between the countries are good and the same can be said of relations with the neighbouring countries. The Nordic countries, each in its own way, participate actively in international co-operation and in organisations which are influential in the development of the Nordic region and its adjacent areas.

Nordic resources are diverse and form the foundation of Nordic welfare. This accounts for the strong position the Nordic Countries hold in the international arena. These many resources must be exploited to the full, to strengthen welfare and to secure the countries' international prosperity.

The three main themes of the programme are democracy, culture and nature, which are intertwined in a variety of ways. The potential of human resources cannot be separated from culture, social order and democratic tradition. In addition, natural resources are inseparably linked to human resources, whose knowledge and ingenuity are fundamental to creating new value in the exploitation of nature.