The Nordic region will become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world

Landsväg
Photographer
Johannes Jansson/norden.org
On 19 June 2019, the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation agreed on a new vision for the Nordic Council of Ministers. The vision was adopted by the Prime Ministers on 20 August 2019.

When discussing the vision, the Prime Ministers clearly stated that all work done within the frameworks of the Nordic Council of Ministers must contribute to achieving the vision. The way in which the budget for Nordic co-operation is allocated must also reflect the strategic priorities associated with the vision.

This will entail a certain amount of restructuring and refocusing of work on Nordic co-operation.

In order to realise the vision, the Nordic Council of Ministers will prioritise three areas in the next four years: a green Nordic region, a competitive Nordic region and a socially sustainable Nordic region.

All of the ministerial councils and Nordic institutions must make a concrete contribution and ensure that the vision is realised. In autumn 2019, time will be spent actively building support for the vision in the Nordic countries, in the Nordic Council, in civil society and in the business community throughout the Nordic region. 

Our vision 2030

Here you find the 12 goals of the vision:

A green Nordic region

Together, we will promote the green transition of our societies, and work towards carbon neutrality and a sustainable, circular and bio-based economy.

During the period 2021–24, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ priorities will be to:

  • 1. Strengthen the research, development and promotion of solutions that support carbon-neutrality and climate adaptation, including in the areas of transport, construction, food and energy
  • 2. Help preserve biodiversity and the sustainable use of the Nordic region’s nature and seas
  • 3. Promote a circular and bio-based economy, sustainable and competitive production, sustainable food systems and non-toxic, resource-efficient production cycles in the Nordic region
  • 4. Make it significantly easier and more attractive for Nordic consumers to prioritise making healthy, environmental and climate-friendly choices via Nordic initiatives on sustainable consumption
  • 5. Contribute to the positive development of international climate and environmental cooperation, including by promoting Nordic green solutions internationally.
A competitive Nordic region

Together, we will promote green growth in the Nordic region, based on knowledge, innovation, mobility and digital integration.

​During the period 2021–24, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ priorities will be to:

  • 6.Support knowledge and innovation that makes it easier for companies throughout the Nordic region to fully seize the development opportunities created by the green, technological and digital transition and the growing bio-economy

  • 7.Develop competencies and well-functioning labour markets that match the demands of the green transition and digital development, and which support freedom of movement in the Nordic region

  • 8.Use digitalisation and education to tie the Nordic region even more closely together

A socially sustainable Nordic region

Together, we will promote an inclusive, equal and interconnected region with shared values and strengthened cultural exchange and welfare.

​During the period 2021–24, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ priorities will be to:

  • 9.Contribute to good, equal and safe health and welfare for all

  • 10.Work to involve all Nordic citizens in the green transition and digital development, to utilise their potential and to prevent the emergence of social divisions as a result of the transition

  • 11.Give Nordic civil society, especially children and young people, a stronger voice and greater involvement in Nordic cooperation, and increase their knowledge of the neighbouring countries’ languages and culture

  • 12.Maintain social trust, the cohesion of the Nordic region, its shared values and the Nordic sense of affinity, with a focus on culture, democracy, equality, inclusion, non-discrimination and freedom of expression.