Ahead of COP30: Nordic ministers sign declaration on the necessity of multilateralism
From the left: Magnus Heunicke, Camilla Gunell, Margit Stórá, Sari Multala, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen and Romina Pourmokhtari.
International co-operation dominated the discussions at today’s meeting of the Nordic climate and environment ministers in Stockholm. The upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the plastics negotiations in Geneva back in August, and the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi (UNEA7) in December were all on the agenda.
Against this backdrop, the ministers issued a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to multilateral co-operation and a rules-based international order as a prerequisite for solving global environmental crises.
The protection of our environment and the stability of our climate are completely dependent on our ability to stand together internationally. The fact that we also live in uncertain times and that multilateralism is under unprecedented pressure makes this joint declaration with my Nordic colleagues so important,” says Sari Multala, the Finnish minister.
“The Nordic governments are all strongly committed to promoting the rules-based international order and working more closely together in multilateral organisations and institutions, including the UN. I am proud that the Nordic Council of Ministers provides valuable support for the countries’ work in these important international processes,” says Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Effective multilateralism ensures that the green transition leaves no one behind and promotes trust, equality and shared responsibility for global environmental governance.
COP30 in Belém and the joint Nordic kick-off event
The declaration highlights COP30 in Belém as a crucial point at which to demonstrate continued commitment to the targets set in the Paris Agreement. The ministers also point to Nordic experiences of combining the green transition with economic growth, and stress the need for swift action to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
After the meeting, ministers from Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Faroe Islands took part in the joint Nordic COP30 kick-off event Ambition, Alliances and Action. The event brought together ministers and representatives from research, civil society and business to discuss what the Nordic countries can do at the global climate negotiations to promote constructive outcomes. The event was streamed.
Climate change poses an existential threat. We must act quickly for the sake of the planet, humanity and long-term prosperity.
The Nordic Council of Ministers at COP30
The ministers also held a consultation meeting with the Committee for a Sustainable Nordic Region. The meeting was held in Stockholm during the Nordic Council Session.
