New Presidency focuses on Vision 2030

The new Presidency will seek to consolidate social cohesion and co-operation and to make the most of the region’s potential. It underpins the three strategic priorities outlined by the Council of Ministers’ vision – a green, competitive and socially sustainable Nordic region – all of which also contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Nordic region is recognised worldwide as a guarantor of ambitious and effective sustainability initiatives and climate solutions. The new Presidency will continue and refine co-operation on the environment, nature and climate in order to make the region even greener and, in particular, to lead from the front at international level, e.g. promoting biodiversity and reducing plastic and waste in the world's oceans. 

The Presidency will continue to enhance the position of the Nordic region as the most wide-ranging form of regional co-operation with cross-border freedom of movement in the world. Research, innovation, investments and digitalisation will make companies as competitive as possible during the green transition and promote circular, climate-friendly solutions that will benefit the Nordic region and the rest of the world. 

Nordic cohesion is based on shared values such as trust, democracy and gender equality. However, this cohesion is threatened by encroaching globalisation. The programme for the Presidency sees education and culture as positive platforms for efforts to preserve and enhance social cohesion and knowledge of the Nordic languages. Sustainable communities of young people will be invaluable in this context. Nordic co-operation must benefit everybody in the region – young and old, haves and have nots. 

Working Together on Solutions for the Future is not just the title of the programme for the Presidency in 2020. It is also exactly what Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the three constituent parts of the kingdom, are doing for the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2020.