A sustainable and integrated Nordic Region is the top priority
At the top of the agenda of the meeting of the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation in Helsinki were efforts towards the Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision for the Nordic Region to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030.
At the meeting, the ministers decided to remain steadfast in relation to the vision and its three strategic priorities – a green, competitive, and socially sustainable Nordic Region. They also pointed out that the environment and climate must continue to be given top priority in the work of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
“The vision of a sustainable and integrated Nordic Region is just as relevant as when it was adopted in 2019, if not more so. We’re living in a time of multiple crises – what with the war in Europe and challenges in relation to energy supplies, and not least climate change and the loss of biodiversity. That’s why we must continue to make the environment and climate a top priority in Nordic co-operation,” said Norway’s Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Anne Beathe Tvinnerheim, who is also chair of the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation in 2022.
Concrete results achieved
At the Session of the Nordic Council, the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation are discussing the vision with the council’s parliamentarians and members of the Nordic civil society network. Among other things, the ministers are reporting on the the mid-point evaluation, i.e. how the Nordic Council of Ministers has worked towards the vision during 2021 and 2022. The mid-point evaluation was also discussed at the meeting of the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation on Tuesday. The evaluation shows that the Nordic Council of Ministers has achieved concrete results in its work to achieve the objectives stated in the vision. However, it also shows that there’s scope for further development. To that end, the Secretary General has made recommendations for how the ongoing efforts can be stepped up so that the Nordic Council of Ministers can achieve the greatest possible impact in line with the vision.
The vision of a sustainable and integrated Nordic Region is just as relevant as when it was adopted in 2019, if not more so. We’re living in a time of multiple crises – what with the war in Europe and challenges in relation to energy supplies, and not least climate change and the loss of biodiversity. That’s why we must continue to make the environment and climate a top priority in Nordic co-operation
The 2022 Session of the Nordic Council
The Session of the Nordic Council will take place in Helsinki from 31 October to 3 November. In addition to the 87 members of the Nordic Council, a significant number of Nordic ministers will also be present. Among other things, the Nordic prime ministers will meet with the heads of government of Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland. Meetings will also take place between the Nordic ministers for foreign affairs, the environment and climate, and culture.
