Af: Nordic Council
Photos: ROYAL PRESS Zhong Min Peng
Norway is taking over the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2022. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says Norway will do its part to ensure that the Nordic Region reaches its objective of being the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030.
“The Nordic community is unique. We share basic values and have great trust in each other. Norway would like to strengthen Nordic co-operation. This is clearly reflected in our government’s recently presented platform. In a world marked by increasing pressure on the rule of law and democracy, it’s more important than ever to protect the Nordic community,” says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers rotates between the five Nordic countries. This year Finland is the presiding country. On 1 January 2022, Norway will take over the baton and in its Programme for the Presidency, Norway will build on the three strategic focus areas that follow from Vision 2030.
A green Nordic Region – Sustainable development requires that we’re able to see the big picture and that we find joint solutions. The Norwegian Presidency will highlight the connection between climate and nature, reduce the loss of biodiversity and shed light on how nature-based solutions contribute to the green transition.
A competitive Nordic Region – The long-term growth potential of the economy also depends on us succeeding in turning production and consumption in a more sustainable direction. The Norwegian Presidency will use co-operation to our advantage to return to a strong Nordic business community and labour market that is resilient to new crises.
A socially sustainable Nordic Region – In a world marked by increasing pressure on the rule of law and democracy, and with a declining degree of trust between citizens and decision-makers, it’s more important than ever to protect the Nordic community of values based on sustainability, inclusion, democracy, openness, freedom of expression and equality. This need has become even clearer during the pandemic.
