The Nordic countries take responsibility for the environment

Climate change and environmental issues were the main agenda items at an open meeting of Nordic ministers in Oslo on 31 October. The ministers discussed how the Nordic countries, both individually and together, can tackle the challenges and exploit the opportunities presented by a globalised world.

Ingibjørg Solrun Gisladottir, Carl Bildt, Paavo Väyrynen and Jonas Gahr Støre met at the House of Literature in Oslo (Litteraturhuset) to discuss the chosen topic: “Globalisation - how should the Nordic countries meet the challenges?”

The meeting, which formed part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Refleks project, was arranged in connection with the 59th Session of the Nordic Council, which took place in Oslo from 30 October to 1 November. The Council is currently chaired by Finland.

Global challenges, local responsibilities
The world is changing rapidly, which is leading to a revitalisation of the relations and cooperation between neighbouring countries.

“No-one lives in a place called ‘Global’. Global issues are only seen as important if they are of local significance,” Mr Støre said during the meeting.

Exchanging expertise
The Nordic countries have different areas of expertise, and complement one another in a number of fields. This is particularly the case in relation to environmental issues, research and technology, security and issues related to the High North.

“We should not compete against each other,” said Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Paavo Väyrynen, who emphasised that cooperation between the Nordic countries is an important part of tackling the many common challenges in the region.

The meeting was broadcasted here.

Read more about the Refleks project.