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Future-proofing the Nordics – what is resilient leadership?

A conference about the regional collaborative approach. Pandemics, climate disasters, political polarisation, rising inequality, aging populations, disinformation and fake news – these are but a few of many trials facing leaders of the information age. Bouncing back from a crisis isn’t easy – and yet the Nordic countries seem to be extraordinarily good at it. With high levels of social trust across the populations, governments are seemingly able to adapt to challenges with flexibility and agility. Can we trace the stable economic growth to a specific Nordic brand of resilience? And which industries are able to thrive despite a new reality of concentric crises? ”Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – In this conference we explore how the Nordics strategically spread out their efforts, to not lean too heavily on just one industry or sector. And how no single type of leader can handle the growing complexity of future challenges. Instead, the Nordic countries can lead the way by showcasing the strength of regional cooperation. We have the research to back up the theoretical understanding of how that leadership works and at this conference, we will bring together the people that show the pivotal results of collaborative leadership. Day 1 – Conference 10.00 Welcome words and introduction 10.15 Keynote – “Waking up to a new age of multiple geopolitical crises”, by Annika Wäppling Korzinek 11.00 Presentation – “The future of remote work: which regions will benefit most?”, by Anna Granath Hansson, Nordregio 11.30 Coffee break 12.00 Presentation – “Young Nordics on the move: patterns and drivers“, by Hilma Salonen, Nordregio 12.30 Panel debate – “Navigating the unknowns: How Nordic leaders handle a crisis” 13.30 Lunch 14.30 Keynote – “The curious history of eco-financial leadership”, by Oskar Broberg, University of Gothenburg 15.15 Presentation – “Better apart or together? A…
  • 21 - 22 January 2025

Gender equality in the Nordic blue economy – the way forward

The blue and marine sectors play a crucial role in the economies and sustainability efforts of the Nordic countries. To ensure the long-term growth and survival of these sectors, they must become more inclusive and gender equal. Earlier this year, Nordregio launched the pivotal report “Ensuring Gender Equality in the Nordic Blue Economy”. The report covers the big picture, offering statistics on women’s presence in various professions in the sectors. Our research showed that women were underrepresented in general and in decision-making in particular – now and historically. Many fisherwomen experience sexist attitudes and even harassment. It also examines training opportunities and initiatives aimed at increasing gender balance and creating a more inclusive work environment within the blue economy. The report called for several actions, including encouragement of women to go into the sectors and the need for role models, to increase primary data collection and to mitigate and counteract the risk of sexual harassment. How do we turn these insights into action? This webinar brings together representatives from across the Nordics to discuss how we can turn Nordregio’s report findings into concrete actions and promote gender equality in the blue economy. From political decisions to local initiatives and business practices, we aim to combine research with practical experience and policy interventions to show how an equal blue economy can become a reality in the Nordics. Dive into the blue economy with us to engage in meaningful discussions on how we can drive positive change and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the blue and marine industries. Programme: Anna Karlsdóttir, Nordregio/University of Iceland presents report “Ensuring Gender Equality in Nordic Blue Economy” Cecilia Österman will present key findings from her research on workplace harassment at sea, and gender equality in Nordic Blue Economies.Panel discussion: Cecilia Österman, Senior Lecturer, Kalmar Maritime…

Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition

The green transition is upon us. But is everyone on board? We all want to ensure that socially at-risk groups aren’t left behind in the transition – but what does that mean in reality? The path towards a just green transition in the Nordic Region can be tricky to navigate. That is why we have developed the “Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition”, collecting four years of research. We invite you to attend the launch! The comprehensive and interactive toolbox offers practical research-based guidance for Nordic policymakers to navigate challenges, listen to those affected, and get inspired. Watch a recording of the webinar to get a collected overview of how policymakers can act to ensure that the green transition is just and fair, and how civil society and socially at-risk groups should be involved to make it a reality. Keynote speech: Åsa Persson, Chair, Swedish Climate Policy Council and Research Director and Deputy Director, SEI Live demo of the toolbox by: Nora Sánchez Gassen, Senior Research Fellow, NordregioLouise Ögland, Communications Advisor, Nordregio Comments by: Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson, Leader of Sustainable Development in the Prime Minister’s Office, IcelandHeta-Elena Heiskanen, Senior Specialist in Ministry of the Environment in Finland and Secretary General for Climate Change PanelJohan Hall, Investigator for Climate, environment and energy issues, LO/The Swedish Trade Union ConfederationPetra Karjalainen, Co-Chair, The Finnish Agenda2030 Youth Group Moderator: Lisa Pelling, Arena think tank This event is a part of our campaign This Fall is Green, which gathers four events, with one common goal – to accelerate the green transition in the Nordic Region. Read more about This Fall is Green here.

Rights and bytes – Civil society’s role in Digital Inclusion

Civil society actors are crucial in bridging the digital divide in the Nordic and Baltic Region. Their work combating digital exclusion for socially at-risk groups with multifaceted needs should not be overlooked. But what does their support look like? What works, and what hinders these organisations? As part of Nordregio’s ongoing research project, “Digital Inclusion in Action,” this webinar explored the important role of Nordic and Baltic civil society actors in ensuring that no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world. As civil society gains traction in digitalisation policies to ensure and promote equal access to the digitalised society, we will explore the unique challenges and success factors of NGOs supporting diverse groups. We have interviewed 20 NGOs across the Nordics and Baltics – during this webinar, we presented results from our research and present the comprehensive overview of their work – launching as digital stories at the webinar. NGO representatives will be present to share firsthand accounts of their work: best practices, and the unique challenges they face, following an interactive panel discussion. Watch a recording of the webinar below. Webinar programme: Throughout the webinar you, our digital audience, will be encouraged to engage with the content: share thoughts, insights, good practices and ask questions. With us to guide us through the interactive webinar, is moderator Annika Östman, Head of Communication at Nordregio. Join us to learn more about: Don’t miss this chance to learn, share, and network about making digital inclusion a reality in the Nordic and Baltic Regions. Explore the Storymap “Bytes and Rights: Civil society’s role in digital inclusion” now.

Ystad Summit: Hur kan nordiska städer ta ledningen i klimatomställningen?

Norden har länge varit en förebild i klimatarbetet. En majoritet av nordiska kommuner arbetar strategiskt med FN:s globala hållbarhetsmål, enligt en ny rapport från Nordregio. EU-valet den 9 juni visade dessutom att klimatfrågan är viktigare i Norden än andra delar av Europa. Under Ystad Summit samlar Nordregio tongivande röster för att diskutera hur nordiska städer kan ta ledningen i den nödvändiga transformationen till ett hållbart samhälle. Är vi så bra på grön omställning i praktiken – eller är det mest snack? Hur går det med transporterna, konsumtionen och den biologiska mångfalden egentligen? Och vad händer om vi bara fokuserar på klimatet och inte de sociala utmaningarna, i jakten på att bli den mest hållbara staden? Kort sagt, vad krävs av politiker och invånare för att nordiska städer ska kunna bli verkliga förebilder för resten av världen? Med avstamp i den nyligen lanserade rapporten om hur nordiska kommuner implementerar hållbarhetsmålen, kommer företrädare från organisationer och kommuner i de nordiska länderna att diskutera utmaningar, erfarenheter och hur vi tillsammans kan ta ledningen i omställningen. Vi kommer också få höra ungas perspektiv på vad som är viktigt och hur vi involverar dem i detta arbete. Medverkande:• Åsa Ström Hildestrand, Nordregio/Nordiska Ministerrådet• Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, KSO Malmö Stad och ordförande ICLEI• Anna Esbjörn, Concito – Danmarks gröna tankesmedja som stöttar kommuner i genomförandet av klimathandlingsplaner• Åsa Minoz, Viable Cities• Siri Ankarfors, scout och LSU:s ungdomsrepresentant i FN för klimat- och miljöfrågor• Moderator: Yasemin Arhan Modéer, Altitude Meetings Vi ses på Ystad Summit, i Biografen den 5 september. Eventet kommer även att live-streamas här. Ystad Summit är en politiskt oberoende och öppen demokratisk mötesplats. Läs mer på deras hemsida.

Nordic VSR official launch: The Nordic View on Sustainability

It’s well known that most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) will not be reached without local engagement. The Nordic countries have a long tradition of strong local governance and great potential to be frontrunners in SDG localisation. But what have the Nordic municipalities achieved so far? What works and what worries them? Welcome to the official launch of the first-ever Nordic Voluntary Subnational Review (VSR), showcasing local governments’ efforts to achieve the SDGs. The launch will take place on 9 July, in Conference room 8 at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York. We welcome both those who will be onsite, and those joining online via stream. The Nordic VSR is based on surveys and interviews across all Nordic municipalities. Nordregio and the Local and Regional Government Associations (LRGAs) will present final results, key learnings and inspiring practices on SDG implementation from the Nordic Toolbox. Together, we’ll discuss how to face recurring challenges, including political support, SDG governance, cross-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder and youth engagement, and how to monitor progress.  Programme outline: Welcome and opening words Anna Karin Eneström, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United NationsMerete Fjeld Brattested, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United NationsEeva Furman, Secretary-General of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable DevelopmentÞórður Ægir Óskarsson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United NationsErik Laursen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United NationsModerator: Åsa Ström Hildestrand, Nordregio  Presentation of Nordic VSR: Results and key learnings Nordic Local and Regional Government Associations (LRGAs):Anne Romsaas, Chief Adviser SDG, The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS Kommunesektorens organisasjon)Daniel Sazonov, Deputy Mayor of the City of Helsinki, The Chair of the AFLA Delegation, The Association of Finnish Local Authorities (AFLA/Kuntaliitto)Emil Broberg, Board member, The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR/SKR) and Councilor, Östergötland Region, SwedenHeiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, President, The Icelandic Association of Local Authorities (Samband…

Launch: State of the Nordic Region 2024

The 20th edition of the State of the Nordic Region is out! We shared the report highlights in an online launch on 19 June. A recording is available below. The speakers included: State of the Nordic Region 2024 takes stock of the latest socio-economic trends and developments in demography, labour market and economy in the Nordic countries, regions, municipalities, and cities. We have also included a brand new and revised Regional Potential Index that sheds light on the development potential and performance of regions across the Nordics and helps identify the regions with the strongest growth potential. The report is a source of comparative knowledge and insights. It offers a rich Nordic panorama through a collection of maps, data, figures and analyses that highlight both broader, common trends, as well as local and regional differences. The report is a treasure trove of information for the anyone and everyone interested in learning about the Nordics or getting inspired by the Nordic model, or drawing insights from the diversity of Nordic regions and areas. State of the Nordic Region is a biannual report published and produced by Nordregio. State of the Nordic Region 2024 marks the 20th edition of the report. Building on a rich knowledge base, extensive data sets, statistics, maps and analyses, it takes a closer look the latest trends and developments in the Nordic Region from three perspectives: Demography, Labour Market and Economy. The report gives a unique look behind the scenes of the world’s most integrated region, comprised of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, along with Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland.

Fiscal Policy in Uncertain Times: Nordic Economic Policy Review 2024

Welcome to the launch event of the new report “Fiscal Policy in Uncertain Times”. The Global Financial Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have had vastly negative effects on economies and increased the risk of political instability in all corners of the world. One consequence has been a renewed interest in the efficiency of conventional macroeconomic policies, fiscal policy in particular.  This edition of the Nordic Economic Policy Review, provides a rich perspective on fiscal stabilisation in Nordic countries, highlighting different challenges in managing national economies during uncertain times. The event is organised together with the Danish Ministry of Finance.  Watch the live stream on YouTube 14:00-16:30 (CET) below: Programme 7 June:  13.30-14.00: Arrival and coffee  14.00-14.15: Opening remarks 14.15-14.25: Introduction to report 14.25-15.30: Fiscal Stabilisers in Denmark and Sweden 15.30-´15.45: Coffee break– 15 mins. 15.45-16.30: Panel Debate: Fiscal policy during uncertain times – What are the challenges facing stabilisation policy in the future? Moderator: Sune Bjørnvig, Communications Advisor and Partner, FRIDAY & Partner Panelists:  The event takes place on 7 June at 14:00-16:30 CET at the Danish Finance Ministry in Copenhagen, Denmark, and online. The event is open to all stakeholders and is free of charge. Please note that registration is mandatory. Register before 4 June!