The Nordic countries' international sphere of action is best secured within the frameworks of a rules-based world order. The Nordic countries should prioritise becoming involved in the work to defend and strengthen a rules-based world order. The Nordic countries should work to prevent war and conflicts, and focus on peacekeeping and support for vulnerable areas.
The Nordic social welfare model is widely appreciated as one of the Nordic countries’ most important achievements. The Nordic countries lead the way in various welfare and happiness indicators. This is closely linked to the Nordic countries being characterised by a deep respect for democracy, the rule of law, equality, and human rights. These values are under strong pressure, and the Nordic region can make a difference by always being a clear voice that stands up for these values. The Nordic region is also the region in the world with the lowest degree of corruption and the highest degree of openness and trust. This is an important reason for the economic success of the Nordic region.
Work to ensure that democracy, the rule of law, equality, and human rights are always high on the international agenda. The Nordic region will be in the driving seat when it comes to combating extremism, anti-democratic positions, racism, and all other forms of hate and discrimination - including on digital platforms.
Give special attention to rights issues relating to children, women and their sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI issues, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.
Work for girls’ and women’s self-determined right to abortion.
Emphasise freedom of speech and freedom of the press as fundamental to successful and democratic societies, and promote measures that strengthen the democratic dialogue between citizens.
Demand that the Nordic governments work, in consensus and purposefully, to strengthen and reform the UN and other multilateral organisations, and increase their legitimacy and sphere of action.
Support democratic forces in authoritarian countries and continue the dialogue with representatives of the democratic opposition in Russia and Belarus, including a focus on free media.
Maintain and promote good relationships with likeminded countries, regions, and organisations, such as the Baltic Assembly, the West Nordic Council, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), the European Parliament, the Benelux Parliament, and the Conference of Arctic Parliamentarians (CPAR) in order to jointly stand up for these fundamental rights.
Continue the inter-parliamentary work between the foreign affairs and EU committees in the Nordic region, as well as the ongoing work to put forward Nordic views in the EU Parliament, especially via Nordic members of the EU Parliament.
Build further on transatlantic relations and collaboration with parliaments in the UK and Scotland, the German Bundestag, and the Landtag in Schleswig-Holstein.
Strengthen the Nordic countries’ profile in peace mediation and crisis management.
Work to increase awareness of the economic and social benefits of openness and trust, and the serious social consequences of corruption.
Use the Nordic social model actively in promoting the Nordic region internationally, and exert pressure on the Nordic governments to do the same.
Work for more co-location of Nordic embassies/foreign missions when appropriate. In addition to cost effectiveness and economies of scale, this can promote increased professional collaboration and a stronger common Nordic identity and visibility.