Foreword
In 2019, the Nordic prime ministers adopted a vision for Nordic co-operation, with an aim for the region to be the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030. This vision is being implemented through three focus areas which seek respectively to ensure a green, a competitive and a socially sustainable Nordic Region. Labour is a central pillar of the Nordic welfare systems and, as such, it is of crucial significance to realising the vision.
However, the vision is being pursued at a time in which our labour markets are beset by a range of challenges, but also opportunities, that are common to the entire Nordic Region:
- Climate change means that it is necessary for the Nordic labour markets to undergo a green transition and to make the right investments not just for a more sustainable future, but in order to ensure that the Nordic Region can retain its position as a front-runner within green development.
- Demographic challenges require a continued focus on labour supply, so that we can ensure good access to a qualified labour force that in turn will allow us to continue to finance our welfare systems.
- The increased use of digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies enables a range of new opportunities, but also entails a greater need for transformation, competencies development and a greater focus on the working environment. This applies both to employers and employees, and to the collective agreements which establish the framework for working life in the region and constitute the foundation of our Nordic welfare model.
The Nordic Region has had a common, Nordic labour market for more than 70 years. Although we are different countries, we make up a single, unique community, and this is something that we should exploit to find the best and most sustainable solutions to our common challenges and opportunities. It is with this in mind that we have established the Nordic Council of Ministers for Labour (MR-A) whose mission is to prioritise labour initiatives that can benefit the greatest possible number of Nordic citizens. This shall be attained by directing focus towards labour market policy, labour legislation and the working environment not just nationally, but regionally and even internationally as well.
The purpose of this co-operation programme is to establish a strategic direction for all MR-A initiatives and activities in the 2025–2030 period. It is our vision that this work will strengthen Nordic co-operation to get as many people as possible into jobs that are defined by a good working environment, good working conditions and equality of opportunity.
In this way, we can bolster both the competitiveness and adaptability of the Nordic labour markets and, in so doing, equip the Nordic Region to attain our vision of being the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030.
Mats Persson, Swedish Minister for Employment and Integration and Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Mats Persson
Swedish Minister for Employment and Integration
Swedish Minister for Employment and Integration
Karen Ellemann
Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers