Foreword

In an age of climate change and geopolitical tension, Nordic co-operation is important for the common prosperity and resilience of our countries. We are stronger and more secure when we stand together, and by being a region at the cutting edge, we can contribute to environmental and climate efforts both within our own region and on a global scale.

The Co-operation Programme for 2025–2030 takes it starting point from what the UN has referred to as the triple crisis. By placing focus on the climate, biodiversity loss and pollution, as well as the circular economy, the co-operation programme seeks to bolster Nordic co-operation in areas where the Nordic region can reap benefits.The Nordic Region must continue to occupy a leading position in the green transition and continue to be a competitive and socially sustainable region. At the same time, climate change and the environment are also global concerns, and so the Nordic countries must remain a strong and clear voice that can promote effective solutions in international environment and climate negotiations.

The Co-Operation Programme for 2025–2030 highlights challenges but also the opportunities that can contribute to solving them. Among other things, the challenges consist of climate changes which are occurring at an increasingly accelerated pace, the loss of biodiversity and the negative effects that humankind is having on the environment as a result of harmful chemicals. As a result of ambitious and effective policies in the area of climate and the environment, and of collaborations with central actors such as the business sector and civil society, the Nordic countries are in a good position to handle these challenges and promote a circular economy. At the same time, it is important that co-operation under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers contribute to growth and greater competitiveness. To attain this, we must achieve better co-operation between the various sectors that make up the Nordic Council of Ministers. In this way, we can create good conditions for the transition we are facing, both within the Nordic Region and globally.

With this co-operation programme, we look ahead towards greater trans-Nordic co-operation on the environment and the climate that can both contribute towards the attainment of our common vision for the Nordic Region to be the world’s most integrated and sustainable region by 2030, and to ensuring the Nordic countries can remain a strong and ambitious voice in global climate and environmental efforts.

Romina Pourmokhtari, Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment, and Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Romina Pourmokhtari
Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment

Karen Ellemann
Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers