A SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE NORDIC REGION

The Nordic welfare societies are largely built on trust, but several development trends are now challenging both the Nordic welfare model and social cohesion. 

A socially sustainable society guarantees all its members equal opportunities for a good life while protecting the environment and resources for future generations. In a just and inclusive society, discrimination and inequality are actively fought against. Healthier and more sustainable food consumption also contributes to better public health. Rapid technological development and the use of artificial intelligence offer new opportunities for all population groups, especially young people. At the same time, the use of technology also comes with the risk of threats, such as cyberthreats, and the exclusion of certain groups from the opportunities that such new technology offers. The presidency will also discuss the rise in concentration difficulties and anxiety disorders among children and young people as digital tools become more and more prevalent.

Confidence in the rule of law, democracy, and gender equality is a cornerstone of Nordic society, which must be protected and strengthened. Robust social cohesion contributes to the creation of a safe and supportive environment for individuals and groups. In such a society, people are better off and society is more resilient to various crises and challenges.

The presidency will focus in particular on close co-operation and the exchange of information and experience in combatting and preventing youth and gang crime, and in combatting cross-border organised crime. The identification of criminal activities and behaviours that contribute to such crime is continuing, and discussions are in progress to further develop co-operation within the prison system.

The presidency will also promote the resilience of democracy. The opportunity for people of all ages to act and participate is necessary for a pluralistic society and for the development of democracy. The fight against corruption strengthens the structures for the rule of law, the high level of trust, and the stability of Nordic economies, while weakening the foundations of organised crime. Consequently, during the presidency, we will promote the identification of methods for combatting corruption and sharing best practices between the Nordic countries. 

A high level of knowledge and education has an impact on social welfare. Studies in recent years have shown that learning outcomes have deteriorated in the Nordic countries. Competence in literacy, mathematics, and science has fallen and learning differences have grown. During the presidency, we will pursue Nordic co-operation to identify the causes of the declining level of knowledge and identify solutions to reverse this trend in the Nordic countries.

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence can affect key democratic stakeholders and processes, but they can also contribute to societal innovation. The presidency will focus on media competence and the safeguarding of democracy. False or misleading information can intentionally undermine society and democracy. A good level of media competence and the ability of citizens of all ages to recognise disinformation strengthen active citizenship and also improve societal resilience.

The presidency of Finland and Åland will pursue Nordic co-operation in the field of disability and the integration of disability issues. The aim is to increase awareness and strengthen the knowledge base on rights for persons with disabilities and thereby support the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in different sectors and at different levels.

Digitalisation and preparedness are important topics with regard to the rights of people with disabilities. By taking into account the rights of people with disabilities in these areas, we support a socially sustainable Nordic Region in which no one is left out. Co-operation in the field of disability also brings a Nordic perspective to debates on disability policy at the European and global levels. In addition, Nordic co-operation in the field of disability in 2025 will have a focus on human rights, taking into account an intersectional approach – in other words, how different factors such as age and gender affect the position of a person with a disability.

Although the Nordic countries are world leaders in the promotion of gender equality, there’s a lot for them still to do. During the presidency year, co-operation will be focused on the fields of gender equality, equal pay, gender-related violence, and the welfare of people belonging to gender minority groups and sexual minority groups. Finland is continuing its long-term human rights policy to promote and defend rights for women, girls, those with disabilities, indigenous peoples, gender minority groups, sexual minority groups, and other particularly vulnerable people, among other groups.

2025 marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and its action programme, which is among the most important international documents on gender equality.  During the presidency year, we will examine the significance of the action programme from a Nordic perspective and look at what remains to be implemented.

Cultural diversity, inclusion, and equality are fundamental Nordic values. In order to address the challenges of the future, it is vital that every Nordic inhabitant feels well and has the best possible opportunities to participate in the region’s cultural life and societal development, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, disability, language, or ethnic origin.

During the presidency year, we will work together to look at how we can strengthen cultural and linguistic diversity in the Nordic Region, increase participation, improve inclusion and equality in cultural life, and ensure good and proactive co-operation going forwards. At the same time, Finland and Åland want to further discussions on how to promote mobility and the exchange of experiences between Nordic practitioners of art and culture and practitioners from the Arctic, Baltic, and Nordic regions.

Finland is continuing to share its experiences in preparedness issues and is seeking joint Nordic solutions to the major challenges faced by the culture sector, especially in terms of changes in the operating environment, the structures in the field of art and culture, and funding prospects. A central issue is the impact of new technology on the development of Nordic cultural policy, including the use of creative works and Sami culture in the feeding of generative artificial intelligence.

Measures to combat work-related exploitation aim to guarantee adherence to minimum conditions in the employment relationship and other obligations, regardless of the employee’s background. Similarly, these measures aim to ensure that competition between companies is fair and that everyone follows the same rules. The presidency will continue efforts within this sector by promoting measures to prevent work-related exploitation, especially with regard to co-operation between different authorities.

The psychosocial work environment is a central issue in the Nordic labour market and one of the priorities in occupational health and safety regulation. Constant changes pose challenges for the labour market, while a good work environment is a prerequisite for a sustainable working life. The importance of the psychosocial work environment has grown in the contemporary labour market due to changes in the work environment and the cognitive demands of work. Many Nordic residents feel that mental wellbeing challenges have affected their ability to work. Psychological problems have become a common cause of inability to work throughout the Nordic Region.

It is crucial to prevent and manage psychosocial risks in the workplace in order to achieve a good work environment. Proactive initiatives relating to the psychosocial work environment have a clear impact on people’s stamina and capacity to act, perceived wellness, and ability to stay in work. This issue is also important for the EU and forms part of the pillar for social rights.

Language plays an important role in establishing communities, fostering trust, strengthening democracy, and improving participation. The Nordic language community is important for the continued development of a common Nordic identity and thus helps to make the Nordic Region the most integrated region in the world. During the presidency year, implementation will commence of the new declaration on Nordic language policy, which was co-adopted by the ministers for education and culture in 2024. The presidency is seeking to promote a long-term and effective Nordic language policy that develops in step with the times, such as in relation to digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and internationalisation.

A socially sustainable society guarantees all its members equal opportunities to enjoy a good life while also protecting the environment and resources for future generations.