A COMMON PATH ICELAND'S PRESIDENCY 2019 - Nordic Council of Ministers
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A COMMON PATH ICELAND’S PRESIDENCY 2019
A Common Path Iceland’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2019 ANP 2018:828 ISBN 978-92-893-5865-1 (PRINT) ISBN 978-92-893-5866-8 (PDF) ISBN 978-92-893-5867-5 (EPUB) http://dx.doi.org/10.6027/ANP2018-828 © Nordic Council of Ministers 2018 Layout: Louise Jeppesen Cover Photo: unsplash.com Print: Rosendahls and 07 Media AS Printed in Denmark and Norway Icelands´s Presidency of The Nordic Councils of Ministers in 2019 is a Green Presidency. Nordic co-operation Nordic co-operation is one of the world’s most extensive forms of regional collaboration, involving Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland. Nordic co-operation has firm traditions in politics, the economy, and culture. It plays an important role in European and international collaboration, and aims at creating a strong Nordic community in a strong Europe. Nordic co-operation seeks to safeguard Nordic and regional interests and principles in the global community. Shared Nordic values help the region solidify its position as one of the world’s most innovative and competitive. Nordic Council of Ministers Nordens Hus Ved Stranden 18 DK-1061 Copenhagen www.norden.org Download and order Nordic publications from www.norden.org/nordpub 2
ICELAND’S PRESIDENCY OF THE
NORDIC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
IN 2019
Contents
4 Greetings from the Prime Minister and
Minister for Nordic Co-operation
9 Youth in the Nordic Countries
13 Sustainable Tourism in the North
17 The Ocean – Blue Growth in the North
23 A Strong Nordic Voice
Photo: unsplash.com
Greetings from the Prime Minister
and Minister for Nordic Co-operation
to a true friend
the path is easy to tread
though his home lies distant.
Photo: Baldur Kristjáns
Hávamál, Sayings of the High One,
from the codex Konungsbók Eddukvæða
en til góðs vinar Prime Minister
liggja gagnvegir, Katrín Jakobsdóttir
þótt hann sé firr farinn
Hávamál, Konungsbók
Eddukvæða
Path, noun. A way or track laid
down for walking or made by
continual treading
Oxford English Dictionary
Photo: BIG
Minister for Nordic Co-operation
Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson
4
The theme of Iceland’s Presidency of fillets to lamb chops, computer programs
the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2019 to architecture, internet television series
is inspired by the Old Norse Hávamál, to music on Spotify. The Nordic countries
timeless wisdom codified by our Viking are open to the rest of the world, working
ancestors some 1000 years ago. This together in Europe and fostering dialogue
shared cultural heritage lays out a clear and co-operation with the broader world
path for those wishing to lead a life in finding solutions to global challenges.
of honour and maintain meaningful
relationships. The author deplores, for Last but not least, our common path
instance, greed, falsehood and excess has helped shape the digital world. The
while praising integrity, diligence and, highways of the future are digital and
not least, friendship. good Internet connections encapsulate
the entire world in a single smart phone.
Hávamál teaches us that the path The internet is a platform for business
shared with a true friend – a common and innovation, promoting education and
path – is always easy to tread. culture, welfare and well-being. The digital
revolution offers countless opportunities,
And this is certainly true for the Nordic not least for small, remote communities.
countries, from Reykjavik to Helsinki, It’s up to us to provide the digital routes
Oslo to Nuuk, Tórshavn to Stockholm, and the Nordic countries intend to be at
Copenhagen to Mariehamn. Nordic the forefront in introducing next genera-
citizens can move between countries tion 5G systems.
without hindrances to study, work or set
up a business. We are welcome guests in The Icelandic Presidency will focus on
each other’s countries and this mobility issues concerning young people in the
makes the Nordic countries the world’s Nordic region – the generation born
most integrated region, with strong around the turn of the century beginning
economies and rich human capital. to make its way in life. We want to listen
to young people and support projects that
Our connecting paths are not merely promote education, culture and health.
internal, they also link us to the outside
world. Joint Nordic promotion in North Secondly, we intend to launch projects
America, Asia and elsewhere have shown in the field of sustainable tourism,
that the Nordic countries can achieve where the Nordic countries face similar
more together than individually. “Nordic” challenges. We need to find a balance
is a fantastic brand, symbolising quality in between growth and sustainability, to
products and services ranging from fish welcome guests while ensuring the
5
6
Photo: GlobalGoals.org
viability of our vulnerable natural There is a traditional saying about
environment. friendship: “Your friend is the one who
points out your faults.” These words also
Thirdly, our Presidency will place the ring true today, not least in the face of
oceans and the blue bioeconomy front division and partisanship, extremism
and centre. The ocean connects the and authoritarian trends which appear
Nordic countries, creates jobs and value. to be gaining strength throughout the
The waters surrounding us face daunt- world. They remind us that the Nordic
ing environmental challenges and major countries must continue to be strong
collaborative efforts will be undertaken advocates of peace, human rights and
to clean and protect the seas, not least humanitarianism based on international
from plastic pollution. law and rules-based international
institutions.
The North Atlantic will be given special
attention, as the area is an important None of the above can be taken for
part of the Nordic region, just as the granted. Even Nordic co-operation
Baltic Sea, the Barents Sea and the should not be taken for granted. It
Arctic. Synergies will be sought with exists because of joint Nordic decisions
Iceland’s presidency of the Arctic that dialogue, respect and friendship
Council 2019-2021. provide the strongest basis for regional
collaboration. That a strong welfare
Our priorities and projects will fully system is not contrary to but rather a
incorporate gender equality, including premise for vital business and industry.
actions linked to the #metoo movement That it is better to build bridges than
aimed at ending violence against walls, that diversity is a strength and
women and stopping sexual harass- not a weakness, and that we have to
ment. The UN Global Goals will be safeguard democracy and the rule of
specifically integrated into the Presi- law, both at home and abroad.
dency Program. The Nordic countries
play a leading role in implementing the We look forward to continuing our
Global Goals and have long focused on strong Nordic co-operation in 2019 –
equal rights and equality, environment see you in Iceland!
and climate, development co-operation
and peaceful resolution of disputes.
7
Photo: GlobalGoals.org
8
Photo: Scanpix Ritzau
Photo: unsplash.com
YOUTH IN
THE NORDIC COUNTRIES
During Iceland’s Presidency in 2019 the Educational institutions play a major
generation born around the turn of this role in implementing the Global Goals.
century will be finishing high school or Through education, young people
vocational education, entering univer- acquire the skills and knowledge needed
sity or the labour market, leaving their to increase their activity and participa-
parental homes and stepping out into tion in society and its development.
society as young adults. The future is
theirs. During the Presidency, the The Nordic countries have received
spotlight will be on youth, with projects groups of youths and children who need
in the areas of education, culture and to build a new life in a new country.
health, emphasising active participation Making these new citizens feel at home
of and dialogue with youth representa- and feel their contribution is important
tives. is a major challenge. Concerted efforts
must be made to counteract the
It is the policy of the Nordic Council of exclusion and isolation of this group.
Ministers to make Nordic countries the
best place in the world for children and The project Youth in the Nordic Coun-
young people. It is a worthwhile chal- tries consists of three components, like
lenge and at the same time an opportu- all the projects of the Icelandic Presi-
nity to create more space for children dency. Children and youth are at the
and youth to grow and flourish as active forefront in all the project components.
individuals. Nordic cultural co-operation Special emphasis is placed on equality,
policy for 2013-2020 also places special mobility and visibility.
emphasis on youth in Nordic countries,
with the aim of enabling children and The goal of the project Education for All
youth to create, enjoy and influence the is to have the Nordic countries lead the
arts and culture. way in implementing the UN’s fourth
Global Goal, with particular emphasis
The UN Global Goals are a main factor on target 4.7. It covers all levels of
in shaping Iceland’s Presidency plans, education, which means first-class
as young people play a key role in services and support for the countries’
achieving these goals. To make this education systems and providing
possible young people need to be individuals with a variety of inclusive
encouraged to actively participate in study and work options. In order to
the society to be involved in taking promote the democratic society, the
important decisions. By doing so we basis needs to be laid for active partici-
give them a place in our community. pation at all levels of education, giving
9
10
Foto: unsplash.comYOUTH IN THE NORDIC COUNTRIES
children and young people appropriate The Child’s First 1000 Days covers the
preparation and varied opportunities period from pregnancy until two years
for further education or work. The of age. During this important period,
three-part project involves a common the child takes shape as an individual,
Nordic mapping of the implementation with effects on its mental health later in
of Global target 4.7, discussion life, such as during adolescence. The
amongst youth about the goal and objective is to find the best ways to
educational materials with quality encourage good mental health and
indicators for the future on its imple- well-being in the early years of life, to
mentation. give all children in the Nordic countries
the best possible start in life. An
Platform GÁTT is a forum that com- analysis will be made of the current
bines some of the Nordic countries’ situation and gathering of best prac-
leading art festivals in projects aimed at tices with regard to maternal mental
providing the region’s young artists with health during pregnancy, encouraging
opportunities to connect with one emotional bonding between children
another and to promote their creative and parents, early intervention for risk
work. Rapid developments in the factors in the lives of babies and young
international arena and the increase in children, and the well-being of the
the population originating from other youngest children in preschools.
cultures call for changes in Nordic
co-operation, that pose challenge to
adapt and at the same time offer
opportunities for cultural innovation. It
is important to support and develop cul-
tural and artistic life in the Nordic
countries by promoting innovation and
increased links between artists and with
Nordic art festivals and art events.
11Photo: GlobalGoals.org
12
Photo: unsplash.com
Photo: unsplash.comSUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN
THE NORTH
Nature in the Nordic countries is charac- growing number of travellers raises
terised by biological and geological various new challenges. Pressure on
diversity – there is a considerable sensitive nature, necessary investment
difference in both the nature and in improved infrastructure and security
landscape from north to south and east for travellers both on land and at sea
to west. While large cities and more are examples of major issues shared by
populated regions are typical of the the state and municipalities, as well as
southern and eastern areas, in the north the travel service industry and the
and west the natural environment is public.
sensitive, with large, unpopulated
regions, sparse settlement and vast It is important that Nordic countries
wilderness. Outdoor activities in com- learn from experience and share each
munion with nature, together with other’s solutions, with the aim of
traditional hospitality, are part of the capturing the benefits offered by rapidly
fabric of the Nordic self-image and growing tourism, not least for expand-
culture. Several well-known landmarks ing economic development in sparsely
and natural wonders are found in the settled areas. It is the common objec-
Nordic countries, which are popular with tive of all Nordic countries to protect
visitors for many reasons. The urbanisa- the natural and social qualities which
tion of the past decades has only are the basis for northern tourism and
increased the need for and interest in in so doing reinforce the status and
enjoying this unique nature. At the same competitiveness of the sector. Too many
time the number of people who have tourists in too small an area at the
the means of travelling about the world same time can both damage the
is growing, and even though many natural environment and create a
people want to visit the most popular negative experience for the guests.
destinations, the number who seek to This we want to avoid.
enjoy nature far from the beaten track
is steadily increasing. The priority implies Nordic co-operation
on finding the balance between growth
In recent years, tourism has grown and protection in developing sustain-
rapidly in the Nordic countries. The able tourism. The intention is to gain an
interplay of nature, culture and history, overview of the countries’ common
combined with investment in infrastruc- challenges and policies in this area.
ture and increased expertise, has Increased emphasis on natural protec-
created a favourable environment for tion, sustainability, innovation and
the growth of travel services. The social responsibility in the travel indus-
13try will strengthen the sector in the long of infrastructure, not least with respect
term, give local residents opportunities to the guests’ experience; digitalisation
for active participation and encourage of the travel industry for increased
positive attitudes among them towards sustainability and competitiveness; and
travel services. The main challenges and local food in the Nordic travel industry
opportunities offered by the growing based on food traditions and culture,
tourist industry in northern regions will together with innovation in the spirit of
be analysed. Emphasis is placed on the New Nordic Food. Emphasis will be
participation of all Nordic countries, placed on introducing young people to
with the aim of optimising the synergies the opportunities offered by sustainable
available from the countries’ co-opera- tourism.
tion.
The aim is to involve young entrepre-
The Presidency projects in the field of neurs in order to develop new solutions
sustainable tourism in the North focus to selected issues concerning emphasis
on tourism and nature conservation, on sustainable tourism, in collaboration
emphasising primarily nature protec- with the Nordic innovation environment
tion, climate issues, design and quality and Nordic Innovation.
Foto: Jákupsson for Nordic Innovation
Foto: unsplash.com
14SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE NORTH
The project Tourism and Nature Conser- the expertise and capacity of small
vation is aimed at increasing knowledge businesses to utilise digital technology,
and sharing experience of the connec- e.g. to manage the number of travellers
tion between tourism and national in specific areas. Examples from Nordic
parks and other nature conservation countries of successful use of digital
areas in Nordic countries, especially in technology in tourism will be used to
northern regions. Emphasis will be spread knowledge of best practices.
placed on formulating policy, arrange-
ments for controlling visitor numbers, Local food in the Travel Industry is
dissemination of information to travel- aimed at preparing travel services for
lers, infrastructure development includ- the changes which can be expected in
ing renewable energy transition in food production in the Nordic countries
transportation, certification and due to climate change, changes in
operations, and other arrangements in travellers’ consumption patterns and
national parks. the expectations of visitors regarding
local food. The project will examine how
Digitalisation of the Travel Industry is increased emphasis on the quality and
aimed at increasing the ability of diversity of local food, together with
smaller travel service companies to take innovation in food production, can
advantage of digital technology in their contribute to sustainable utilisation of
daily operations and marketing. A needs food resources, new job opportunities
analysis will be carried out focusing on and local value creation.
1516
Photo: GlobalGoals.org
Photo: unsplash.com
Photo: unsplash.comTHE OCEAN –
BLUE GROWTH IN THE NORTH
The ocean has linked the Nordic coun- Iceland bases its emphasis in “The
tries through the ages. The ocean is a Ocean – Blue Growth in the North” on
highway for people and ideas, a trans- the leadership that the Nordic countries
port network for goods and services, have taken in this area, both at home,
and a sustainable source of well-being on a regional basis and internationally.
and value. In the culture, trade and The policy formulated by individual
nature of all the Nordic countries the ministerial councils and Nordic co-
importance of the sea is indisputable. operation as a whole on sustainable
Some of the countries depend to a utilisation and conservation of marine
major extent on ocean resources, resources, including plastics and the
therefore healthy seas are the basis of bioeconomy, also underlies this empha-
their prosperity. The sustainability of sis. Finally, this follows up on the
the ocean, its resources and ecosystems emphases placed by the previous
is an integral part of our identity. presidencies of Denmark, Finland,
Norway and Sweden on the ocean and
Sustainable utilisation and conservation its resources.
of living marine resources has long been
a common goal of the Nordic countries Most of the challenges which Nordic
in the international arena. Iceland and seas face will only be resolved through
Norway actively participated in the multinational co-operation. Pollution
development of Law of the Sea and respects no borders – sustainable
international rules on fisheries. Sweden utilisation of resources is a collaborative
has led the way in realising the four- task. Under this priority on the ocean
teenth Global Goal, on Life Below three projects have been defined which
Water, with the diligent support of all Iceland considers of particular impor-
the Nordic countries. Denmark, Sweden tance. The projects reflect those chal-
and Finland have been untiring in taking lenges that are highly prioritised in the
initiatives and supporting policies and Nordic countries and internationally, and
measures aimed at reducing pollution are based on the principle that Nordic
and building viable ecosystems in the co-operation can add value beyond what
Baltic Sea. Greenland, the Faroe Islands each country has to offer individually.
and the Åland Islands are island com-
munities where every single person lives The project NordMar Ports is about
close to the sea, is always conscious of ports as centres of innovation and
it and understands its importance. energy transition; NordMar Plastics
examines solutions to the threats that
plastic in the oceans poses to ecosys-
1718
Photo: Jákupsson for Nordic InnovationTHE OCEAN – BLUE GROWTH IN THE NORTH
tems and our livelihoods; and NordMar greatest need of attention. For exam-
Biorefine deals with the possibilities ple, ports can play a key role in promot-
offered by full utilisation of raw mate- ing energy transition in the ocean
rials and the production of increasingly economy by providing access to sustain-
valuable products from marine resources. able energy sources. Ports will be
promoted as centres of activity linking
Young entrepreneurs will be involved in together research and education,
order to develop new solutions to fisheries and tourism, people and
selected issues focusing on the sea in businesses. Work on each emphasis will
collaboration with the Nordic innovation be carried out in collaboration with
environment and Nordic Innovation. stakeholders, including ports, munici-
palities, the innovation environment,
NordMar Ports will build a co-operation public institutions and businesses
network of North Atlantic ports, as appropriate.
including those of neighbouring coun-
tries in the west: in Scotland, Canada NordMar Plastics deals with plastic
and the United States, and in the east: pollution in the oceans, which is
in the Baltic Sea region, with the aim of currently one of our greatest common
defining the innovation priorities in challenges. Among other things, efforts
Photo: unsplash.com
Photo: unsplash.com
1920
Foto: unsplash.comTHE OCEAN – BLUE GROWTH IN THE NORTH
will focus on developing a joint method- The ocean is not only top priority in the
ology for measuring the extent of Nordic countries, its issues have recently
plastic in the marine environment. The earned deserved international atten-
public and especially young people will tion. In accordance with the leadership
be informed about this challenge and role of Nordic countries internationally,
events arranged to increase the growing the Presidency will present its priority
awareness of the dangers of plastics concerning ocean issues at Nordic and
world-wide. The project will be carried international events during the Presi-
out in collaboration with Nordic dency year, including at the Our Oceans
research institutes, with NGOs also conference in Oslo in 2019. The annual
actively involved in the events. joint Nordic exhibition in the Fælleshus
of the Nordic embassies in Berlin in the
NordMar Biorefine follows up on the autumn of 2019 will also be dedicated
Nordic policy focus on the bioeconomy, to the ocean.
which aims for sustainable and better
utilisation of biological resources and The ocean is the focus of Iceland’s
creating value from resources that have Presidency both in the Nordic Council of
been under- or unused. The feasibility Ministers and of the Arctic Council,
and potential of blue biorefineries will which begins in May 2019. Thematic
be evaluated specifically. The project will priorities and plans for events, analyses
be carried out in collaboration with and assessments have been prepared in
stakeholders in the Nordic countries and close consultation for these two Presi-
the Baltic Sea region. Emphasis will be dencies, and joint events will be held
placed on introducing the public, and linked to ocean affairs.
young people especially, to the opportu-
nities offered by the blue bioeconomy.
21Photo: Karin Beate Nøsteruds
22
Photo: unsplash.com
Photo: momenti.lvA STRONG NORDIC VOICE
These are uncertain times. Environmen- co-operation. Despite being neither
tal affairs, development co-operation, large nor populous, the Nordic countries
trade and security issues, are all exam- have made a difference and, for
ples of far-reaching challenges requiring instance, paved the way for progress in
extensive international cooperation. international environmental, peace and
Although there are themes aplenty, disarmament issues.
various advances have been made, such
as reducing poverty and hunger in the The Nordic model can also serve as an
world. The UN Global Goals and the Paris important example: societies where
Agreement are important milestones in strong welfare systems and equality do
sustainable development and addressing not preclude, but rather underpin,
climate change, and demonstrate that strong economies. The Nordic countries
success can be achieved through effective have also shown that promoting gender
international co-operation. equality is not only the right thing to do,
it is also smart economic policy. The
At the same time, the rise of extremist Nordic Council of Ministers has
and isolationist forces is a cause for exported Nordic solutions to global
serious concern. The rules-based challenges, for instance in environmen-
international system, built on interna- tal and energy issues. These are areas
tional law and institutions, is under where our voices and actions matter,
attack and the right of the strongest to and where Nordic countries have a
do as they choose, by force if necessary, global role to play.
is gaining traction. In many parts of the
world, the voices of those who show The Nordic countries should continue to
limited respect for human rights are be advocates of peace and disarma-
growing increasingly loud and they ment in international fora. Peaceful
disregard basic democratic principles resolution of disputes through interna-
and the rule of law. This brings racism tional co-operation and based on
and violence ever closer. Lessons of the international law is the goal, and here
past are a dire warning. we can make a positive contribution.
The Nordic countries have both formal
Under such international circumstances, and informal co-operation at the
it is important to visibly safeguard and international level, including through
promote fundamental values. The embassies and foreign services. This
Nordic countries have always been at collaboration is mutually beneficial for
the forefront in speaking out for human the Nordic countries.
rights and multilateral international
2324
Photo: unsplash.comA STRONG NORDIC VOICE
Iceland’s Presidency of the Nordic It is important that young people take
Council of Ministers emphasises that an active part in implementing the
the Nordic countries should continue to Global Goals. For this reason, Iceland
take an active part in international looks forward to hosting a dialogue for
environmental co-operation, including young people and the expert group of
the UN Climate Change Conference Generation 2030 in Reykjavik in the
COP25 and in supporting the Global spring of 2019.
Goals, for instance, at UN High Level
Political Forums HLPF on the Global Due to the specific environment of the
Goals and the UN General Assembly West Nordic region, emphasis will be
UNGA. Efforts will be made to have placed on co-operation with Greenland
young people participate in presenting and the Faroe Islands in implementing
the Presidency’s priorities and their links the Presidency programme. The Nordic
with the Global Goals. Council of Ministers’ policy for the North
Atlantic Region (NAUST), i.e. the region
Iceland’s Presidency will contribute to extending over Greenland, Iceland, the
the promotion of gender equality at the Faroes and coastal Norway, is expected
global level through our active involve- to be adopted in the beginning of next
ment in the 63rd meeting of the UN year and will be launched by the Presi-
Commission on the Status of Women dency.
(CSW), in New York, and similar events
in other fora. A large international Nordic Day, 23 March, will be celebrated
conference on the #metoo movement by increasing the visibility of Nordic
and how sexual violence and harass- co-operation in the public sphere and
ment can be eliminated will be held in supporting the Nordic Council of
Reykjavík in September 2019, with Ministers’ information campaign
participation from Nordic Ministers highlighting its advantages.
responsible for gender equality. A Nordic
conference on economic empowerment
and labour market equality, together
with a barbershop conference on men
and gender equality, will be held in the
Faroe Islands around mid-year.
25In April 2019 a major international nomic status and public health. Both
conference on the future of work will be conferences will be in Reykjavik and
held in Iceland. The conference is the organised by the Ministry of Welfare in
final chapter of a Nordic project with Iceland in co-operation with other
the same name under the auspices of Nordic countries and stakeholders.
the Nordic Council of Ministers, focusing
on challenges arising from the fourth Iceland’s Presidency will promote
industrial revolution and equal rights in strategic proposals which have been
the labour market. This conference is prepared to support the future of
also linked to the 100th anniversary of Nordic co-operation in welfare, environ-
the ILO. mental affairs, innovation and increased
mobility within the Nordic countries. To
In March 2019 there will be a joint meet these ambitious goals, we have a
Nordic conference on mental health and full slate of meetings and events in
in May a conference will be held on the Iceland and elsewhere in the Nordic
connection between poverty, socioeco- countries in 2019.
Photo: iceland.is
Photo: iceland.is
26YOUTH IN THE SUSTAINABLE THE OCEAN – BLUE
NORDIC COUNTRIES TOURISM IN THE NORTH GROWTH IN THE NORTH
Target 4.7 Target 8.9 Target 14.1
4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners 8.9 By 2030, devise and implement 14.1 By 2025, prevent and signifi-
acquire the knowledge and skills policies to promote sustainable cantly reduce marine pollution of all
needed to promote sustainable dev- tourism that creates jobs and kinds, in particular from land-based
elopment, including, among others, promotes local culture and products. activities, including marine debris
through education for sustainable and nutrient pollution.
development and sustainable life-
styles, human rights, gender equality,
promotion of a culture of peace and
non-violence, global citizenship and
appreciation of cultural diversity
and of culture’s contribution to
sustainable development.
GENERATION 2030
Target 12.2 Target 12.5 Target 12.8 Target 12.B
12.2 By 2030, 12.5 By 2030, 12.8 By 2030, 12.B Develop and
achieve the sustain- substantially reduce ensure that people implement tools to
able management waste generation everywhere have the monitor sustainable
and efficient use of through prevention, relevant information development impacts
natural resources. reduction, recycling and awareness for for sustainable
and reuse. sustainable devel- tourism that creates
opment and life- jobs and promotes
styles in harmony local culture and
with nature. products.Nordic Council of Ministers Nordens Hus Ved Stranden 18 DK-1061 Copenhagen www.norden.org ICELAND’S PRESIDENCY 2019 Young people, sustainable tourism and ocean affairs are in focus under Iceland’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2019. Nordic emphases on gender equality, digitalisation and sustainable develop- ment are incorporated into the Presidency projects, together with the UN Global Goals. The theme of the Presidency refers to the Nordic countries’ friendship, as it is manifest in mobility and strong mutual co-operation. They also share common paths to the rest of the world, where the Nordic countries present themselves jointly and make their contribution to international co-operation for peace, security and environmental protection. The common paths of the future lie through the digital world. There is deep-rooted respect for the principles of democracy and rule of law in the Nordic countries. We are determined to continue to be peace- ful and diverse welfare societies, where culture and education flourish, and everyone is entitled to enjoy life’s opportunities. Societies where innovation goes hand-in-hand with the interests of nature, employment and a vital economy. Nordic co-operation has shown that it is better to build bridges than walls. There is nothing old-fashioned about co-operation, friendship and respect. These basic Nordic values are always at the forefront. ANP 2018:828 ISBN 978-92-893-5865-1 (PRINT) ISBN 978-92-893-5866-8 (PDF) ISBN 978-92-893-5867-5 (EPUB) 28
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