Want to know more about Nordic initiatives to address the biggest challenges of the day? Official Nordic co-operation will have a strong presence at this year’s democracy festivals. Join in and get involved in the debates and conversations!
Official Nordic co-operation in this year’s democracy festivals will focus on positive conversations about the green transition, defence and security, and how to preserve and strengthen our democracies.
The big challenges of the day
Young people’s participation in society, the green transition and energy security are among the main themes this year. At our events, experts, activists and politicians at various levels will discuss areas in which the Nordic countries are working together to ensure that we, as a region, are better equipped to meet the big challenges of the day.
Nordic institutions
Institutions such as Nordic Innovation, Nordic Energy Research, Nordregio, Nordforsk and Nordgen will be key contributors to many of the events, as will many others from civil society and the business world.
The Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council will participate in eight democracy festivals this year in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
How can we create tangible Nordic solutions to realise the Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision of the Nordic Region being the most sustainable and integrated region in the world?
Official Nordic co-operation will cover a wide range of themes at this year’s democracy festivals, with a particular emphasis on the green transition, energy security and young people’s participation in society.
At our events, experts, activists and politicians at various levels will discuss areas in which the Nordic countries are working together to ensure that we, as a region, are better equipped to meet the big challenges of the day.
Nordic institutions will be key contributors at several of the festivals. Institutions such as Nordic Innovation, Nordic Energy Research, Nordregio, Nordforsk and Nordgen play important roles in funding innovation and research and improving networks and exchanges of knowledge between the Nordic countries in a wide range of areas, e.g. health technology, energy and food security.
Democracy festivals 2023:
15–18 June: People’s Festival, Denmark
The Nordic tent will host 12 topical events at this year’s festival on Bornholm, including debates on energy solutions, vocational education, biodiversity, young people and local communities. We will also host a special event bringing together Ukrainian and Russian women.
27–28 June: Almedalen Week, Sweden
Nordic co-operation will present high-level debates with a wide range of partners on energy, the Nordic Region and NATO, biotech regulation, the new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and more.
27–28 June: Suomi Areena, Finland
The main themes in Pori will be the energy crisis and the role of the Nordic Region and Nordic co-operation in a world in crisis. We will also host an event on cross-border freedom of movement and a debate on promoting political engagement among young people.
11 August: Opinion Festival, Estonia
Our vision is for the Nordic and Baltic regions to be green, competitive and socially sustainable by 2030. In support of this vision, our discussions at this year’s Opinion Festival will focus on social and environmental resilience.
14–18 August: Arendal Week, Norway
This year’s highlights include Nordic co-operation in light of the situation in Ukraine, energy, young people’s mental health and a spectacular VR film from the Arctic. The Nordic Tent will also host several events for children and young people.
26 August: Būtent! Discussion Festival, Lithuania
The festival’s mission is to promote a culture of open discussion, harmony and tolerance. Būtent! (Makes Sense!) has established itself as a welcoming forum for debate, engagement, active citizenship and democracy.
15–16 September: The People’s Meeting, Iceland
The Nordic agenda at the Icelandic democracy festival will focus on a more inclusive housing market, the sustainable use of marine resources, climate change and the Nordic diet.
Source: norden