Getting the balance right – the Nordic experience

Inclusiveness, gender equality, and a vibrant civil society bring social and economic benefits. Various non-state organisations and associations have been important to mobilise people’s interest and participation in society at large. The Nordic countries have experienced that freedom of expression and openness foster debate and exchange of different views. Women’s participation in the workforce, as well as their equal representation in democratic institutions, have greatly contributed to our general wellbeing. In Norway, a country famous for its large income from oil and gas, it has been calculated that integrating women in the workforce has contributed more to GDP growth than the income from oil and gas. We strongly believe that everyone should have a voice. The digital transformation and a free, open, and secure internet are vital aspects of development. Three decades ago, Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds in Finland. It is now the most widely used open-source operating system in the world. In a nutshell, it demonstrates the Nordic spirit bringing innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, inclusiveness, and openness to the world.

The Nordic region is at the cutting-edge of sustainable development and provides numerous examples that sustainability and economic growth reinforce each other. All the Nordic countries have set national goals for carbon neutrality before mid-century. It will require major efforts by all parties involved, but many Nordic companies now realise that there is a strong business case for integrating environmental concerns as a core value. In Sweden, the industry together with the state and research institutes is developing the first fossil-free steel production called HYBRIT. Tanzania has the chance to leapfrog and avoid some of the environmental mistakes that other nations made during their industrialisation processes. The pandemic has disrupted the global economy in many ways and as we now look to the future, we are granted a window of opportunity to build back better and greener.

Tanzania reschedules 2026 national exams over El Niño rains

Getting the balance right – the Nordic experience

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