The issues related to climate have recently been highlighted mostly by young people and the best known of them is Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, but there are also people of the older generation who understand that something has to be done now. The goal is to leave our grandchildren a world that can be lived in. Unfortunately, the efforts made by ordinary people are no longer enough, which is why governments are expected to take action. See more in Aktuaalne Kaamera (starts at 12 min 09 sec).
The issue discussed at the session of the Nordic Council of Ministers was how the Nordic countries could implement a climate policy that would help us quickly reduce the content of carbon dioxide in the air, strengthen the trust in democracy and develop social dialogue. Nordic Prime Ministers have adopted Vision 2030, the objective of which is change the Nordic countries into the most sustainable region in the world.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that we need joint solutions that work and Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said that we cannot demand responsible behaviour from individuals before politicians and businesses start taking measures to tackle the global warming. Read more about the debate here (in English). And yet, ordinary citizens tend to be the ones more concerned about the future of our planet. You can read the summary of climate challenges by ERR here.
Increased joint activities in the region were discussed in addition to the climate. The representatives of the Nordic countries unanimously adopted a strategy for even closer cooperation, especially in the area of social security. Cooperation is important, as the threats we face are largely the same. For example, the joint training of responding to emergencies in the Nordic countries is mentioned in the strategy. Also closer cooperation in guaranteeing peace and resolving conflicts, and Nordic-Baltic cooperation in the area of cyber security. Read more here (in English). The foreign ministers of the Nordic countries also decided to prepare the Stoltenberg II report on foreign and defence cooperation. Read more here (in English).
NCM Prizes
Also taking place as part of the summit was the presentation of the highly regarded Nordic Council of Ministers cultural prizes on 29 October.
The prestigious Nordic Council Literature Prize went to Danish writer Jonas Eika for his collection of short stories “Efter Solen”. Eika speaks about recognisable reality, irrespective of who we are and where we come from.
The Children and Young People’s Literature Prize went to Norwegian writer Kristin Roskifte for her picture book “Alle sammen teller”. The judges were particularly impressed with the author’s unique approach.
The Film Prize went to the Danish movie “Dronningen”. The film focuses on the making of a tragic family secret, where the keywords are hubris, lust as well lies, which create a story that grips the audiences.
Icelandic performer and multi-instrumentalist Gyða Valtýsdóttir won the 2019 Music Prize of the Nordic Council of Ministers. She received the award for her unique vocals, instrumental ingenuity and personal charm.
The Environment Prize was given to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, but she chose not to accept it, saying that we need to take specific steps to combat climate change instead of handing out prizes.
Read more about the winners here (in English).