Nordic ministers of culture prioritise culture and language for sustainability

The recent meeting of the Nordic ministers of culture had a clear message – prioritise culture and language comprehension between the Nordic countries in order to achieve the ambitious vision of the Nordic Region as the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030.

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of Nordic co-operation on culture. In this context, Nordic art, culture, and languages are key competitive advantages that pave the way towards finding new green innovations and achieving social sustainability.

“Culture and shared language comprehension are the foundation of Nordic co-operation and should be made more visible,” said Norway’s Minister of Culture, Trine Skei Grande, supported by her colleagues at the meeting.

Inclusion, freedom of expression, and democracy

The new vision was launched by the prime ministers in September. The role of the cultural sector in its ongoing priorities was just one of the many points on the agenda for the ministers for culture. Free quality journalism, green cultural events, and sustainable design are just some of the proposals that the ministers want to include in their continued efforts towards achieving the vision.

Culture was also highlighted as an international competitive advantage by Denmark’s Minister of Culture, Rasmus Prehn:

“Nordic culture and values such as freedom of expression, gender equality, and the free role of art are an important gateway for Nordic positioning and co-operation in international arenas.”

The creativity of children and young people strengthens the Nordic Region

In addition, the ministers decided to continue investing in children and young people by way of the key language and culture programme “Volt”, which supports cultural activities for children and young people. The programme will receive a further three years of funding.

The ability of children and young people to make friends in other Nordic countries and discover each other’s languages and cultures from an early age is fundamental to achieving the objective of a socially sustainable Nordic Region.

says the chair of the ministers for culture and Iceland’s Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir