7Nordic Stories

7Nordic Stories 7 Nordic Stories 2011

ISBN: 978-92-893-2328-4 ANP 2012:717 © Nordic Council of Ministers

Editor: Silje Bergum Kinsten Contributors: Silje Bergum Kinsten, Janise Fabricius, Jesper Schou-Knudsen, Bodil Tingsby, Heidi Orava, Louise Hagemann, Mats Holmström, Michael Funch, Michael Holmboe Bang, Steen Ulrik Johannesen and Iben H. Danielsen.

Translation: [email protected]

Photos: Cover, pp.10, 12, 28, 30, 31, 33: Karin Beate Nøsterud/norden.org pp. 8, 9, 11, 15, 17, 20, 23, 29: Johannes Jansson/norden.org pp. 19 : S. Sigbjørnsen/norden.org pp. 25, 27: Silje Bergum Kinsten/norden.org p. 26: Image Select

This publication can be ordered on www.norden.org/order. Other Nordic publications are available at www.norden.org/publications

Print: Arco Grafisk, Skive Copies: 500

Printed in Denmark

T R 8 Y 1 K 6 S 1- AG NR. 54

Nordic Council of Ministers Nordic co-operation Ved Stranden 18 Nordic co-operation is one of the world’s most extensive DK-1061 Copenhagen K forms of regional collaboration, involving Denmark, Finland, Telephone (+45) 3396 0200 Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland. Nordic Council Ved Stranden 18 Nordic co-operation has firm traditions in politics, the DK-1061 Copenhagen K economy, and culture. It plays an important role in European Telephone (+45) 3396 0400 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. Common Nordic values help the region solidify its position as one of www.norden.org the world’s most innovative and competitive. 7 Nordic Stories

Preface 7

What about the Literature Prize then? 9

An infectiously fine example 13

Local authorities inspire energy innovation – at home and abroad 16

New Nordic Food – Food Diplomacy 21

Research exchanges in the name of democracy 24

Consigning tax evasion to the history books 29

Climate projects and development aid go hand in hand 32

Introduction

Everybody knows about the Nordic Passport Union. Most people have heard of the Nordic Council Literature Prize. More and more recognise the Swan ecolabel.

But what about the rest? What about all of those things that are integral parts of day-to-day life in the Nordic Region, which make lives easier and enrich our leisure time? Many of them are taken for granted, but they are actually the result of a unique partnership between five countries that has lasted no fewer than six decades so far.

Each of the seven stories that you are about to read, in its own way, makes Nordic co-operation tangible – for the reader, for the inquisitive individual and for all those who are already part of the Nordic project and work to make Nordic co-operation an even more dynamic element of everyday life in the Region.

We hope you will enjoy reading them. 8 7 nordic stories What about the Literature Prize then?

“but surely you know about the nordic council literature prize?” talk of passport union, ecolabels and the close affinity between the nordic countries had no doubt made some kind of an impression, but michael angele of the german cultural magazine der freitag wasn’t exactly nodding emphatically in recognition.

he whole point of the in- “The Literature Prize? Oh yes, of terview had been to gauge course. Obviously,” he responds. “The T recognition levels – how prize money may not come close to the well is the Nordic Region recognised big European and American literature beyond its borders? It’s an encounter prizes. But what makes it so special with an outsider, someone who has is that five countries have opted to noticed the burgeoning Nordic profile pour public spending on culture into a and wants to know more. Something single prize. For an outsider this might tangible. be difficult to understand, but in its Angele had listened with interest own way that very fact actually seems as the catalogue of Nordic co-oper- to enhance the popularity and literary ation’s political achievements was credentials of the prize.” rattled off, but his eyes really lit up There it was – the recognition and at this question: acknowledgement – when asked about

7 nordic stories 9 one of the brightest stars in the Nordic population of the Region as a whole. That’s why I’m so happy to receive the firmament, the Literature Prize. It has Something that really means some- Nordic Council Literature Prize today. It just turned 50. Most people – proudly thing for the individual but also has a is a great honour and an indescribable Nordic or not – mention the prize as place in the bigger picture. The artistic joy.” one of the things they associate with and political picture. At any rate, the Literature Prize Nordic co-operation. Or, at the very Perhaps it is because the prize – the literally recognises and acknowledges least, it is something that springs to recognition – encapsulates it all. That the artistic experience and the expres- mind when talk turns to the Nordic which is so difficult: putting words, sion of Nordic self-understanding. So Council and Nordic co-operation. But pictures or sounds to what it means to do the Film Prize and the Music Prize. why, precisely, has this particular prize be a Nordic citizen. Or an artist in the And the fact that they are backed become such a prominent symbol for Nordic Region. by the political will of five different co-operation? The Danish author Naja Marie Aidt countries was perhaps the very thing Perhaps it is precisely the combina- was awarded the prize in 2008 for her that the German journalist noted as tion of the tangible and the symbolic, work Bavian (Baboon). In her accept- something unique. And this political of the political and the popular, that ance speech, she put it like this: will has its roots in a major ambition triggers recognition and speaks to “Bavian is about being a person in shared by all five countries. people. To the individual and to the the Nordic Region, for good and ill. The actual policy goal behind

10 7 nordic stories the Prize is to increase interest in was both proud and humbled: the literature and languages of the “I don’t believe authors write in neighbouring countries and in Nordic order to win prizes. Most seem to cultural affinity. That is how it was put adhere, consciously or not, to Ralph in the founding charter half a century Waldo Emerson’s maxim that ‘The ago, and it still holds true. And there reward of a thing well done is having is no doubt that Nordic authors and done it’. And yet, I am delighted to the literati often describe the Prize accept this prize today. An author’s as – next to the Nobel Prize – the work is lonely.” greatest and most prestigious award Politics or not, the prize – the to which a Nordic author can aspire. recognition – is there. And it is given, There is no doubt that journalists, accepted and seen. In the Nordic opinion-makers and critics use the Region and beyond. By artists and all prize to really celebrate Nordic litera- of the rest of us. And the act of giving ture with gusto. generates a level of artistic and politi- In his acceptance speech in 2011, cal attention that helps boost self-per- the Icelandic author Gyrðir Elíasson ception in the wider Nordic community.

facts

The Literature Prize is the highest accolade Per Petterson and Kerstin Ekman have been awarded for a work of fiction in the Nordic awarded the prize, authors who subsequently countries. First awarded in 1962, it is the old- won widespread international recognition and est of the four prizes awarded by the Council. who have, by virtue of the specifically Nordic nature of their oeuvre, helped increase inter- The prize goes to a work of fiction in one of est in literature from the Region. the Nordic languages – a novel, play, poem, short story or essay collection – that meets the The DKK 350,000 Literature Prize is handed highest literary and artistic standards. The ob- over at a ceremony during the annual Session jective is to generate interest in the languages of the Nordic Council, as too are the prizes for and literature of the neighbouring countries music, film and environmental work. and the wider Nordic cultural affinity.

Major figures such as Sofi Oksanen, Lars Saabye Christensen, Sjón, Naja Marie Aidt,

7 nordic stories 11 12 7 nordic stories An infectiously fine example

somewhere outside beijing, a hen with flu infects its owner, who shakes hands with a nordic journalist, who infects his fellow passengers on the way home ... mild, small-scale outbreaks of disease generally attract little attention, but every once in a while a more serous epidemic breaks out. adequate contingency planning requires co-operation that transcends sectors and the political will to look at the problem holistically.

“ he Nordic Region constitutes and the environment was made a unique example of interna- part of the remit of the ministries T tional co-operation to prevent of agriculture.” and manage infectious diseases, both in terms of its ability to tackle issues One world – one health collectively and the way in which the Wegener shows us around one of work is funded,” according to Henrik the laboratories at the Technical Wegener, Provost of the Technical Uni- University of Denmark, where he versity of Denmark. was appointed Provost in November. “Investment cannot just be made Due to his solid background in food once a problem arises,” he says. safety, he was a member of the expert “Responsibility for human health is group convened by the Nordic Council shared between the health ministries to examine Nordic efforts to date as and the ministries for agriculture, the well as opportunities to contribute to environment and food. The barriers the global strategy One Health in the between these organisations are future. The One Health concept seeks lower in the Nordic Region than in to improve the health of people and many other parts of the world. As early animals in the environment in which as the 1990s, responsibility for health they live. Cross-border work is the

7 nordic stories 13 cornerstone of the strategy, and the use of antibiotics for farm animals. where no restrictions have been im- Provost sees clear strengths in the Debating responsibility is natural for posed, and they are massively over- Nordic network approach. us, since we take a pragmatic view of used. For this reason it is important “Studies have been conducted at regulation and inspection. In the USA, that we maintain a broad perspective national level in the Nordic Region – for example, this issue is far more on the problem – antibiotic resist- i.e. we have looked at the entirety of controversial, since inspection is seen ance in India can quickly become a agriculture and food production, and as Big Brother-style surveillance.” problem in the Nordic Region too,” the population as a whole. As a result, Olsen says. we have collated data ‘from farm to Need for inter-disciplinary fork’ and have been able to forge links research Ideal outcome: EU–USA pact across the various sectors – it’s quite Björn Olsen, Professor of Infectious Measures to combat antibiotic resist- unique,” he says. Diseases at Uppsala University, sees a ance are high on the agenda for Also unique in an international need for stronger, more inter-discipli- the Danish EU Presidency in 2012. context, according to Wegener, is the nary research into public health. Henrik Wegener believes the EU will Nordic capacity for looking beyond the “The current system of co-opera- reach agreement on monitoring the apportioning of blame, recognising tion means that data, e.g. on anti- use of antibiotics. common problems and then hav- biotic resistance, is shared across “We need to compare data from ing the public sector deal with them the Nordic Region. Public bodies the member countries and start the before outsourcing maintenance of exchange information but there is no debate there,” he says, before voic- the solutions to the private sector. direct analysis involved. I would like ing his hope for the future: One key area is the struggle against to see closer Nordic research col- “To produce one kilogramme of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains, laboration in these areas,” says Olsen meat, the USA uses twice the amount an area in which the restrictive Nordic who, like Henrik Wegener, was a mem- of antibiotics that the most profligate approach to the use of antibiotics ber of the expert group. European country uses. If Europe and stands out. “The good thing is that we share a the USA could agree maximum levels, “The Nordic Region was first to holistic approach to antibiotic resist- it would set a standard for the whole put a stop to the use of antibiotic ance in the Nordic countries. We also world.” growth stimulants,” says Wegener. discuss the commercial aspects of the “We would now like to establish the issue. Huge quantities of antibiotics necessary basis for the responsible are produced in developing countries

facts

The One Health concept recognises the con- Zoonosis: A disease spread between ani- nections between human and animal health mals and humans. In bacterial zoonoses, and the environment in which they coexist. An such as salmonella, food acts as the international strategy bearing the same name conduit between animals and humans. applies a holistic approach to the understand- ing of the origins and spread of infectious diseases.

In 2011, the Nordic Council Citizens’ and Consumer Rights Committee set up a working group to gather the views of experts on the most important technical and policy issues relating to multi-resistance and One Health. The working group proposed priorities to the Danish EU Presidency.

14 7 nordic stories “the big economic interest groups present a challenge because huge amounts of money are involved in both medicine and animal production. medicines are used not only to com- bat diseases, but also to make production more efficient, which is a problem. it is unac- ceptable for antibiotics to be used for purposes other than combating disease.”

Martin Kolberg (NO), Nordic Council Citizens’ and Consumer Rights Committee

“we have a clear interest, which is also economic, in stopping the spread of antibiotic re- sistance around the world. we are facing a global problem and so, based on sound nor- dic experience, we are pushing antibiotic resistance up the eu agenda during the danish presidency.”

Mette Gjerskov, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries

7 nordic stories 15 Local authorities inspire energy innovation – at home and abroad

albertslund, west of copenhagen, was named

nordic energy municipality 2011, but that

was not the end of the project. the experience

gained and the solutions devised by the many

local authorities that took part are to be

spread around the globe.

he 64,000 inhabitants tions that enable the school to be of Drammen, south-east virtually self-sustaining in terms of Tof Oslo in Norway, are energy. In summer, the school actu- receiving more visitors than normal. ally acts as a supplier, as its under- The local authority in Østlandet is floor pipes carry excess heat to the renowned for its fossil-free energy nearby Drammensbadet outdoor network, which includes Marienlyst swimming pool – the largest of its School, the first school in Norway kind in Norway. to be housed in a passive building, Drammen was one of 14 local i.e. one built according to sustain- authorities nominated for the ability principles that minimise the Nordic Energy Municipality award use of energy. in 2011, but it was not the only one “We get many visitors from to attract international attention. home and abroad, and the school Many of the 44 entrants report sig- is one of our main attractions,” nificant interest in their initiatives says Geir Andersen, technical from other local authorities in the director of Drammen Council. Nordic Region, as well as from local All of these guests want to hear districts and companies in Europe more about the technical solu- and elsewhere.

16 7 nordic stories 7 nordic stories 17 Global leader local resources pragmatically to been so positive that we are already Albertslund, near Copenhagen, won generate local growth,” says senior working on the next round,” con- the competition with its energy- adviser Vivi Yieng Kow of the Danish cludes the senior adviser. efficient renovation project, known Energy Agency, part of the Ministry as the Albertslund Concept. This of Climate, Energy and Building. World tour involved the renovation of existing Some of the local authorities’ energy buildings in the area – specifically, Nordic diversity and climate solutions were pre- prefabricated buildings built be- The jury, chaired by Marie Don- sented to a global audience at the UN tween the 1960s and the 1980s. The nelly of the EU Commission, noted Climate Change Conference (COP17) aim was to develop and demonstrate the breadth and diversity of Nordic in Durban, South Africa, in November standardised energy-renovation resourcefulness – as Vivi Yieng Kow last year, at the Danish Architecture solutions. affirms. Centre’s exhibition Nordic Climate The competition jury also praised “These local-authority projects and Energy Solutions/Sharing Nordic the Drammen projects, which were represent a broad spectrum of crea- Solutions. awarded the runner-up prize, and the tive solutions,” she says. One of the aims of the exhibition waste-treatment initiative in Lid- She also points out the wide vari- was to present the Nordic Region as köping, which was awarded a Special ation within the Nordic countries: a single entity working consciously Mention. “In Denmark alone, there are towards the countries’ common goals “The Nordic countries prioritise marked differences between, say, of freeing themselves from fossil green growth and we can be global the west coast of Jutland and the fuels, reducing CO2 emissions and leaders in this area,” said Finnish island of Bornholm. Different lo- creating growth through green tech- Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen, as he cal areas have access to different nological innovation. handed over the prize at the meeting resources. Yet they also have a great “There was a great deal of interest of Nordic prime ministers in October deal in common. To a large extent, from many agencies during COP17. last year in Copenhagen. “Green we all have the same approach to We are using the exhibition to collate growth creates jobs, affects the solving problems, and we are good experience for broader marketing environment in a positive way and at working together.” initiatives,” says Vivi Yieng Kow. provides fantastic competitive oppor- She notes that the Nordic coun- She also points out that the idea tunities in the global market.” tries have produced a wide range is for the solutions and experiences The Nordic Energy Initiative is a of ideas and projects for the use of gained from this year’s projects to collaborative effort between the Dan- local resources or for making greater be made available to others, in the ish and Finnish presidencies of the use of rail transport, as in the Goth- Nordic Region and beyond: Nordic Council of Ministers in 2010 enburg project. “It is all about reaching compa- and 2011, respectively. It was imple- “Examples abound, and taken nies, public bodies and groups that mented by the Danish Energy Agency together they form a catalogue that are interested in sustainable and Finland’s Ministry for Employ- provides inspiration and motivation solutions.” ment and the Economy. for new projects elsewhere, which “The Nordic countries are good will benefit the climate and local job at planning for the future and using creation. In fact, the results have www.nordicenergymunicipality.org

18 7 nordic stories 10 nordiske7 nordic politikere stories 19 20 7 nordic stories New Nordic Food – Food Diplomacy

the food ministers adopted the aarhus declaration on new nordic food in 2005. the council of ministers has helped turn new nordic food into a huge success via a number of initiatives at home and abroad. the latest example is food diplomacy – food as an expression of nordic culture, nature and society.

mbassadors will now be able the use of food. Part of her remit is to to lead the way in promot- publish an online toolbox. A ing New Nordic Food, and “The toolbox will have an A–Z guide use food to raise the profile of their so that any of our diplomats will be countries. able to run food-based events,” she Nordic Food Diplomacy is the title says. “It will cover everything from of a new concept that uses food to invitations and preparations to advice promote Nordic values. The Council about raw ingredients and how to of Ministers would like food to be serve the food, and well as sugges- seen as an integral part of the Nordic tions for theme dinners based on image, on a par with music, visual art, New Nordic Food, e.g. on the theme design and the performing arts. of Selma Lagerlöf or Hans Christian Andersen. It will also include recipes Theme dinners and suggestions for using national, Charlotta Ranert, project manager at regional, local and seasonal raw the New Nordic Food Secretariat, is ingredients.” responsible for helping, supporting, “The challenge is to come up with inspiring and guiding diplomats in useful tools and innovative concepts

7 nordic stories 21 for the foreign services, diplomats by asking children and young people is another important principle in New and the export councils. Later, we to invent healthy snacks. Nordic Food and it should be possible also hope to involve other institu- As part of the preparations for the to source ingredients locally. tions and companies that work with San Francisco event, a competition “Food Diplomacy can be used to tell Nordic food abroad,” she continues. was launched at Nordic Game Jam a story, to communicate a message to develop a computer game on the through Nordic food and its unique Nordic food in Cannes theme of Nordic food. values,” she says. “In fact, it can be The project, which was launched The other pilot project is being run used in conjunction with all kinds of in autumn 2011, is provisionally in collaboration with the Nordic Film Nordic meetings, at business dinners scheduled to run until the end of & TV Fund, and will culminate at the and exhibitions, at cultural and other 2012. A reference group has been Cannes Film Festival in May 2012. events, and in export drives. It can set up, consisting of chefs and food also be used within the Region. Food celebrities, and interviews are being Simple and ethical Diplomacy makes the meal a con- conducted with chefs and embassy All of the projects focus on the pure, scious, visible and integrated part of staff to collate information about fresh, simple and ethical nature of the event, enhancing the experience needs and potential. Hopefully, Nordic food. This reflects the fact and highlighting the theme.” these interviews will also generate that the New Nordic Food concept is ideas for new items in Nordic Food based on a number of core values, Diplomacy’s online toolbox. e.g. sustainable lifestyles, respect for Two pilot projects have also been nature and natural resources, ethical launched. A joint event will be held treatment of animals, efficient use along with the Nordic Game Program of resources, and good working and at the Game Developers’ Conference employment conditions. in San Francisco in spring 2012. The Following on from these ideals, idea is to develop “New Nordic Com- Ranert stresses that diplomats should puter Food” – suitable for busy gam- resist the temptation to involve Nordic ers at their desks. In a similar vein, food in absolutely every event. There the Council of Ministers incorporat- is no reason to fly or sail raw ingredi- ed New Nordic Food into Climate Day ents to the ends of the Earth. Localism

facts

Nordic Food Diplomacy: recommendations

• Food and meals served at meetings within • Food and meals should be developed in the Nordic Region should, as far as pos- collaboration with the cultural sector. sible, reflect the season and area in which • Food and meals served at all Nordic the meeting is held, as well as the other meetings and events should be whole- values that underpin the concept of New some, healthy and nutritious. The Nordic Food. values associated with the food, and • Food and meals served at international the concepts that inspired it, should events should convey something about be communicated clearly to all of the the Nordic Region. participants in the event. • Raw ingredients for all meals should be produced according to sustainable principles. • Food and meals should be inspired by traditional Nordic food culture, but also by new opportunities and an innovative mindset.

22 7 nordic stories facts

What are the target groups for Nordic Food Diplomacy?

• Embassies and consulates • Trade organisations • Export promotion bodies • Individual companies • Tourism organisations • Local authorities • Nordic bodies

Read more about Nordic Food Diplomacy at www.nynordiskmad.org/en/themes/public-food-diplomacy Contact: Project Manager Charlotta Ranert, [email protected]

7 nordic stories 23 Research exchanges in the name of democracy

networking and knowledge-sharing between belarusian and european researchers are important elements of the democratisation process in belarus. the nordic ngo programme facilitates the process.

he Nordic Council of Min- Highlighting the situation isters’ NGO programme in Belarus T brings young Belarusian Ahniya Asanovich was one of the researchers into contact with groups young Belarusian interns abroad of experts from abroad. In 2011, the in 2011. Working at the Norwegian project Enhancing Research Centres’ Institute of International Affairs Activities in Belarus provided ten (NUPI) let her integrate into a young researchers with the opportu- network of researchers and political nity to work as interns elsewhere in analysts. Europe. “I saw knowledge being ap- The general objective was to plied in practice, and learned to be encourage co-operation between flexible and respond to academic groups of Belarusian experts and challenges. I also improved my or- their peers abroad, and to bring Be- ganisational skills by participating larus into the independent European in conferences and panel debates academic fold, particularly in the organised by NUPI, at which I was field of political science. able to make use of my knowledge

24 7 nordic stories 7 nordic stories 25 of the situation in Belarus in an effec- cal affairs. They formulate alternative on the experiences gained during tive manner,” says Ahniya Asanovich. ideas on governance, development the current project, the EESC is now Asanovich previously studied at the and the future of Belarus, paving the engaged in designing new initiatives Belarusian university in exile, the Eu- way for the unavoidable reforms of to boost democracy and research in ropean Humanities University, which the future,” says Justinas Pimpe, head Belarus. also enjoys the support of the Nordic of the Eastern Europe Studies Centre “Our experience of best practice Council of Ministers. (EESC). EESC is a Lithuanian NGO will inform the new projects. We will As far as NUPI is concerned, the that works to build up civil society focus in particular on young, up-and- exchange programme added to its and strengthen democracy in Eastern coming Belarusian researchers by networking activities. Europe. providing them with methodological, “When we take part in programmes The project has already produced financial and other support so that like this, we are thinking long-term,” positive results. It has not only they will be able to design and run says Helge Blakkisrud, NUPI’s Head of enhanced the skills and knowledge high-quality research programmes Department of Russian and Eurasian of young Belarusian researchers, but and present them to their peers Studies. by encouraging the establishment abroad,” Pimpe explains. of expert groups, it has also helped Enhancing Research Centres’ Activi- The democratisation process to bring together the Belarusian ties in Belarus was developed and Providing a boost to research in Bela- research community in a more formal implemented within the framework rus is also key to the future of the de- manner. of the Eastern Europe Studies Centre mocratisation process in the country. (EESC). “Expert groups and the research Incubating new initiatives community help generate an alterna- The project has also paved the way tive, independent discourse on politi- for other initiatives in the area. Based

26 7 nordic stories 7 nordic stories 27 28 7 nordic stories Consigning tax evasion to the history books

since 2007, a unique nordic partnership has taken the lead

in combating tax evasion. agreement after agreement has

been signed with offshore tax centres, paving the way for

exchanges of information regarding money that rightfully

belongs to the people of the nordic region. billions have

been recovered as a result. the partnership is also helping

to turn a global problem into a global success.

very year, tax evasion robs “Internationally, the Nordic Region is of- industrialised and develop- ten regarded as a model when it comes E ing nations alike of billions to negotiating information-exchange in income. A handful of unscrupulous agreements,” says Torsten Fensby, the companies and individuals illegally Nordic Council of Ministers’ project withhold revenue that the rest of socie- manager, who has travelled the world to ty needs by concealing income and as- promote dialogue and pave the way for sets in offshore tax centres. The money new agreements. “This puts the Region is needed to improve the balance of at the forefront of efforts to combat tax payments, pay for welfare provision, evasion. Our goal is to conclude agree- make countries more competitive in ments with all of the states that have the global economy and promote inter- banking secrecy arrangements as soon national free trade. It could be spent as possible.” counteracting the negative aspects of Although the current round of nego- climate change and – not least – help- tiations is due to end in summer 2012, ing the developing nations of the world the various national authorities will con- to build up their national economies. tinue to work together. A total of approx-

7 nordic stories 29 imately 40 agreements is expected. that the sums involved will increase in er, the move also provided a boost to Several of the information-exchange the future. They also report indirect ef- the Nordic project because it enables agreements have come into force fects, e.g. the net inflow of payments offshore tax centres to negotiate seven since the first one was signed in from certain countries has increased agreements at the same time. The 2007. They facilitate insight into the in recent years. The agreements also general consensus is that only global banking records of other countries, have a preventative effect, so fewer action will put an end to tax evasion, in cases where criminal activity is people are likely to withhold tax in improve transparency and lead to col- suspected, to see who has been future. laboration on tax issues. withholding Nordic tax revenue for “Of course, we welcome the G20 personal gain. Global pressure needed – the initiative, but global pressure needs to The tax authorities have not been Nordic Region shows the way be clearer and stronger if all countries, slow in making use of this unique In 2009, the G20 countries adopted including developing nations, are to new opportunity, and the agree- tough measures to stop tax evasion be accorded the same opportunity ments have made an immediate and have been exerting pressure on to combat international tax evasion impact. Not only have people been offshore tax centres to agree to a effectively,” says Halldór Ásgrimsson, forced to pay both tax and penalties, minimum of 12 information-exchange Secretary General of the Nordic Council but billions have been brought in by agreements each. The main benefi- of Ministers. “Only global pressure will individuals voluntarily changing their ciaries have been rich countries with turn this global problem into a global tax status. The authorities predict strong negotiating positions. Howev- success.”

30 7 nordic stories The world economic crisis has sown good basis for rebuilding confidence in seeds of doubt about the credibility the financial system.” of many of the traditional financial According to the Secretary General, institutions, and confidence in the the measures adopted by the G20 are capital markets has been severely a step in the right direction but do not shaken. The Secretary General be- go far enough. The countries repre- lieves that more countries need to be sented around the G20 table need to involved in the campaign to combat show leadership by cracking down tax evasion. harder on global tax evasion so that “More countries need to raise the process benefits not only a handful their voices against the kind of out- of rich nations, but all countries – rich dated systems and structures that or poor – all over the world. make international tax evasion possi- The Nordic Region has made up its ble,” says Ásgrimsson. “They need mind. It is time to consign tax evasion to demand greater openness and to the history books. transparency – and, in particular, they need to call for an end to bank- ing secrecy. That would establish a

7 nordic stories 31 Climate projects and development aid go hand in hand

joint initiatives to promote green growth are a top priority for the nordic prime ministers. one of their objectives is to provide support for green development in the world’s poorest countries, e.g. by fund- ing development-aid programmes, such as the nordic climate facility, that are based on climate-change initiatives and the environment.

n November 2011, the prime technology, knowledge and ideas to The themes for the first round were ministers launched their vision combat climate change in the poor- energy efficiency and water resourc- I “The Nordic Region: Leading est developing countries. es, and some of the projects have the way in green growth”. The objec- “Partnership with the Nordic De- already led to positive outcomes, e.g. tive is to work more closely together velopment Fund on the Climate Facil- promoting local adaptation to climate on topics such as energy efficiency, ity has made it possible to support change and reducing greenhouse-gas sustainable energy, environmental a whole range of innovative climate- emissions. awareness and research and innova- change projects in the developing The first call generated 138 pro- tion in general. world,” says Magnus Rystedt, man- posals, of which 33 made it to the One element of the joint vision aging director of NEFCO. second round and 14 were selected is to “promote the integration of NCF invites project proposals for project funding worth a total of environmental and climate-change once a year. To date, 22 projects €5.5 million. considerations into development have been selected: 14 in the first “The unique feature of the Nordic work”. A prime example is the Nordic round and, provisionally, eight in Climate Facility is that it manages to Climate Facility (NCF), a joint venture the second round (final decisions bring Nordic expertise on develop- involving the Nordic Development have yet to be made). The deadline ment aid and the environment togeth- Fund (NDF) and the Nordic Environ- for the third round of submissions er under the same umbrella,” says ment Finance Corporation (NEFCO). was in mid-January 2012. NCF managing director Helge Semb. NCF funds innovative develop- The response in the Nordic “We hope this will facilitate the ment projects that deploy Nordic Region has been overwhelming. transfer of environmental technology

32 7 nordic stories 7 nordic stories 33 to the developing world and help “The pump is linked by satellite to on the development of local busi- ameliorate the negative impacts of a computer-based system with an nesses. Some 130 proposals were climate change on development in integrated communications and moni- received by the deadline in January the poorest countries.” toring module that facilitates remote 2012 and will now be processed. Kenya is one of the countries in monitoring of the water system.” The NDF provides grants of be- which NCF-funded projects are cur- The NCF project in Kenya consists tween €250,000 and €500,000 per rently being set up. They range from of nine LIFELINK water systems. Via project in the form of co-funding (gift innovative technology that provides mobile phone, local communities pay aid) for climate-related projects in the access to clean water, to sustainable a fee that covers operating, main- poorest countries in Africa, Asia and agriculture and improved manage- tenance and administration costs South America. Most of the selected ment of scarce water resources. related to their water supply. projects target Africa. Projects must For example, one NCF project re- “By building capacity in the be completed within two years. port states: “Long periods of drought drought-hit Isiolo district, the project In recent years, close collaboration in the Isiolo district of Kenya have put helps local communities cope better between NDF and NEFCO has resulted pressure on community water sup- with climate change. The project also in a series of NCF projects that have plies. This led to supplies of fodder has minimal climate impact, because been of benefit to all concerned and, becoming unreliable, caused a sharp its innovative technology is based on above all, have promoted green decline in the number of livestock solar energy rather than fossil fuels.” growth in the poorest countries in the and increased the incidence of water- The second round, on the themes world. borne diseases.” of sustainable energy and urban ad- One project involving the Danish aptation to climate change, received Red Cross, Kenya Red Cross and the 176 project proposals from all over Danish company Grundfos has pro- the Nordic Region. vided 20,000 people in the affected So far, eight projects have been area with access to cleaner water and selected and are ready to be launched helped promote hygiene awareness in countries including Bolivia, Ethio- through the use of innovative modern pia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, technology that also reduces emis- Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Uganda. A sions of greenhouse gases. small number of proposals are still “Grundfos’ innovative LIFELINK under consideration. system is a tried-and-tested sub- The theme for the third round of mersible pump, powered by solar proposals will be innovative, cost-ef- panels,” states the NCF report. fective climate solutions with a focus facts

Nordic Climate Facility (NCF) is a Nordic climate five Nordic development-aid organisations. initiative for the developing world. NCF funds The NDF budget for funding climate-change innovative projects designed to alleviate the initiatives is €30–35 million a year. For more impact of climate change in low-income coun- details, visit: www.ndf.fi tries. NCF is funded by the Nordic Development Fund and run by the NDF in partnership with The Nordic Environment Finance Corpora- the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation tion (NEFCO) is an international funding body (NEFCO). owned by the five Nordic countries under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Minis- The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) was set ters. NEFCO mainly funds projects in Russia, up in 1989 as part of Nordic co-operation on Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states, as development aid. All five Nordic countries are well as climate-change projects in developing members of the fund. NDF’s main activity is to countries that have environmental benefits for support projects via co-funding with the World the Nordic Region. NEFCO’s budget for climate- Bank, regional development banks (ADB, IDB related projects is around €100 million a year. and AfDB), Nordic funding bodies and the For more information, visit: www.nefco.org.

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ANP 2012:717 ISBN 978-92-893-2328-4 36 7 nordic stories