Nordic Welfare Forum discusses effects of COVID-19 pandemic and societal challenges

NordenBladet — The Nordic Welfare Forum will be held on 8–9 December 2021 as part of Finland’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2021. The Forum is one of the main events in the health and social sector during Finland’s Presidency.The Forum is based on the desire to have a discussion platform which enables us to monitor developments and challenges related to wellbeing in the Nordic countries and to promote Nordic wellbeing indicators. The first Forum was held in Stockholm in 2018. This is the second time the Forum is organised.“Our changing society requires new kind of thinking, up-to-date information and knowledge-based decision-making so that we can learn from the current crises and strengthen equality and social sustainability. I am sure that the Nordic Welfare Forum will work to promote this so that our welfare states can also flourish in the future,” says Minister of Health and Social Affairs Hanna Sarkkinen.Minister Sarkkinen will open the event with her address on 8 December, and Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist will give the closing speech at the event. The event will be held in English, and it will bring together Nordic experts, decision-makers, researchers, experts by experience and public officials. Conference theme is Nordic welfare society model and social sustainabilityThis year, the Forum will focus on challenges and solutions in the Nordic countries as a result of the pressure placed on welfare systems by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forum will address issues such as the effects of the pandemic on the welfare society model and different population groups, the rise of poverty and social exclusion, and demographic challenges.“Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the vision of the Nordic countries, which is to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030, is as important now than it was two years ago. If anything, the pandemic has only emphasised how important it is to actively pursue this vision. We must make determined efforts to strengthen our cooperation and promote our integration,” says Minister Blomqvist.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi