The theme for this year is “The Nordics, together – Nordic value and cohesion in troubled times”. There are a variety of issues on the agenda – How can we safeguard the security of our citizens? How do we uphold trust and democracy? And how do we build on the values that make the Nordic Region one of the most trusting and sustainable regions in the world?
On the official opening day, 28 October, a summit will be held between the Nordic Council and the Nordic prime ministers. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will also be in attendance as this year’s keynote guest to make an address at the summit.
But the Session is about more than politics at head-of-government level. It’s also an arena for dialogue, co-operation, and inspiration. Sweden’s Riksdag will be filled with debates on everything from climate and welfare to education, culture, and the green transition. During the week, party group and committee meetings will take place, as well as several major plenary debates, including on foreign and defence policy, with key ministers in attendance.
On Tuesday evening, it’s time for the week’s cultural highlight – the awarding of the Nordic Council prizes in literature, children’s and young people’s literature, music, film, and the environment. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Finnish-Swedish actress Stina Ekblad and streamed live from the lower chamber hall of the Riksdag.
The Session of the Nordic Council is the largest Nordic forum of the year for dialogue between parliaments and governments. On the final day, members will vote on the recommendations to forward to the Nordic Council of Ministers and the governments. These are decisions that affect everything from cross-border co-operation to concrete improvements in the day-to-day lives of Nordic citizens.
Much of the programme is open to the public and the press and can be followed live or on demand at norden.org, and on the Riksdag’s web TV. Follow norden.org and the Nordic Council’s channels for the most important updates and news from Stockholm.
