The Nordic Pavilion, organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers, was a center of Nordic activities during this year’s United Nations Climate Conference, COP29. With a full morning-to-evening schedule, the pavilion facilitated events, seminars and network meetings during the two-week conference.
In collaboration with Nordic Innovation, the Trade Promotion Organizations, Innovation Norway, Business Finland and Green by Iceland, were given two full morning programs.
Mitigation Day
On 16 November, the Nordic Pavilion facilitated four events showcasing Nordic business’ initiatives and actions towards climate neutrality.
In collaboration with Business Finland, EK Confederation of Finnish Industries, Svenskt Näringsliv, NHO and Dansk Industri launched their COP29 position, including a list of seven expectations for the COP-negotiations. Following the launch, the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Tore Sandvik, talked about Nordic business’s climate ambition and commitment to climate action.
“Businesses have a clear role to play in the green transition. You help us to see the possibilities in the green shift that we are going through. I am happy to see that Nordic businesses are at the forefront in the current green transition,” Tore Sandvik said.
The seven COP29 expectations from Nordic businesses were:
- Keep global climate action aligned with the paris agreement
- Initiate global trading mechanisms and operationalize Article 6.4
- Set a global carbon price
- Leverage the circular economy as a key tool for reducing climate emissions
- Phase out or decarbonize fossil fuels with technology deployment
- Enhance the mobilization of climate finance
- Ensure a global just green transition to line with the broader 2030 Agenda
Other topics highlighted by the Nordic Trade Promotion Organizations included the importance of carbon markets as well as the role of carbon capture and storage to reach global climate goals. The climate impact of plastics, including the possibilities for innovation within plastic production, was also discussed during the morning program.
Health & Climate Smart Societies
On 19 November, the Nordic Pavilion facilitated two events turning the spotlight on innovation within water management and climate resilience.
A seminar organized by Innovation Norway and Ruden Water showcased innovative solutions from Nordic companies and their global partners. Also, in the session “Unlocking Climate Resilience on Coral Islands” innovative solutions addressing the rising sea levels threatening atoll islands were presented.
An international arena for Nordic businesses
COP29 and the Nordic Pavilion created a foundation and opportunity for Nordic businesses to develop their international networks and showcase their positions within the green transition on an international arena.
“The Nordic pavilion at COP29 became a meeting place to congregate for Nordic and international dialogue on topics of importance to the private sector. Both as events on the formal agenda and as a place for mingle, and the unformal dialogue leading to growth of our Nordic business network,” says Eli Bleie Munkelien, Special Advisor and Director of COP at Innovation Norway.
“We all appreciated the professionality and hospitality by the Nordic Council of Ministers and Nordic Innovation crew, and we look forward to developing the strategic relationship further.”
Thanks to Innovation Norway, Business Finland and Green by Iceland for the collaboration and for highlighting Nordic business solutions and partnerships towards a green and climate neutral future.
