"We need mutual co-operation to support economic growth while reducing CO2 emissions. I believe that China and the Nordic countries have much to offer each other in this respect." said Karen Ellemann, Denmark's Minister for the Environment, who doubles as Minister for Nordic Co-operation.
The Nordic-Chinese Energy and Climate Day took place at the World EXPO in Shanghai as part of the Nordic Council of Ministers' globalisation initiative.
The participants agreed that the meeting contributed to a stronger interaction between the region and China on energy and climate issues. At the same time it was clear that it is through more effective networking and concrete action that co-operation will progress, and that it places great demands on co-operation between governments, research institutions and private enterprises in China and the Nordic countries.
Emphasis was drawn to the importance of improving co-operation between those involved in sustainable energy technologies and encouraging new innovations. In line with the theme of EXPO "Better City, Better Life”, the importance of including green spaces in good town planning was stressed, along with new innovative technologies and investment in effective infrastructures.
"Planning and construction of more environmentally efficient and green cities, now and in the future, is a very effective way to combat climate change, reduce poverty and social problems, increase the stability of communities and create the basis for favourable economic development. That is why this Nordic day at EXPO is focusing on energy and climate, two very relevant questions for our cities, and where I believe that the Nordic countries have something to offer," said Jan Vapaavuori, Finland's Minister of Housing and Nordic Co-operation, at the opening of the day in the Finnish pavilion.
It transpired that the Chinese are keen to engage in the exchange of experiences between China and the Nordic region. Amongst others Gu Jun, Deputy Director General at the National Energy Administration in China, was open to the idea of the exchange of experiences around policy work, regulations and legislation, and expressed a great interest in the Nordic countries.
"We have excellent opportunities to match skills between our regions and thereby unlock synergies in the use and development of technologies," said Karen Ellemann. She also stressed that China is a key player in the development of clean energy technology, and that the Nordic countries have a wide range of energy technologies and unique experiences in international research and development work.
The event took place at the Nordic national pavilions and involved lectures and panel discussions. Amongst those who attended were Palle Christiansen, Greenland's Minister of Finance and Nordic Co-operation, Johan Tiedemann, State Secretary for Sweden's Minister of Nordic Co-operation, Cristina Husmark Pehrsson, and Halvard Ingebrigtsen, State Secretary for Norway's Minister for Trade and Industry, Trond Giske. In addition, Jiang Kejun, Director of the Energy Research Institute at the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission, Bo Diczfalusy, Director for Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology, IEA, and Heidi Hiltunen, Environmental Adviser, Delegation of the European Commission to China attended.
During the day participants were also given several examples of good co-operation between the Nordic countries and China from, amongst others, Claus Lønborg, Director of Innovations Centre Denmark, Jaani Heinonen, Director of FinNode, Eldur Olafsson, Enex China, Geysir Green Energy, Grethe Bergsland, Innovation Norway and Van Hoang, the Swedish Trade Council.
In addition, the director of Nordic Energy Research, Anne Cathrine Gjærde, gave a very well received speech in which she clarified what the Nordic region is capable of doing, and the globalisation initiative identified by the prime ministers to profile Nordic energy technologies and strengthen co-operation in the Nordic countries, and between the region and other countries.
The Nordic-Chinese Energy and Climate Day took place on 25 June 2010 at the World EXPO in Shanghai. The event was part of one of the globalisation initiatives agreed upon by the Nordic prime ministers to meet global challenges.
Other joint activities during the World EXPO in Shanghai, besides the Nordic-Chinese Energy and Climate Day, include the major landscape architecture exhibition, New Nordic Landscapes, a seminar on food safety and a design exhibition on assistive technology. In addition there will be a showing of a Nordic family film during the international film festival in Shanghai.
