Nordic embassies kick off ‘Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025’ promoting cooperation on resilience
(Seoul) The Nordic embassies in Korea, each representing Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, kicked off their week-long ‘Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025’ event with a plenary session on May 13th at the B3 Conference Hall of the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Co-hosted with the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies and the KFAS, the session was held under the theme of ‘Nordic+Korea Innovation for Resilient Societies’ and explored innovative pathways toward building more resilient and inclusive societies.
Over 200 participants from the public and private sector, academia, and civil society across the Nordic region and Korea attended the event, bringing together key players in the innovation ecosystem to discuss resilience across five key areas: health, security, equality, prosperity, and happiness.
The Nordic ambassadors jointly gave the welcoming address, each sharing their countries’ visions and dedication to cooperation with Korea.
“To build resilient societies, we need not only technological innovation but also social cohesion and trust. Finland is committed to inclusive societies, and we look forward to deepening our cooperation with Korea in this shared vision. This event marks a meaningful starting point for innovative partnerships between our countries,” said Finnish Ambassador Jyri Järviaho.
“In an era where climate change and global crises have become everyday realities, we must work together to create resilient and inclusive communities. Norway sees great potential for collaboration with Korea in areas such as green maritime, energy transition, education, research, and innovation,” said Norwegian Ambassador Anne Kari Hansen Ovind.
“Sweden and Korea both face rising demands for electricity while having ambitious climate targets. At the same time, we are among the world’s most innovative countries. By cooperating, we will be able to move quicker towards a greener and richer society. The green transition is necessary, but it is also possible. Let’s pioneer the possible!” said Swedish Ambassador Karl-Olof Andersson.
“In Denmark, innovation is key to enhancing social sustainability and the quality of life for all. We look forward to exploring new solutions together with Korea, especially in the fields of healthcare, digital health, and welfare technologies,” said Danish Chargé d'affaires a.i. Philip Alexander Hallqvist.
The keynote address was delivered virtually by Secretary-General Karen Ellemann of the Nordic Council of Ministers, who introduced the council’s Nordic Vision 2030 and highlighted the importance of global partnerships.
“Nordic Vision 2030 is about achieving competitive, and socially sustainable societies, but it is not a journey we Nordics take alone — it requires strong global partnerships. The Nordic countries are proud to work with Korea, a country that shares our values in innovation, inclusion, and democratic resilience. Through initiatives like Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025, we are not only sharing knowledge, but building the trust and networks needed to realize the ambitions of Nordic Vision 2030 together,” said Ellemann.
Following this, Dr. Magnus Nyström of the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Dr. Jeanyung Chey of Seoul National University presented interdisciplinary perspectives on resilience in the Nordic and Korean contexts.
The session then delved into practical applications of innovation in health, security, prosperity, and equality through a dynamic panel discussion moderated by President Byung-il Choi of the Trade, Strategy & Innovation Hub, BAE, KIM & LEE LLC. Participating in the discussion were Professor Anja Boisen of the Department of Health Technology at the Technical University of Denmark, Strategic Advisor Veera Parko of the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Finnish Ministry of the Interior, Regional Director Dr. Arman Hassanpoor of the HVDC NorthEast Asia Region at Hitachi Energy Korea, President Jaquelyn Burton of WISTA Norway, and SV Commerce Head Chungseob Lee of Happynarae Co.
Supported by the council, Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025 will continue until the end of the week with thematic seminars and cultural activities. Events are presented in partnership with Chey Institute, KFAS, the Korea University Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence, and Seoul Library. The week-long event aims to serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing best practices, and strengthening partnerships for a more resilient and sustainable future.
On May 14th, Denmark and Finland will respectively host seminars focusing on healthcare and security. The Danish seminar will look at accelerating MedTech innovation by shaping the future of diagnostics and treatment. The Finnish seminar will focus on perspectives on national preparedness, from crisis management to digital security.
On May 15th, Norway and Sweden will each host a seminar highlighting equality and prosperity, respectively. The Norwegian seminar will delve into advancing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in the maritime sector. The Swedish seminar will emphasize the importance of electrification in the future of green growth.
On May 17th and May 18th, the embassies will come together for a ‘Nordic Playground for Happiness’ at the Seoul Outdoor Library at Seoul Plaza. The booth will include photo zones with beloved Nordic characters such as Moomin and Pippi Longstocking, as well as a children’s illustrated book exhibition and cultural activities.
Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025 expands upon the Nordic Talks Korea franchise launched by the embassies in 2019 as a flagship initiative dedicated to inspiring global problem-solving and promoting sustainable societal action through engaging dialogues.
Information on all the events is available on the official website at www.NordicTalksKorea.com, where visitors can also register for on-site attendance. Event inquiries can be made to each embassy or via [email protected].(END)