Virtual Report Launch: A Territorial Approach to the Sustainable Development Goals in Viken, Norway (OECD Regions)

Background
On 1 January 2020, the counties of Akershus, Buskerud and Østfold merged to become Viken. The newly elected county government endorsed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a holistic framework for implementing the Regional Planning Strategy for a Sustainable Viken 2020-2024, within a complex governance landscape. Viken’s sustainable development challenges and opportunities vary across its 51 municipalities, and include both highly urbanised and largely rural areas. A Territorial Approach to the SDGs will help maximise the assets and strengths of all territories and promote better access to economic development opportunities, labour market, skills and education where disparities are witnessed between rural areas and urban centres.

Agenda
Welcoming remarks (10 min)

·       Mr. Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, Deputy Secretary-General - OECD

Opening remarks (10 min)

·       Ms. Tonje Brenna, Chair of the County Government of Viken, Norway

Key findings from the report (10 min)

·       Mr. Stefano Marta, Coordinator, A Territorial Approach to the SDGs, OECD

Moderated panel discussion on how to implement the recommendations (50 min):  

Moderator: Ms. Aziza Akhmouch, Head of the Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development Division in the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD

·       Mr. Kristian Thowsen, County director at the Viken governing mayor's office, County of Viken, Norway

·       Mr. Daniel Constantin Tabacaru, Senior advisor of climate friendly procurement, County of Viken, Norway

·       Ms. Hilde Reine, County director of planning, climate and the environment, County of Viken, Norway

·       Ms. Ronja Borgemyr, Viken Youth Council

·       Mr Jesper Tangenes Bæverfjord, Senior advisor, Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation, Norway  

·       Ms. Anne Romsaas, Chief Adviser SDG, Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities

·       Mr. Geir Graff, Innovation Strategist, Asker Municipality, Norway  

Discussion with the audience (30 min)

Closing remarks (10 min)

·       Ambassador Per Egil Selvaag, Permanent Representative of Norway to the OECD

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