Perspectives on the Nordic region's role in a changing climate and development landscape

Nordic Climate Dialogues 2026 hosted a diverse range of specialists from across the Nordic region. Throughout the day, participants reflected on climate finance, practical approaches, the potential of Nordic cooperation and what they hoped would follow the Dialogues.

 

The event explored how climate finance can make real-world impact

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

Now is the time to look at the structural conditions of developing countries so they can utilise development funding and so the private sector can have an enabling business environment. For example, Finland focused on building up tax systems in Africa. We need to help them with good governance, which I hope and believe is a Nordic virtue.

Heidi Hautala, Former Vice-President of the European Parliament

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

We don’t only need financing, we need to build the systems, structures and markets necessary for nature-positive climate finance.

Leena Klossner, Strategic Advisor, Nordic Development Fund

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

The WWF Nectar Fund provides grants and technical assistance to outstanding, early-stage businesses in Africa that strengthen climate resilience and support healthy ecosystems. It collaborates closely with local and international investors to unlock further capital, such as debt or equity.

Danny Smith, Senior Advisor, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Norway

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

We at Acumen also invest in human capital. Our leadership academy has helped 2,000 entrepreneurs. Developing good leadership skills, character and kindness is important, more so than earning an MBA.

Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO, Acumen

 

Participants shared their hopes for the future

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

We have the data, but now we need to use it correctly. Currently we have fragmented expertise scattered around consultants and online tools. I hope we can make nature data actionable and easy to understand, so we can use it to improve our decision-making.

Selorm Kugbega, Research Fellow, Stockholm Environment Institute

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

I want to put Madagascar on the map and strengthen Nordic partnerships. We have contacts with France, due to our history, but not so many interactions with institutions in the Nordic region. I believe Nordic investors have a big role to play, because they are first movers and are trusted around the world. If they invest in Madagascar, other investors will be encouraged to also come in. This lowers the risk for everyone.

Koloina Ramaromandray, Blended Finance Director, Miarakap

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

The Nordic region is taking an increasingly important leadership role in international climate and development issues. I hope to see them be even more active, because they have the power, credibility and vision to create real change. The more we support Nordic institutions in this role, the more we will all benefit.

Barbara Buchner, CEO, Climate Policy Initiative

 

Nordic collaboration was at the heart of the Dialogues

We are stronger together. Nature is a shared Nordic value. Complex challenges require cross-sector solutions. Partnerships accelerate learning and innovation. The key is constructive collaboration: listen, learn and challenge each other respectfully, and focus on practical action rather than institutional boundaries.

Anne Tarvainen, Programme Director, International Cooperation, WWF Finland

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

The geopolitical reality has made us focus on trust and having those close to us even closer. EU cooperation and Nordic cooperation is very important going forward and will grow even stronger.

Line Vikström Rosvall, Head of Unit for Climate and Environment, Sida

Photo: NDF/Tero Ahonen

The Nordics have something which is in short supply right now: credibility, long-term partnerships, a tradition of measured but early risk-taking, and public and private actors who actually talk to each other. In a fractured landscape, that is an asset. I believe the current moment asks us to come together intentionally around shared goals.

Jesper Hörnberg, CEO, Global Resilience Partnership