Go to content
Photos: Unsplash AND STEFAN BERG / imagebanksweden.se

5. Actions to create local ownership and leave no one behind

This chapter elaborates on the importance of partnerships and stakeholder engagement for supporting local ownership of the SDGs and using local resources to build more inclusive communities. In addition to analysis based on the survey responses and Nordic Toolbox examples, it contains two ‘subchapters’ drafted by the Nordic Youth Network for Sustainability (section 5.3) and the Nordic Civil Society Network (section 5.4). These subchapters provide additional insights into what munici­pa­li­ties could gain from more systematic collaboration with youth and civil society – and how to do it in a productive and meaningful way.

5.1 Current and potential collaboration partners 

The principle of leaving no one behind and reducing inequalities is fundamental both to the 2030 Agenda and for the work of municipalities and regions in the Nordic welfare states. In the 2021 Norwegian VSR (KS, 2021), 99% of municipalities agreed that it is ‘at the heart of their purpose’ to provide good social services and basic welfare for all inhabitants. Still, ‘only’ 58% said they had identified marginalised groups in policymaking and worked preventively against, for example, child poverty, racism and drug abuse (ibid.). Income inequality has increased more in the Nordic countries than in most OECD countries since the early 1990’s, although it remains well below the OECD average. Capital income has become a more significant factor of inequality and redistribution has weakened, thus contributing to the trend, according to the Nordic Economy Policy Review 2018 (Egholt Søgaard et al., 2018). This could pose a threat to social cohesion and trust – a development further elaborated on by the Swedish Fiscal Policy Council in a recent report (Swedish Fiscal Policy Council, 2024).
Despite this, Nordic societies generally boast a high degree of trust  (Andreasson, 2017) and a collaborative governance culture involving diverse stakeholders through partnerships and volunteering. As mentioned in Chapter 3, this is a success factor supportive of the innovative, cross-sectoral approaches needed to implement the inter-related SDGs. The Nordic Survey asked how often municipalities host SDG-related activities for different local actors in order to enhance local ownership of SDGs.
For country-by-country charts on ‘How often has the local authority caried out activities to involve the following actors on 2030 Agenda’, see Appendix 2.
 In Iceland, Norway and Sweden, internal staff were the most commonly invited group, followed by local politicians and then youth. In Finland, schools (children and youth) were the most often invited, while local politicians and local businesses ranked second and third respectively.
Municipalities were also asked how closely they collaborate with different external actors on SDG-related activities (see Figure 17). The top closest collaboration partners were other municipalities in the same country, and in one case regional/county council. Notably, Finland and Iceland put private businesses in their top three lists, while Norway and Sweden instead referred to civil society actors. In general, Iceland comes out as being less engaged in collaborations, with Norway boasting the most collaborations.
For country-by-country charts on ‘How often has the local authority engaged in collaboration with the different actors on 2030 Agenda’, see Appendix 2.
 This can be related to the previous finding that Icelandic municipalities have thus far worked less with the SDGs than the other Nordic countries.
One of the consequences of involving youth in local SDG work is that their trust in politicians and political institutions increases when they participate. Democratic legitimacy starts at the local level.

– Nordic Youth Network for Sustainability
Finland
Iceland
Norway
Sweden
Other municipalities in the same country
Regional/County council
Note that in Iceland, the Regional Associations of Municipalities (“Landshlutasamtök sveitarfélaga”) have no official mandate but receive funding and have a secretariat. The associations organize the cooperation between municipalities located in a certain area/region on specific issues.
Other municipalities in the same country
Other municipalities in the same country
Research & education institutes
Research & education institutes
Regional/County council
Civil society organisations & culture
Private companies
 
Private companies
Civil society organisations & culture
Regional/County council
Figure 17: Nordic Municipalities’ top three closest collaboration partners
Country by country charts on“how often has the local authority engaged in collaboration with the following actors on 2030 Agenda“ in Appendix 2
The Danish Survey contained two questions related to the topic of partnerships. Firstly, it inquired how municipalities utilise SDG 17 (on partnerships) as a means of achieving the SDGs. In response, 48% of municipalities said they implement SDGs within existing partnerships, while 30% said they have established new ones. Only 7% responded that they don’t work in partnerships.
See Figure 4 in Danish survey
 Secondly, the survey questioned the degree to which municipalities collaborate with different external actors in order to achieve the SDGs (here ‘other municipalities’ was not an option). The top three collaboration partners selected were private sector actors, civil society, and ‘other actors’. Universities/research institutes and regions were ranked slightly lower
See Figure 9 in Danish survey  
.
Overall, survey respondents from a majority of the Nordic countries confirmed that they see benefits of collaborating primarily with other municipalities and regional actors to achieve the SDGs, while Danish respondents put businesses and civil society at the top. The responses imply a potential for improvement when it comes to forming partnerships with businesses (especially in Sweden and Norway) and with civil society (in Finland and Iceland) and also with research institutes to enhance SDG-related competencies. Although it is difficult to verify how well the results mirror the full extent of existing partnerships, as they are often integral to a municipality’s daily work. There are several examples in the Nordic Toolbox of impactful public–private partnerships, including a local business-driven approach to reducing youth unemployment (Alla behövs på Gotland, see also Box 12); increasing access to recycled goods and upcycling services (ReTuna second-hand mall in Eskilstuna, Box 13); and producing biogas energy from organic waste (Förka biogas plant in Torshavn, Box 11). In Iceland, Suðurnes Forum was established as a consultation forum aimed at enhancing cooperation between municipalities and companies in line with the SDGs (again, see Box 11). Finally, it should be noted that the survey response to prioritise activities for local staff and local politicians is promising, as it is an important success factor in SDG implementation (see section 4.5.1 and Figure 13).

Box 11: Enhancing cooperation and partnerships

Torshavn and partnerships for a circular economy, Faroe Islands
Torshavn municipality, the Förka Biogas plant (part of the Bakkafrost Group, the largest salmon producer in the Faroe Islands), Hilton and other hotels, and the Torshavn hospital together launched a pilot project aimed at converting organic waste from various sources into energy and heating. The operation started in March 2023. Initial assessments indicate that the facility’s equipment and capacity are sufficient for the level of waste processing required. A final evaluation involving Torshavn municipality, Förka, Hilton and the hospital is planned.
Impacts:
Processing organic food waste into energy and heating instead of resorting to landfill or incineration contributes to SDG 13 (climate action). Additionally, the production of fertiliser from biological waste decreases the need for synthetic fertilisers, aligning with SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) by potentially reducing chemical runoff. Recovering fertiliser from organic waste also supports SDG 15 (life on land) by reducing the need for new raw materials and promoting resource efficiency. Meanwhile, waste reduction efforts in line with a zero waste policy contribute to SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and economic benefits such as cost savings in waste management and potential job creation align with SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). On top of this, community engagement through collaboration with stakeholders fosters partnerships and addresses local waste management challenges, contributing to SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities).

Links to learn more:
Circular Economy: Pilot Project for Recycling of Organic Waste in Faroe Islands
Suðurnes consultation forum to enhance cooperation for SDG localisation in Suðurnesjavettvangur, Iceland
Suðurnes Forum is a consultation forum established to enhance cooperation in line with SDGs between the region’s municipalities and companies. Projects were created and linked directly to the SDGs. The platform has a steering group responsible for the projects, as well as a group of sponsors who support these initiatives. The forum’s vision of a ‘Sustainable Journey to Prosperity in the South’ has helped in getting people involved.
Impacts:
Great emphasis was placed on ensuring objectives were clear and measurable, with numerous steps taken to define the projects. Work on one of these projects, which involved collectively measuring the area’s carbon footprint area, is now in its final stages.

Box 12:  Alla behövs (‘Everyone is Needed’), Gotland, Sweden

‘Everyone is Needed’ is a business-driven initiative to improve matching and skills supply in Gotland (a predominantly rural island community) and reduce youth unemployment. The initiative aims to match young people - aged 16-35 who are neither working nor studying and who are in or at risk of long-term unemployment and other barriers to work – with local jobs, mainly in the private sector. Employment service or social services can assign participants to the programme, or youth can apply directly. 
The initiative is a collaboration between the local business association and its members, and the regional authority and social services. While the former are seeking staff, the latter wish to reduce the risks of long-term unemployment, social exclusion and mental health issues among youth. The fact that the project works closely with companies and make matches based on skills and personal interests also stands out. While the ultimate goal is to place participants in full-time positions, many start with a 1–3 month internship/introduction.
Impacts:
So far, the initiative has managed to match 70 unemployed people with jobs. According to evaluators, this represents a very good result based on the target group (youth living on social assistance). 
Since September 2023, the initiative has worked with 19 new participants, with an increased focus on prevention efforts for youth who have not completed high school. 

Box 13: Re-Tuna galleria in Eskilstuna, Sweden

ReTuna is a shopping mall selling only recycled goods. All the goods are refurbished items that would otherwise have been thrown away. The mall is located on the outskirts of Eskilstuna next door to a recycling centre where visitors can hand in items to be freshened up and resold. Staff then sort through and distribute goods to the 13 stores selling clothes, home furnishings, furniture, electronics, books, bicycles, eco-certified flowers and more. Municipalities, companies, media outlets and others visit ReTuna every week in order to study the concept or be inspired by its environment and accompanying conference area. The World Economic Forum in Davos and international media such as the BBC and CNN have drawn attention to the mall. 
Impacts:
In the beginning, ReTuna was seen as primarily an environmental project, with the goal of increasing recycling and reducing waste incineration. After a while, however, it became clear that the project was creating a significant number of jobs. Another positive effect is that the money stays within the municipality, which has a high unemployment rate. Overall, the mall has proven to be sustainable – environmentally, economically and socially.
Links to learn more:
ReTuna
Nordic municipalities’ attitudes towards youth engagement are reflected in the responses to the Nordic survey question, ‘How often has your local authority carried out activities to involve the following groups(…)?’. Finland put schools/students as most frequent guests while the other countries put youth as number two or three. Empowering youth to impact political decisions and develop sustainable solutions not only benefits the community but can give young people a sense of meaning and belonging – and hope for the future (as further elaborated in the youth subchapter, 5.3). Local youth councils are mandated by law in Finland, Iceland, and Norway. Here, some municipalities have had youth councils for a long time, while others have not yet established a youth council. In 2022, the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) and the Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) invited the youth councils in Karasjok, Alta and Hammerfest to participate in a peer-learning workshop on how to run youth councils. The workshop was the first of its kind, aiming to strengthen the impact of youth councils through better organisation, training and systematisation of their work. Workshop recommendations and learnings were summarised in a report
 for other youth councils to be inspired by – and to avoid reinventing the wheel in every new youth council.
Even so, it remains a challenge for local policymakers to reach out to youth beyond those who are most interested. Here, local schools can play an important role in building knowledge on sustainable development, as well as mobilising students to participate in youth councils and other sustainability work. In Karlstad, Sweden, all middle and high schools were invited to participate in a Students’ Council for the Climate (Elevborgarråd för klimatet), which was tasked with helping reduce the municipality’s CO2 emissions. The council generated 50 proposals aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable city. Several of the proposals quickly became reality, such as a competition between schools to reduce food waste. Meanwhile, in Fagersta, also in Sweden, young people aged 13–20 years old were invited to engage in participatory budgeting. This involved developing concrete ideas for youth activities that could improve mental health and security in the community, with a maximum price tag of SEK 50,000 (ca 4,400 EUR). The winning proposals were implemented in collaboration with the local authority.
Another acclaimed youth engagement approach is to become a UNICEF-certified child-friendly city. Certification requires that local authorities consult with the younger generation on a regular basis regarding matters that concern them. Ideas are collected through dialogues and workshops in schools and pre-schools, with the aim of improving decision-making towards the SDGs. At the same time, the city administration must fulfil the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. There are several examples in the Nordic Toolbox on how to practice this, most notably Kópavogur in Iceland and Gladsaxe in Denmark (see Box 14). Finland is also pursuing a UNICEF child-friendly municipality model, with examples including Oulu and its youth challenger group, and Hämeenlinna – the country’s first UNICEF-certified child-friendly city.

Box 14: UNICEF-certified child-friendly cities

Child-friendly Kópavogur, Iceland
Kópavogur implements the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child through municipal-level strategic action plans. In May 2021, Kópavogur was recognised as a Child Friendly City by UNICEF –  with its preschools in particular highlighted for praise – making it one of the first municipalities in the world to achieve this acknowledgment. In line with the city’s commitment to children’s rights, numerous projects and actions have been undertaken. For instance, the local authority has engaged in ‘World Café’ meetings with children aged 9–15, including those from immigrant backgrounds, to gather their perspectives. Individual interviews have also been conducted with children with special needs.
Impacts:
The Child Friendly City Index offers a significant tool for assessing the well-being of children in Kópavogur. The index, comprising 80–90 indicators sourced from reliable surveys and other data, monitors children’s quality of life over time and serves as a foundation for various initiatives, including the Digital Citizenship benchmark curriculum. The curriculum, set to commence in 2024, provides a web-based solution designed to assist children in navigating the digital world responsibly. In doing so, the programme aims to tackle challenges highlighted in the Child-Friendly City Index, such as the prevalence of hurtful messages on social media reported by 30–40% of children.  
Child-friendly Hämeenlinna and the Finnish model
The Child Friendly Municipality model is based on the Child Friendly City initiative, implemented by UNICEF since 1996. More specifically, the Finnish model was developed in cooperation with the City of Hämeenlinna during 2012–2013. In December 2013, Hämeenlinna duly received recognition as the first UNICEF Child Friendly Municipality in Finland.
The city implements a detailed action plan based on surveys assessing the realisation of children's rights, steered by a cross-administrative coordination group. Hämeenlinna has also committed to providing high-quality children's cultural activities, including workshops, performances, and festivals like Hippaloi and the Light Phenomenon festival. The city's efforts focus on preventing discrimination, supporting mental health, and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable children.
Overall, the solutions developed by municipalities vary, but they always contribute to addressing the most significant child rights challenges in the municipality. Child-friendliness can take the form of free afternoon activities, hobbies or bringing youth services to where young people are located. The Child-Friendly Municipality model reaches 55 percent of children living in Finland and  59 municipalities are developing their child-friendliness with the support of UNICEF, namely: Eurajoki, Forssa, Hämeenlinna, Hamina, Hattula, Helsinki, Humppila, Imatra, Isokyrö, Janakkala, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kangasala, Kärkölä, Kauhajoki, Kemiönsaari, Kempele, Keuruu, Kirkkonummi, Kokkola, Kotka, Kuopio, Kurikka, Lapinjärvi, Lappeenranta, Lempäälä, Leppävirta, Liminka, Liperi, Lohja, Loppi, Lovisa, Malax, Marttila, Nokia, Oulu, Outokumpu, Pedersöre, Pori, Puumala, Ranua, Rautalampi, Riihimäki, Rovaniemi, Ruokolahti, Salo, Seinäjoki, Sotkamo, Tammela, Tampere, Tornio, Turku, Tuusula, Vaasa, Vantaa, Vesilahti, Vihti, Vöyri, Ylöjärvi.
Impacts:
By adhering to the UNICEF guidelines, Hämeenlinna and the other Finnish UNICEF “Child friendly Cities” fosters an inclusive environment for children, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Children and young people are actively involved in decision-making processes through structured programs like the “Path of Influence” and the Youth Council, promoting a culture of engagement and responsibility.The city’s policies emphasise the mental well-being and safety of children, integrating these priorities into everyday life and municipal decision-making.
The youth subchapter (section 5.3) below offers further in-depth knowledge about effective local practices aimed at ensuring meaningful youth participation. Following this, in the civil society subchapter (section 5.4), Nordic Civ and three of its member organisations describe their work building partnerships in the municipalities and strengthening local communities in line with the SDGs.

5.2. Key messages

  • Core to the work of Nordic municipalities and regions is the notion of leave no one behind.
  • In general, Nordic societies boast a high degree of trust and a collaborative governance culture.
  • In Iceland, Norway and Sweden, internal staff were the most often invited group to SDG-related activities, followed by local politicians and youth. In Finland, schools were most often invited, followed by local politicians and local businesses.
  • Nordic municipalities’ primary collaboration partners are other municipalities and regional/county councils. Finland and Iceland also put research institutes and private businesses on their top lists, while Norway and Sweden chose civil society actors.
  • Only 7% of Danish municipalities say they don’t work in partnerships to achieve the SDGs. Their closest collaboration partners are private sector and civil society actors.
  • There is room for improvement when it comes to municipal authorities forming partnerships with businesses and civil society in some countries (see examples in the Nordic Toolbox and in the civil society subchapter – section 5.4 – below).
  • Activities for staff and local politicians are important when it comes to anchoring the SDGs.
  • Reaching and involving youth in a systematic and meaningful way remains a challenge for policymakers. Here, digital tools, youth councils and local schools can play an important role (see examples in the Youth subchapter – section 5.3 – below).

5.3. Subchapter by Nordic Youth Network on meaningful youth inclusion

Youth participation is critical to ensuring inclusive civil societies and political processes in line with the 2030 Agenda. Despite young people between the ages of 15 and 25 constituting a fifth of the world’s population, their power and influence in societal matters is often lacking, leading to many young people feeling that policymakers do not listen to them (UN, n.d.-b). In Sweden, a recent study found that young peoples’ trust in democracy is fading, with 56% of youth between 15–24 reporting they do not believe politicians will be able to solve the major societal issues facing us (Ungdomsbarometern, 2024).
Youth participation is vital if future generations are to feel a sense of legitimacy regarding the processes and institutions underpinning society. As such, this subchapter will provide recommendations for local policymakers on how to engage youth in local efforts towards achieving the SDGs. The subchapter has been drafted by the Nordic Youth Network for Sustainable Development, which consists of youth delegates from all five Nordic countries. Despite these roots in the Nordic Region, the hope is that the ideas expressed below can inspire policymakers from across the world in their efforts to include youth and give them hope for the future.

5.3.1.  ‘Youth washing’

A fruitful starting point before turning to a discussion of good youth participation is to unpick the practice of youth washing – to superficially engage young people in decision-making processes without meaningful participation or influence. While the Nordic Region is often lauded for its progressive policies and inclusive governance, there are notable discrepancies when it comes to meaningful youth involvement.
One of the primary challenges is the tokenisation of youth voices, with young people being invited to participate in policy discussions merely as a formality, rather than any desire for genuine engagement. Additionally, structural barriers – such as limited access to decision-making platforms, inadequate resources for youth-led initiatives, and a lack of political will when it comes to prioritising youth perspectives – further exacerbate the issue. While youth washing remains a problem also in the Nordic countries, concerted efforts to prioritise meaningfull youth participation and dismantle systemic barriers are underway. By adopting and scaling up good practices from other municipalities, local policymakers can move towards more inclusive and equitable governance, ensuring young people are not only heard but also actively involved in creating solutions to local sustainability challenges. 

5.3.2. Real and meaningful participation

The Swedish National Youth Council (LSU) has identified several crucial aspects that need to be in place in order to engage youth more efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of youth washing (LSU, 2023). Above all, there must be a clear mandate for young people to be involved throughout the entire process – from agenda setting to follow up – with resources allocated to ensure this. Moreover, youth need a permanent seat at the table, as well as easy access to responsible politicians and policymakers. In practice, this means invitations should be sent out at an early stage, rather than last minute. This will allow youth to come prepared, as their time and resources are limited compared to full-time municipality employees.
Similarly, the Norwegian Children and Youth Council (LNU) has mapped out five key principles that should be implemented to ensure real and meaningful youth participation aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (LNU, n.d.):
  1. Independence. Youths must be able to choose what they want to engage in. This involves the right to be heard in all decision-making processes they are impacted by, including any processes youth themselves deem they have a stake in.
  2. Representation. Youths must be able to choose their own representatives, rather than political leaders cherry-picking a youth ‘alibi’ or someone they believe represents youth.
  3. Unique competences. Youths should be recognised as a professional resource with unique expertise that is cannot be found elsewhere.
  4. Access to information. Youths must be given full access to information relevant to the institutions and processes in which they participate. This access to information should be on a par with other stakeholders and participants.
  5. Continuity in processes. Youths must be able to participate across the entire length of a political process, including its core work and debates. One-off events and processes that are not democratically founded do not count as full participation. As such, youths should not simply be invited to give initial input before the process begins, nor asked to give a stamp of approval once the process is finished.

5.3.3. Youth involvement in practice at the local level

Expanding on the above-mentioned good practices and principles for participation, below are some concrete steps local policymakers can take to include youth in their day-to-day and long-term work.

Youth councils at the local level

In many Nordic municipalities, youth councils play a significant role in achieving the SDGs. In Finland, Iceland and Norway, municipalities are required by law to have a youth council or equivalent structures in place (Government of Norway, 2020). Creating a politically non-partisan local youth council that works parallel with the elected council is a tangible, fruitful way of including youth and strengthening their bonds to the local community. The task of a youth council is to make young people’s voices heard, take a stand on current issues, and bring youth initiatives and statements to the elected council. Youth councils can and should be given the opportunity to comment on all types of issues, not just those directly related to young peoples’ lives.
While ensuring broad, inclusive participation in a youth council can sometimes be challenging, addressing the needs of youth from all sections of society and including them in existing – as well as new – political structures is vital. There are several ways to recruit youth. Reaching out to local schools and/or student councils offers a useful starting point and could involve teachers asking students if they might be interested. Just as important as inclusive participation is the political feedback loop. This involves local policymakers asking youth council representatives to gather and deliver back opinions from their classmates, student councils and other relevant youth organisations. The policymakers must also notify youth which political decisions were made and the means by which they can be involved in implementation of any relevant (often SDG-related) measures. This creates a feedback loop that ensures youth representatives are not just speaking on behalf of themselves, but all of their peers – and reporting back to them.

Showcasing impactful efforts to include youth – crowning proactive municipalities

In Finland, the Union of Local Youth Councils (Nuva ry) has developed the Youth Council Friendly Municipality Certificate programme in cooperation with the country’s municipalities. The aim is to showcase a municipality’s and/or city’s outstanding contribution to youth participation, as well as shine a light on the time and resources expended by its youth council.
Every second year in Norway, meanwhile, the Norwegian Agency for Children, Youth and Family (Bufdir) appoints a jury to choose which of the nominated municipalities will be awarded the title of ‘Youth Municipality of the Year’ (Bufdir, 2023) (see Box 15). Like Finland’s certificate programme, being crowned ‘youth municipality of the year’ spotlights local policymakers’ efforts to enhance the lives of and include children and youth. Implementing arrangements along the lines of these two examples can form part of a broader toolbox for motivating local policymakers and municipalities to include youth in their work.

Box 15: Kvam: Youth Municipality of the Year 2023,
Norway

Kvam municipality have been developing SDGs targeted work in the leisure field. In January 2021, together with the local youth council, the municipality carried out an ‘Alla Med’ (All Join In) initiative. Local youth, municipal employees, politicians and volunteers helped identify obstacles to children’s and young people’s participation in leisure activities. This, in addition to information from a survey, set a course for the municipality leisure initiative.
Every year since 2021, the municipality has arranged a leisure fair, where local youth organisations get the opportunity to showcase the activities they offer. All seventh to tenth grade students attend the fair, which is also open to students in the first grade of high school. Among other things, the municipality has established an interdisciplinary coordination group for young people’s leisure, which includes representatives for instance from the school sector, the child welfare service, the cultural office, and the local volunteer center.
Kvam municipality has also worked actively to create meeting places for children and young people, with the youth council playing a central role in this. In June 2023, for example, the municipal council granted funds to a Basecamp outdoor area at the initiative of the youth council. The youth council has also been important in the development of the holiday home Ungdomsbasen. Furthermore, the municipality has established services such as an open hall, strengthened the local cultural school and further developed the concept Young Leisure Holiday. Through the leisure initiative, the municipality has also allocated funds to a new motocross track and facilitated the establishment of a local e-sports club.
Impacts:
Through a systematic focus on the leisure field and active participation work, the municipality seeks to ensure that children and young people experience a sense of belonging to their communities.
In 2023 the municipality was recognised in the Norwegian national youth conference in Mosjøen, as the Youth Municipality of the Year.

Digital tools – a smart way to reach youth

Local policymakers should take into consideration the fact that young people often use digital tools as their primary way of engaging. As such, efficient youth participation should not be limited to traditional face-to-face interactions. Instead, policymakers should take advantage of digital platforms as an additional means of engaging youth in SDG-related work. Although there are few concrete examples of this being done as yet, some municipalities have tried using social media to connect with young people. For example, Åfjord in Norway is using Snapchat to gather young people’s opinions on local matters (Government of Norway, 2019). The Snapchat account is run in collaboration with their local youth council and has proven to be a productive method of reaching youth (see Box 16). Elsewhere, the rural municipality of Tierp in Sweden recently developed an app for youth dialogue called Young in Tierp, which provides essential information and ways of sharing opinions with local policymakers (Tierp Municipality, 2024) (see also Box 16).

Box 16: Harnessing digital tools for youth engagement in municipal governance

Empowering youth engagement: Leveraging Snapchat for municipal communication in Åfjord, Norway
The municipality of Åfjord in Trøndelag has worked with its youth council to manage a Snapchat account. The youth council plays a key role in ensuring youth participation by facilitating communication between young people and the municipality. Towards this end, young residents can use Snapchat to voice their concerns or suggestions indirectly through the youth council, reducing the need for direct contact with the municipality.
Impacts:
This platform allows young people to share their perspectives on various aspects of their lives, including making requests for new services and providing feedback on existing initiatives. In addition, both the municipality and the youth council can use Snapchat to disseminate information about available services and ongoing issues, fostering a more dynamic, interactive relationship between local government and young citizens.

Links to learn more:
What is a Youth Council? – Åfjord municipality
Children and young people's involvement – the Government of Norway
Mental health through a five-step dialogue process plus a new app ‘Young in Tierp’, Tierp, Sweden
In recent years, Tierp has focused on improving access to health services and social activities in the municipality. These efforts target several SDGs, including SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing).  The initiative aims to increase mental health literacy, involve young people in identifying and implementing preventive measures, and evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions. The ultimate goal is to develop improved methods for addressing mental health issues while empowering young people.  The dialogue process employed in Tierp was developed by the NGO Tillia and consists of five steps:
  1. Initial workshops in schools: Workshops are organised in local schools consisting of 15–30 students per session. The workshops begin with a broad discussion about well-being and mental health, gradually narrowing down to specific actions for improvement.
  2. Formation of a youth expert group: A group of young experts is then created to ensure the ideas, opinions and suggestions captured during the workshops are accurately understood and incorporated into a report.
  3. Report writing: A report is written and findings shared with various stakeholders in the municipality.
  4. Policymaker engagement meeting: A meeting is held with local policymakers to discuss the report’s findings, with the aim of securing both short-term and long-term commitments to act.
  5. Follow-up: Three months after the meeting, the participating policymakers are requested to provide a written follow-up to the young people, outlining what actions have been taken (or not) in the interim.
Impacts:
One impact of the process was the launch of the ‘Young in Tierp’ app in spring 2023. The app features a calendar of events and directory of activities and youth-friendly meeting places, as well as information about school meal options. Additionally, it offers guidance on where to access psychological and social support services. Moreover, it includes an integrated digital youth panel, allowing young individuals to take part in brief surveys on various topics, such as climate initiatives, and influence local decision-making. These surveys help inform municipal authorities about youth perspectives on key issues. The app was developed in collaboration with a company that also distributes it to other ­­municipalities.

5.3.4. The role of education and schools as platforms for sustainable development

The fact that public education at the primary and lower-secondary level is mandatory in the Nordics means that municipal policymakers can directly impact all youth through the education system. As mentioned, schools and teachers can play an important role in recruiting young people to participate in local decision-making structures (e.g. youth councils) and SDG work. Enabling young people from all parts of society to participate in a meaningful and effective way, however, requires that they be provided with the requisite knowledge on democracy and sustainability.
In this respect, education plays an essential role when it comes to reaching the SDGs. SDG 4 (quality education) not only focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education for all, but – via Target 4.7 – highlights the importance of ensuring all learners acquiring ‘the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development’ (UN, 2024). As this implies, knowledge about sustainable development is considered an important goal in and of itself.
In a recent report, the Nordic Council of Ministers explored the implementation of Target 4.7 in compulsory education in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2021). As has been acknowledged, the pillars of sustainable development are interconnected, which means understanding the relationships and possible synergies or trade-offs between goals is fundamental to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Although the study confirmed a strong emphasis on equality and democracy in education across the Nordic countries, education on sustainability was often limited to climate issues. Hence, there remains scope for enhancing educational opportunities and increasing education around all aspects of sustainable development.

5.3.5. Key messages from youth to local governments

  • Implement principles for real and meaningful participation in all youth inclusion measures.
  • Establish local youth councils and youth groups in collaboration with local schools.
  • Utilise social media and digital platforms to reach youth beyond youth council members.
  • Focus on all SDGs in education programmes and school curricula, not just climate issues.

5.4. Subchapter by Nordic Civ: Civil society’s role in creating sustainable communities  

The Nordic Region has a long tradition of citizen participation and involvement in decision-making. A communal sense of belonging and trust, combined with strong social capital, has provided a firm foundation for the Nordic countries’ welfare societies and the Nordic social model. Civil society has played – and continues to play – a crucial role in this process.
Numerous challenges, as well as opportunities, lie ahead in the ongoing transition towards a more climate-friendly, integrated Nordic Region in which resources are circulated and biodiversity protected. Towards this end, civil society is a vital partner when it comes to working with residents to anchor decisions and accelerate local-level action for change, while also reporting local experiences and results to policymakers. Engaging citizens in meaningful work within their communities offers a wide range of benefits beyond this bridging process between them and local politicians: it increases trust, builds knowledge and has a positive impact on participation in society at large. All this in line with the guiding principle of leaving no one behind and reducing inequalities and discrimination.
The Nordic Civil Society Network (Nordic Civ, see Box 17) was established in 2021 to ensure civil society has a strong voice in Nordic cooperation and that strategic work at the Nordic level reflects citizens’ needs and interests. Recurrent consultations with the Nordic Council of Ministers provide the 40 member organisations with a forum for contributing their collective expertise. An added benefit is the opportunity for peer learning within the network, as the various member organisations each have a special niche in the ongoing transition. With all of the above in mind, this subchapter opens the floor to three of the network’s member organisations, allowing them to set out in their own words how they are co-creating a more sustainable future in the Nordic Region’s municipalities.

Box 17: The Nordic Civil Society Network (Nordic Civ)

Nordic Civ is an independent civil society network formed in 2021 that promotes collaboration between civil society, the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council. The overarching aim of the network is to strengthen civil society’s voice in Nordic cooperation and contribute to the transition towards an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable Nordic Region. The network consists of representatives from 40 civil society organisations in the Nordic countries and autonomous regions.
Member organisations highlight the value of sharing experiences and knowledge across geographical areas and sectors, and the strength to be found in communicating collectively regarding Nordic strategies and action plans. Additionally, members report that relationships formed within the group increase their sense of a united Nordic community working towards common goals. The Nordic Association (Föreningen Norden, SE) is the current coordinator of Nordic Civ, and will retain this role until 31 December 2024.
Nordic Civ’s key messages for involving civil society as partners in SDG efforts:
  • To enable meaningful collaboration, a framework and structure need to be in place, including clear aims and objectives.
  • Cooperation forms should be developed by municipalities in close dialogue with civil society.
  • To ensure that civil society's expertise and resources are utilised effectively, the collaboration needs to be anchored with and welcomed by local decision-makers.
  • Civil society includes a variety of organisations with different perspectives, preconditions, and competencies. Municipalities that want to embrace this diversity of collaboration partners need to allocate enough funds towards this end.

5.4.1. Bærekraftige liv (Sustainable living), Norway

Text by Ingrid Solstrand, Bærekraftige liv representative
Bærekraftige liv (Sustainable living) started in 2008 as a local initiative in Bergen, Norway, challenging the conventional wisdom that significant societal change can only be achieved through top-down approaches. Instead, the initiative aimed to build a more sustainable community through increased cooperation and co-creation at a highly localised level. Recognising that such a transformation requires broad engagement, we focused on action-driven measures that showcased the benefits of shifting towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Through this first positive, empowering example, the initiative evolved organically into a movement of around 30 community groups across Norway. Each group mobilises people and creates change within their own area by utilising the local resources and opportunities available to them. Benefits for members are stronger social inclusion – you get to know your neighbours – and lifestyle changes that support both health and the green transition. Integration of new citizens can be another added value: some groups have succeeded better than others in engaging, for example, immigrant women in volunteer work, which is more common in the Nordics than in their countries of origin.
The Sustainable Living Association has been a Nordic Civ member since the network was founded in 2021. Given that the association works at a grassroots level, participation in Nordic Civ has been particularly valuable, enabling it to lift the voices of everyday people to the Nordic level and demonstrate how small local initiatives can grow to large, impactful movements.

5.4.2. International Women’s Association (IKF), Sweden

Text by Annika Nyström, IKF representative
IKF is a national association with numerous local member organisations across Sweden, all of which work for integration and against racism in the community. The association creates open, accessible meeting places for women who have come from all over the world. The local organisations have many members who came to Sweden as refugees in adulthood and often lack a network or support system. The local organisations are religiously and politically independent and offer a safe place for women, both Swedish and foreign-born.
Each member organisation works in their local community and focuses on issues relevant to their members. Common focus areas include women’s health, gender equality, and inclusion in civil society and society at large – all issues that are central to sustainable development and local action. When asked about how they work with the SDGs, besides promoting social inclusion, one organisation highlighted the inherent sustainability of their members’ lifestyles and how we have much to gain by learning from each other. The coordinator of the IKF Association in Borlänge municipality put it as follows:
I always ‘preach’ that our women have the most sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyles! They have allotments, they use a lot of vegetables in their food, they bake their own bread, they do not have cars, they coordinate their grocery shopping, they recycle clothes and sew alterations, most live in multi-family houses, and so on.

5.4.3. Sustainability Now (SUSNOW), Denmark (also active in Greenland)

Text by Pernille Thorup, SUSNOW representative
Based in Denmark, Sustainability Now (SUSNOW) works to increase awareness of sustainability and create sustainable living conditions for children and young people. In Greenland, we work with Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq to increase civil society involvement in local development in Tasiilaq – the main town on the east coast, which faces major challenges related to mental health and abuse, especially among youth.
We have an eight-year contract with the municipality and are about halfway through a process involving a method called narrative community work. We consult and support local civil society actors regarding initiatives they know are important to create more sustainable living conditions for children and young people, and to protect their mental health. These include more and better housing, better educational opportunities, and local jobs that makes it possible to be self-supporting and live a ‘good life’ in Tasiilaq.
Using the 17 SDGs as a starting point, we focus on how different issues are interconnected. For example, it is not possible to work on health issues without working on housing, which in turn is dependent on the local business community (craftsmen), who need to be educated at the local school, and so on. Acceptance of complexity and contradiction is central to our approach. Thus, we spend considerable time dancing the necessary dance with paradoxically present opposites, asking with curiosity how people understand what is happening and how we might make other things happen.
Although we can see some results now, many of our partners ask if we can stay longer than the eight years. It takes time to nurture trust in us, then build trust between people locally. It also takes time to create the necessary network in the municipal administration. Gradually, however, SUSNOW has shown local civil society actors that – with a little help – better results can be achieved by being part of a more coordinated local context. Sometimes we feel like the secretaries of various groups in Tasiilaq, other times we feel like innovators or external diplomats working for the interests of the city. Some concrete examples of our work are available in the Nordic Toolbox (search for Sermersooq municipality).
Nordregio report 2024:16