Finland’s sustainable development work recognised with Catalyst 2030 Award: inclusive practices and international cooperation emphasised in jury’s decision

Government Communications DepartmentMinistry of the EnvironmentNational Commission on Sustainable Development
Publication date 25.3.2021 18.05
Press release

On Thursday 25 March, the Government of Finland received an international Catalyst 2030 Award for sustainable development. The award was presented to the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. Finland was recognised for its participatory approach to implementing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In its statement, the prize jury placed particular emphasis on Finland’s international cooperation in promoting sustainable consumption and production.

Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Krista Mikkonen, who serves as Vice-Chair of the Commission on Sustainable Development, accepted the award. Mikkonen stressed that the Commission is a unique lobbying forum from an international perspective, with more than 80 operators from different sectors of society participating in its activities.

The Commission’s work is based on dialogue between the Government, researchers, businesses, cities, organisations and other stakeholders. The Commission sets Finland’s national sustainable development goals, works to achieve them and monitors progress on their implementation.
 
“Finland’s work in the field of sustainable development is a source of genuine interest and enthusiasm around the world, and the Catalyst 2030 Award is another indication of this. The Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development is a social innovation collaborating to build Finland’s future on a sustainable basis,” Mikkonen commented.

In its statement, the prize jury highlighted Finland’s objectives, actions and partnerships in the realm of sustainable consumption and production. The statement also cited Finland’s circular economy solutions, ambitious climate goals and international cooperation with organisations in the field.

Minister Mikkonen pointed out that achieving environmental objectives still requires a great deal of effort in Finland.

“Issues related to sustainable consumption and production are particularly challenging. In order to solve them, we need to make the transition to a carbon-neutral circular economy. The Government is committed to carbon neutrality by 2035 and we are now setting targets for curbing the growth in our total use of natural resources. In order to achieve these goals, it is important for us to involve all key sectors and operators in society.”

Catalyst 2030 Awards presented for the first time

Catalyst 2030 is a global community launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos one year ago. The community’s objective is to support comprehensive social change and innovative solutions in order to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Its members include social enterprises, think tanks and other innovators from all sectors of society.

Catalyst 2030 received over 200 nominations for the award in eight different categories, from which the jury selected the winners. Finland received the award in the “Governments and Cities” category.

Inquiries:
Annika Lindblom, Head of Unit for International and EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 250 163 Ministry of the Environment
Riikka Yliluoma, Special Advisor to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, tel. +358 50 414 1682, Ministry of the Environment