26.11.2024
regional stakeholders thanked for the nature of the Northern Programme
The joint statement by the stakeholders of Northern Ostrobothnia – the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, the City of Oulu, the University of Oulu, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, the Oulu Chamber of Commerce and the entrepreneurs of Northern Ostrobothnia – praises the process of preparing the draft Northern Programme, which has taken into account the interactive area orientation in an excellent way. stakeholders consider it particularly important that the Government has recognised the opportunities and significance of the northern region in the programme.
“The Northern Agenda is rightly based on growth, security and cooperation. The structure of the programming enables discussion and joint development between the government, ministries and northern stakeholders", the statement states.
However, the stakeholders propose that the Northern Vision be added to the programme. According to them, it is important to state aloud that the north produces solutions for the whole of Finland and that it is worth investing in the north. Northern Finland is an area in cooperation with enormous potential and many strengths that support the development of Finland as a whole. The area is rich in natural resources such as forests, minerals and energy. Sustainable use of resources contributes to the economic growth and energy self-sufficiency of the whole country.
In addition, the signatories of the statement consider it important that the draft programme includes a section on increasing Nordic cooperation. In their view, the proposal for a joint strategic programme for the northern regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway is a very important opening.
“It ties together most of the measures proposed in the Northern Finland Programme and anchors them in cross-border cooperation. We propose that the programme be drawn up by an advisory board composed of representatives of the State and the regions.”
The stakeholders in Northern Finland point out that the finalisation of the programme must define the party responsible for such concrete measures, the implementation schedule and the resources. It is possible to promote measures during the current government term and a clear structure should be created for measures that continue beyond the government term to ensure continuity.
Additional information:
Design Director Markus Erkkilä, tel. +358 40 685 4045, markus.erkkila(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
Opinion on the draft Northern Programme
Annex to the opinion
