The Scandinavian Days 2021 are history

Business, ecology, future - these are the key points of this year's Scandinavian Days. For two days, experts discussed modern solutions that are to favour the economy and the environment. The conclusions of the talks are to be used to carry out a green transformation in Szczecin.

Natural partnership

Szczecin is an excellent port and logistics hub for its northern neighbours. Attractive ferry and air connections with Scandinavia make the city very accessible for tourists, students, soldiers and their families stationed here as part of the Multinational Corps Northeast (Multinational Corps Northeast. The appealing  elements include numerous green areas, people's openness and their constant willingness to develop.

“We are getting closer and I believe that when the pandemic is finally over, it will be even better. The quality of life, shaping urban space, ecology - these are inspiring topics that we take up here in order to be an attractive place and develop our city,” said Piotr Krzystek, Mayor of Szczecin.

Business in Scandinavian style

This cooperation, however, has primarily an economic dimension, because Szczecin is a rich source of Scandinavian companies. There are over 160 corporations with capital from Denmark, Finland, Norway or Sweden. A decade ago, 4,000 people worked in such companies. Today this number is four times higher.

“Our Scandinavian business community, even despite the pandemic, continued to invest in Poland, and although restrictions and limitations are not favourable, we will soon act with even more power and energy,” said Stefan Gullgren, Sweden’s Ambassador to Poland.

The overriding goal of business cooperation is to implement solutions that have a positive impact on the environment. Scandinavian countries are considered pioneers in the field of ecology, which is why the exchange of experiences is so important.

“Soon, a new gas pipeline will physically connect Poland with Scandinavia. This will reinforce energy security and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This is an important step towards environmental sustainability and green transformation. This is a huge challenge, which is also an opportunity for the industry, so I believe that we will be able to deal with it together” said Anders Eide, Norway’s Ambassador to Poland.

There's no place like home

The element that is to tighten this cooperation even more is the Dom Skandynawski – Scandinavian Meeting Point Szczecin, a unique space integrating the local, intercultural community centred around the countries of the North. The place was handed over to the City of Szczecin by IKEA, which for almost a year ran a project called Dom Jutra (The House of Tomorrow). After changing the sign, the zero waste philosophy will be maintained, interdisciplinary workshops and training will be conducted, and multicultural social initiatives will be taken up.

“We will continue the idea initiated by IKEA, promoting the path of living in a more ecological and sustainable way. At the same time, the Dom Skandynawski – Scandinavian Meeting Point Szczecin will be a place of talks about the future and a centre for the development of creativity,” announced Daniel Wacinkiewicz, Deputy Mayor of Szczecin.

The place will also be given to the disposal of residents, including young people, non-governmental organisations, volunteers and social activists who want to actively work for the development of green Szczecin.

Due to the pandemic, this year's edition of the Scandinavian Days was fully available on-line. All materials can be viewed here.