The first of the Nordic Talks events, which were implemented to contribute to the green economy transition process of Turkey, which has taken important steps in the field of climate and sustainability, was hosted by the Consulate General of Denmark in Istanbul and the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul.
At the WRI Livable Cities Symposium 2022, in the Nordic Talks session titled ‘Green Economy Transformation for Liveable Cities’, green economy solutions developed by Denmark and Sweden that can set an example for Turkey and cooperation opportunities in this field It was discussed. The opening speeches of the session were made by Thierry Hoppe, Consul General of Denmark in Istanbul, and Björn Jönsson, Vice-Consul of the Consulate General of Sweden & Head of the Swedish-Turkey Cooperation Department.
Hoppe, Consul General of Denmark in Istanbul, said that sustainability is not a local but a global issue and that the countries of the world have a lot in common. Hoppe said: “Denmark was once completely dependent on imported oil and other fossil fuels. Today, Denmark is one of the pioneers of green transformation. It is our responsibility to share our experience and knowledge regarding the transition to a green economy. We want to help other countries in this transition process to live in a more sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient world. The secret to a successful transformation is to ‘do more with less’. The cleanest and cheapest energy is the energy we do not use. In this period when energy costs are rising rapidly, energy efficiency has become even more important. In fact, it is easy for decision makers: Investments in energy efficiency solutions are immediately rewarded.”
Pointing out that Sweden is one of the most innovative countries in the world and one of the smart technology pioneers, Swedish Consulate General Vice Consul & Head of Sweden Turkey Cooperation Department Jönsson: “Transition to circular economy is only possible with the cooperation of politicians, business world, public, academic institutions, civil society and individuals. Sweden aims to be the first carbon neutral OECD country in the world by 2045. “Many Swedish companies that believe in the importance of a green economy are also working towards the transition to a non-toxic, circular and bio-based economy.”