How can sustainability be integrated into regional development work?

Sustainability issues are high on the agenda throughout society and to increase understanding of the concept, Region Norrbotten offers training in sustainability integration for project actors. The focus of the training is on knowledge of Agenda 2030 and the three dimensions of sustainable development – ​​ecological sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability.

Region Norrbotten continuously offers different types of project financing and training for actors in Norrbotten. Right now, the region is taking the initiative to increase knowledge about sustainability integration in collaboration with the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth through the project Paths to Sustainable Development. During 2021, training was carried out with strategists, politicians and people working within Region Norrbotten's companies. Now the same type of training is offered to various project actors in Norrbotten. The training is offered in connection with the start of the EU's new programming period where there are increased expectations and demands for sustainability integration.

Lena Aune is a consultant in sustainable development and teaches the training courses offered by Region Norrbotten.

– It is a basic training course that aims to integrate sustainability into regional development work. It is about both gaining an understanding of the concept of sustainability and at the same time gaining knowledge about the relationship between the various goal conflicts that can arise. The training is also about being able to take a critical view of the concept of sustainability and how it is used, she says.

Linda Tapper is one of those who have completed the training. She sits on the board of Tornedalen 2020 and is also the operations manager of the Vasikkavuoma development association.

– I thought the training was very good. We received statistical data, concrete concepts and suggestions on how to think about the concept of sustainability. We were also given a number of models to work from that make it possible to have a slightly different starting point when thinking about projects in the future, says Linda Tapper.

The training is based on Agenda 2030, where efforts should promote equality, integration and diversity as well as other social dimensions, as well as a clear focus on green transition.

The training has been conducted digitally on three occasions. Interest in the training has been great with around 90 participants so far. A final opportunity is offered in September. 
Here you can read more about the offer and register..