23 March marks Nordic Day, a shared celebration of the world’s oldest regional political co-operation. Established through the Helsinki Treaty in 1962, Nordic co-operation brings together Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, with a common commitment to democracy, trust, and strong communities.
This year’s Nordic Day is marked by a wide programme of events across the Nordics and Baltics. Thematic focus is on democracy and young people. The discussions reflect growing concerns about how democratic systems are shaped by digitalisation, misinformation, and shifting patterns of civic engagement, particularly among younger generations.
Celebrations extend beyond 23 March, with activities taking place throughout the week. These range from local community events to high-level discussions on democratic resilience. In parallel, digital Nordic language cafés offer an accessible way for people across the region to connect and engage informally.
From democratic dialogue to regional development trends
The focus on resilience and long-term societal change is also reflected in Nordregio’s work. We celebrate Nordic Day with the launch of State of the Nordic Region 2026 on 25 March.
The report provides an overview of how Nordic regions and municipalities are evolving, covering:
- Demography: including ageing populations and migration patterns
- Labour market: shifts in employment, skills, and mobility
- Economy: structural changes and regional disparities
It also examines how regions respond to broader pressures such as geopolitical uncertainty, infrastructure demands, and multiple ongoing transitions. The findings offer an evidence base for policymakers and regional actors working to strengthen resilience, support inclusive growth, and adapt to long-term change.
Join the conversation and take part in in the online launch on 25 March (13:00–14:30 CET). The session will present key findings from the report and open space for discussion on their implications for regional development across the Nordic Region.
