Nordic Sustainability Day 2025 unites leaders for greener future

Nordics for Climate Action, a collaborative initiative of the consulates general of Denmark, Finland, and Norway in Shanghai, has hosted Nordic Sustainability Day 2025.

The event — a high-level forum built around three core themes: ESG (environmental, social and governance), circular economy, and open innovation — brought together senior public and private sector leaders from both China and the Nordic region to share, discuss and develop solutions to some of the planet's most pressing climate challenges.

Opening the event, Mikael Winther, consul general of Denmark in Shanghai, said: "This event isn't just about Nordic success stories — it's about shared responsibility. We want to bring tested ideas to China and also learn from Chinese innovators."

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of keynote speeches, case studies, and panel discussions, offering a snapshot of how Nordic-Chinese collaboration is already shaping the future of sustainable development.

The ESG session explored how companies like Novo Nordisk, Novonesis, Nine United, UPM, and TOMRA are rethinking ESG — from supply chains to product innovation. Speakers from Shanghai Climate Week and Green Technology Bank provided insights into how environmental accountability is fast becoming a global business imperative.

The session themed on circular economy put a spotlight on emerging EU regulations, Nordic design principles, and how digital technologies can enable low-carbon transitions in China.

The final session focused on open innovation and joint R&D between Nordic and Chinese sustainability stakeholders. Presentations underscored the importance of strong partnerships in scaling solutions. A highlight of the session was the launch of STRIVE, a new platform connecting Nordic climate tech with Chinese industries.