How can Nordic cooperation make a difference?

Where: Norðurstova
Duration: 2 hours

The living conditions of LGBTI people are closely linked to where in the Nordic region they live. There are local differences in, for example, access to funding, targeted initiatives, and networks. Living in rural or sparsely populated communities in the Nordics presents particular challenges due to geographical, cultural, and social conditions.

Knowledge about the situation of LGBTI people in the Faroe Islands is limited, which affects the ability to develop targeted initiatives and action plans.

This conference presents the results of a new study on the living conditions of LGBTI people in rural communities, with a special focus on the Faroe Islands. Invited Nordic experts will share their perspectives and experiences on how Nordic cooperation can help strengthen the rights and opportunities of LGBTI people.

Afterwards, there will be a special café session providing information about the Nordic LGBTI Fund, which this year prioritises collaborations in which the main applicant is from the Faroe Islands, Greenland or Åland.

The conference is aimed at representatives from government, public authorities, institutions, and others working with or interested in the field.

Participation is limited, and registration is required.

The conference is a collaboration between the Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordic Information on Gender (NIKK), the Nordic House, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing.

Programme

Chair: Andreas Koskela Nielsen, Senior Advisor, Equality & LGBTI, Nordic Council of Ministers.

15.00 Welcome
Margit Stórá, Minister for Social Affairs, Housing and Equality.

Living conditions of LGBTI people in rural areas
Results and conclusions from a new Nordic report, as well as reflections from a Faroese perspective.

Kajsa Widegren, Associate Professor in Gender Studies and Officer, National Secretariat for Gender Research in Sweden
Elisabeth Skarðhamar Olsen, Lecturer, Department of History and Social Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands

16.00 Break

How can Nordic cooperation make a difference?
A discussion on Nordic cooperation, challenges and opportunities in a Faroese context.

Andreas Lunn, Senior Advisor, Equality Department, Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality, Denmark
Gunn Hernes, Director, Nordic House in the Faroe Islands
Bjørt Lind, psychologist and Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party

Closing remarks
Chair Andreas Koskela Nielsen

17.00 End

Afterwards, you are welcome to Café Tita for a short informational event about this year’s announcement from the Nordic LGBTI Fund, in which applicants from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland are prioritised. Light refreshments will be served. Learn more here.