The Nordic Day was celebrated in Dhaka by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden on Monday. The reception hosted at the Nordic Club, welcomed around 400 guests from the Nordic community, representatives from the Government of Bangladesh, and friends of the community from the private sector, civil society organizations, media and other diplomatic missions.
Sustainability in today’s world and sustainable practices was the focus of the event.The festivities commenced with the national anthem of Bangladesh played by a live band, followed by the national anthems of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.The three ambassadors went on to welcome the guests with their shared remarks.
Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, HE Ms. Winnie Estrup Petersen, highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals saying ‘‘We share a strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the SDGs’, and to support other countries in achieving the goals.’
For her remarks, the Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, HE Ms. Sidsel Bleken said regarding sustainable business that ‘‘Nordic companies represent a more sustainable and more innovative way of doing business. Ever-increasing investments and efforts go into creating green solutions, clean energy, and circular economy.’’
Emphasizing the importance gender equality, the Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh HE. Ms. Charlotta Schlyter said that ‘‘Gender equality is a central part of the fabric of the Nordic countries. In just a few decades, the Nordics have become societies where men and women share work and life in the same arenas.’’
Honorable Minister for Health, Government of Bangladesh, Mr. Zahid Malek attended the reception as the chief guest of the evening. He said that ‘Now, Bangladesh has almost qualified as a Middle-Income Country, which the Nordic countries has helped us with and will continue to help us with.’
Nordic companies presented their contributions to sustainable business. These companies included: ABB, AJS Ventilation, Arla, Beckers, Bestseller, Dan Cake, DNV.GL, Ericsson, Grameenphone, Grundfos, H&M, Hifab, IKEA, Innovative Motors and Scania, Jotun, Kafco, KappAhl, Nilorn Worldwide, Nordic Woods Limited, NovoNordisk, Novozymes, NRD Companies, Rolls Royce, Scatec Solar, Varner, Viking Wind, and Volvo.