First Annual Conference & Network Meeting Södertörn Nordic Network on Climate Law and Sustainability

Theme: Rethinking Nordic Climate Leadership in the Era of EU Climate Law and the SDGs
11–12 June 2026 • Södertörn University, Stockholm
Supported by the Internationaliseringsrådet as part of the Södertörn University’s internationalization initiative

Once celebrated as global sustainability frontrunners, Sweden and other Nordic countries now face growing scrutiny over the effectiveness of their climate policies. Anchored in the EU’s 2021 Climate Law and the broader SDG framework, Nordic states have championed ambitious initiatives—ranging from robust climate legislation and adaptation strategies across governance levels to international assistance for developing countries and gender-responsive climate approaches.
Yet persistent challenges—fragmented governance, weak institutional coordination, and limited evaluation mechanisms—raise critical questions about the region’s ability to deliver on SDG 13 and sustain its leadership role.
This conference aims to critically assess Nordic climate strategies within the context of EU climate law and global sustainability targets. It seeks to identify implementation gaps, explore innovative solutions, and offer actionable recommendations to enhance coherence, accountability, and impact—challenging the narrative of the Nordics as unquestionable sustainability champions. The conference will address Nordic-Baltic cooperation on the climate law, energy and broader sustainability issues too.
If you are interested to participate, please send email to monirul.azam@sh.se, with subject: NCLS Conference.