What is a Nordic Talk?

Nordic Talks is a series of live talks and podcast episodes addressing the biggest global challenges. Through conversations with some of the brightest minds in the Nordics and their counterparts from around the world we want to inspire each other to act – for a better, more sustainable future.

Nordic Talks is designed to provide a space for contemplation and to share inspiration on how to take action on sustainability issues in our everyday lives. All Nordic Talks are dedicated to addressing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all talks provide specific ideas on how we as citizens can take concrete action starting today.

A Nordic Talk can take place anywhere in the world and anyone with a good idea for a talk can apply for funding. We welcome both online and offline events, and encourage both independently organized talks as well as plug-ins to existing events, such as festivals or conferences.
 

These four dogmas form the backbone of a Nordic Talk:

Dogma #1: The Nordics in dialogue with the rest of the world 

A Nordic Talk is a conversation between at least one Nordic citizen and at least one speaker holding a passport from outside the Nordic region. By bringing together people from around the world with different perspectives, we ensure curious conversations in which we exchange thoughts and ideas.

Dogma #2: Facilitate dialogue

Nordic Talks is about starting conversations, not monologues. We believe that action and inspiration thrive in a setting that facilitates an open and curious conversation. Lectures and PowerPoint presentations should be saved for another time.

Dogma #3: Address the Sustainable Development Goals 

Both the topic and the event must reflect the SDGs and their message. We want to inspire action and should lead by example. Think about this when choosing your venue, transportation, catering and before you print marketing material.

Dogma #4: Inspire to act!

How can we act on this issue? Your talk must provide the audience with tangible actions that they can implement in their daily lives starting right now.

WHY BECOME AN ORGANISER?

As a Nordic Talks organiser you will provide your audience with knowledge, inspiration and advice on how to act on important, global issues.

By joining Nordic Talks as an organiser, you will become part of a global community of people who want to make a difference on global sustainability issues. The most important part of being an organiser is that you are just as enthusiastic about the sustainability agenda and as dedicated to inspiring change as we are.

You will be handpicked because you have a unique take on one of the SDGs or an idea for a conversation that offers new perspectives. Organisers either work on a specific sustainability issue or have come across experts, activists and innovators who offer solutions and context to our shared challenges - and they want to provide these thinkers and doers with a platform. If selected, your talk will reach an even broader audience through the globally distributed Nordic Talks podcast.

HOW TO BECOME AN ORGANISER?

1. Find an issue or topic that fascinates you

2. Keep an eye out for our open calls by signing up for our newsletter here

3. Get approval and funding

4. Start planning your Nordic Talk (see deliverables & tools)

5. Send the completed playbook to us (see deliverables & tools)

6. Send the PR & Communication document to us (see deliverables & tools)

7. Host your Nordic Talk


 

Become part of Nordic Talks

Interested in doing your own thing within the Nordic Talks framework? 
The handbook takes you through all the steps needed to plan and organise a successful Nordic Talk.

Step by step guide

1

Is it a match?

Watch the two films to get a feel of the Nordic Talks universe. Ask yourself:

  • Can you see your idea in a similar setting? Decide whether your idea can appeal to a wide audience. Nordic Talks can be definitely be “nerdy and niche”, as long as you have a skilled moderator who can make it accessible to a wider audience.
  • Are you able to tick off all four dogmas? (see “What is a Nordic Talk?”)
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2

Apply for funding

If you think your idea fits the Nordic Talks framework, fill out the application form as fully as possible. The more information we get from you about your idea, the better.

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3

Get approved

Once your application is approved, it’s time to get going!

  • You will get access to a Google Drive that gives you all the guidance you'll need, including contact information to those who can answer any questions you may have.
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4

Produce and deliver

Read the Nordic Talks Handbook thoroughly and follow the checklist – it covers everything from tips to picking speakers and a moderator to finding the right venue. Consider it your production bible.

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5

Final approval

Submit the required material for review to receive final approval.

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6

A professional podcast based on your live Nordic Talk

If the Secretariat selects your live Nordic Talk for editing, we will start working on it as soon as possible after receiving the audio files. We'll let you know once it’s done, so you can share it with your network. All podcast episodes will become available on all preferred platforms.

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SDG

Pledge

All Nordic Talks are dedicated to addressing the SDG challenges. We want to inspire thinkers and doers to talk to each other and ultimately inspire each other to act – for a better, more sustainable future.



Nordic Talks is brought to you by The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.