Joint Nordic Event - Life Science Day
On June 25 and 26, 2025, the five Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—jointly hosted the “Nordic Life Science Day” as part of their Joint Nordic Event series at the Nordic Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
This event was designed to explore international collaboration across public, private, academic, and regional sectors to address major shared challenges facing Japan and the Nordics, including population aging, healthcare workforce shortages, chronic disease management, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The program featured discussions and case studies over two days, with participation from Nordic government officials and companies, including Finland’s Minister for Health Affairs, Ms. Kaisa Juuso, and Denmark’s Minister for the Interior and Health, Ms. Sophie Løhde.
Nordic Ministers Stress Global Cooperation as an “Investment in the Future”
During the opening session, Ministers Juuso and Løhde highlighted various Nordic initiatives, including advancements in digital health, secondary health data utilization, AMR strategies, and cross-sectoral medical collaboration.
Minister Juuso emphasized a shared Nordic goal to become “the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030,” and called for deeper cooperation with Japan and other global partners. Minister Løhde pointed out the similar challenges both regions face—aging populations, healthcare access disparities, and workforce shortages—stating, “Although our systems differ, we are on the same journey toward a fair and sustainable healthcare future.”
Practical Case Studies of Public–Private–Academic Collaboration
In the morning session, Denmark’s preventive healthcare model was showcased, illustrating joint efforts among government, companies, and healthcare institutions to combat chronic diseases. Examples of ongoing collaborations in Japan—particularly in Chiba and Okayama Prefectures—drew strong interest.
In the afternoon, Swedish companies presented use cases of AI-assisted diagnostics and remote care, while Japanese municipalities shared initiatives in data-driven healthcare and community-based wellness programs. These parallel efforts led to discussions about scalable regional partnerships between Japan and the Nordics.
Tackling Complex Issues: Data, Equity, and Regional Health Systems
The second day featured topics such as joint Nordic research on AMR and Norway’s approach to sustainable, green investment in healthcare. Scalable solutions from Nordic startups and researchers further demonstrated the potential of international collaboration that transcends institutional boundaries.
From the Nordic Pavilion to the World: Toward a Sustainable Future Society
“Nordic Life Science Day” served as a meaningful response to Expo 2025’s overarching theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives. The event underscored the Nordics’ quiet yet resolute commitment to building a better future through cooperation and innovation.
The Nordic Pavilion will continue hosting Joint Nordic Events covering themes such as energy, gender equality, and culture—expanding Japan-Nordic dialogue and mutual understanding.
●Kaisa Juuso (Finland):
“Through digitalization and innovative solutions, we aim to ensure a sustainable welfare system that is accessible to all.”
●Sophie Løhde (Denmark):
“Healthcare is not just a system—it is a mission. It is partnerships that bring about real change.”