Oresund Bridge – Malmo, Sweden
On September 24th and 25th, the JLGC London office participated in the OECD Regional Development Forum, held in Malmö, Sweden, and Copenhagen, Denmark. The forum serves as an international platform that brings together a wide array of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, to discuss the creation of sustainable regional economies.
This year marked a unique milestone as the forum was held across two countries for the first time, under the theme, “Building Bridges, Shaping Tomorrow.” The theme was symbolically represented by the Øresund Bridge, which connects Malmö and Copenhagen, underscoring the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling global challenges. The bridge itself stands as a metaphor for international collaboration, reflecting how neighbouring regions can work together to address common issues, from economic sustainability to technological innovation.
One of the forum’s key highlights was the panel discussion held on the final day, which centred on labour shortages and skills gaps—a concern faced by many regions across the world. From Japan, Mr. Makoto Fujimoto, a senior researcher from the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training (JILPT), participated and shared insights on the current labour market situation in Japan. He also presented initiatives being undertaken in Hiroshima Prefecture to address labour shortages, providing a case study that illustrated how local governments can adapt to shifting demographics and labour needs.
Following Mr. Fujimoto’s presentation, the forum continued with discussions led by panellists that included the Mayor of Copenhagen and the Deputy Mayor of Malmö. The focus of these discussions was on the critical efforts being made in different regions to secure a workforce in emerging fields, particularly in response to climate change and artificial intelligence (AI). These areas are expected to see an even greater shortage of skilled workers in the future, highlighting the urgency of regional and international cooperation.
The forum concluded by emphasizing the importance of learning from the advanced initiatives being undertaken in various regions to address common global challenges. Through the sharing of experiences and strategies, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of how different regions are working toward sustainable growth, not only within their borders but through international partnerships as well.
Ultimately, the OECD Regional Development Forum provided a valuable opportunity to explore cutting-edge regional approaches to solving the pressing issues faced by societies around the world, from the environment to technological advancements.
‘Oresund Bridge – Malmo, Sweden’ picture by Richard Dennis, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
