Sunshine and ice cold weather nations could make for a unique pact to help save the planet from future climate change catastrophes if visionaries are successful with joint ventures.
Finland and Bahrain, as well as the wider Middle East, could paint a greener future together with an exchange of technologies and sustainable infrastructure, according to a top Finnish minister.
Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Pekka Haavisto recently visited Bahrain for the 18th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Regional Security Summit: Manama Dialogue.
He spoke with the GDN about how the Middle East and Finland could support each other’s sustainability targets.
“When we think about our relationship with the Middle East and the Gulf countries, the first issue that comes to mind is climate change and all its consequences,” Mr Haavisto explained.
“We want to be one of the countries seeking solutions for climate issues. We are heading towards a green economy, which also means a green transition in energy production.
“And, we think that, in particular with the Gulf countries, there’s a lot in common in trying to invest in renewable and safe ways of producing energy.
“I think technology transfer and co-operation in this regard is important between Finland and the Gulf countries.”
Mr Haavisto also noted that Finland would be interested in working with Middle Eastern countries to develop mutual solutions, in addition to importing and exporting infrastructure for generating clean energy.
He highlighted Finland’s investment in wind power, which the country is hoping to connect to hydrogen and create a new form of industrial energy production.
“We are also producing solar panels but, of course, everyone knows Finland is not the country where the sun shines the most, so this is an example of technology that can be used much more effectively in this region and it would be good to develop these forms of energy together,” he added.
When talking about specific collaboration with Bahrain, Mr Haavisto noted that hand-in-hand with green energy, Finland would be interested in bringing its expertise on vocational training to the kingdom to bolster the local career market.
He also expressed an interest in working with Bahrain to develop a roadmap towards a circular economy model. In this model, economic activity involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible.
In the short to medium term, Mr Haavisto hopes to source more of Finland’s energy needs from the Middle East as the two countries move, in the long term, towards achieving their respective net-zero targets.
He noted that every country had its own climate change impact to deal with and working together could help alleviate these crises.
He explained that Finland is concerned about the melting ice near the North Pole, leading to a rise in sea levels, while the Middle East was tackling food security concerns.
The Nordic country has cut off ‘most’ trade ties with Russia in light of the latter’s conflict with Ukraine, and is also seeking new markets for its products.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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