Nordic Model: the Best for Children
14.02.2007: Die Internationale Falkenbewegung (IFM-SEI) äußert sich zur Veröffentlichung der UNICEF Studie zur Situation der Kinder in Industriestaaten
A UNICEF study
released today on the well-being of children in rich countries puts the Nordic countries - with their high standards of social protection and services - at the top of the table of overall child well-being.
The top four
for overall child well-being, in a study covering 21 OECD countries, are Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. The UNICEF study attempts a comprehensive assessment of child well-being covering a range of different indicators - from material well-being, health and education to family relationships, behaviour and children's own sense of well-being.
Well-being just in the north
Sweden tops the table for both material well-being and health and safety, with Finland coming third in both and Denmark fourth. Norway comes second on material well-being and the Netherlands second in health and safety. In education, the picture is less clear cut politically with Belgium coming top, followed by Canada, the Netherlands, Poland and Finland. In the other categories Italy is best for family and peer relations, Sweden for behaviour and risks and the Netherlands for subjective well-being. But overall it is the Nordic countries which triumph - especially in those areas where Government policy makes a major difference.
arguments for social democracy
The Nordic social model is the best for children especially in terms of poverty and health which is where the state can obviously make a direct impact. The results of the UNICEF study present a powerful argument in favour of social democracy.
But social democrats should be worried that the results in education are not as positive as they are for material well-being and health and safety.
While it is satisfying to see the Nordic countries perform well there is absolutely no room for complacency. This is a very important report and every Government - including those in the Nordic countries - can learn something. We owe it to children in every country to study the report and make the necessary improvements.
IFM-SEI congratulates UNICEF for producing this study and we hope it sparks a lively debate and results in some substantial improvements.
Improve the quality of life of Children!
For us it shows the importance of a renewed focus on modernising and improving the welfare system of all states (as far as it does exist). The challenge for political leaders is not only how to become more competitive in a global economy but how to maintain and improve the quality of life of children.
