Nordic model: the best for the children 

14 February 2007


A UNICEF study released  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. 

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. 

"The Nordic social model is the best for children" said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists, "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."  

He added "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 parents and children in every country to study the report and make the necessary improvements."

"I congratulate UNICEF for producing this study and I hope it sparks a lively debate and results in some substantial improvements."

"For me it shows the importance of a renewed focus on modernising and improving our welfare states. The challenge for Europe is not only how to become more competitive in a global economy but how to maintain and improve the quality of life of children and adults."



FOR MORE INFORMATION: Julian Scola, Press Officer, Party of European Socialists, Rue du Trône, 98, B-1050 Brussels
Mobile +32 486 117 394,