26-27 November 2026
The Nordic countries face major labour market challenges, including an ageing population, labour shortages, and rapid digitalisation. At the same time, persons with disabilities encounter barriers to entering and fully participating in working life. This Nordic expert conference focuses on how the Nordic countries are working to remove barriers and promote an inclusive working life for persons with disabilities. The conference will present current research and knowledge compilations, as well as ongoing initiatives.
The conference welcomes experts from across the Nordic region working on inclusive working life for persons with disabilities, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
Participation is free of charge but requires registration. The number of places at the conference is limited, and you will receive confirmation of your admission after registration.
The Nordic Welfare Centre reserves the right to prioritize among registrations according to the target group.
Thematic tracks of the conference
During the conference, current research and knowledge compilations will be presented based on three overarching themes:
Theme one
The disability employment gap in the Nordic countries:
- What do we know, and how can we explain it?
- In what ways can the statistics on the employment of persons with disabilities be improved?
Theme two
Inclusive working environments and workplaces
- What does current Nordic research show about inclusive workplaces and working environments?
- How can AI-based tools make working life more flexible and adapted for employees with varying functional abilities?
Theme three
Employers and inclusive working life
- In what ways do Nordic companies work with labour market inclusion?
- What are the key factors for labour market inclusion from an employer's perspective?
Format
- Keynote presentations
- Panel discussions and group discussions
Target group
The target group includes decision-makers, researchers, public authorities, and civil society organisations and NGOs across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Programme and speakers
Speakers
The programme is preliminary and will be updated continuously as additional speakers are confirmed.
Introduction
Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Work and Employment (Article 27)
- Stefan Hardonk, University of Iceland
Inclusive employment for persons with disabilities in the Nordics – a knowledge compilation
- Stian Thoresen, NTNU Social Science
Theme 1 - The disability employment gap in the Nordic countries
Measuring Disability and Labour Market Position
- Marianne Keyriläinen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland
What register data reveals about inequality in the labour market – intellectual disabilities
- Carin Staland Nyman, Halmstad University
Theme 2 - Inclusive working environments and workplaces
Disability and work environment
- Suzanne Millmark, Karlstad University
NewWorkTech – Technologies for a more inclusive world of work
- Barbara Patricia Nino Carreras, University of Copenhagen
How do we translate shared Nordic-Baltic ambitions for inclusive AI into concrete action?
- Mads Brix Monggaard, Knowledge Centre on Disability
Inclusive Employment: The Role of Workplace Flexibility for People with Disabilities
- Vibeke Jakobsen, VIVE – The Danish Center for Social Science Research
Theme 3 - Employers and inclusive working life
How Workplace Size, Sector, and Policy Can Impact Inclusion
- Julie Ulstein, STAMI – National Institute of Occupational Health
Danish Managers' Practices and the Retention of Young Employees with Mental Health Issues
- Cecilie Krogh, Aalborg University Business School
From Positive Attitudes to Inclusive Practices: Lessons from Danish Employer Studies
- Thomas Bredgaard, Aalborg University
About the conference
The Nordic countries share the vision that by 2030, the Nordic region will be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. A socially sustainable Nordic region requires that we make full use of all available skills and realise the principle that no one should be left behind (Leave No One Behind). At the same time, many people with disabilities in the Nordic region still remain outside working life.
The expert meeting is organised within the framework of the project An Inclusive Working Life – A Key Issue for the Future of the Nordic Region, led by the Nordic Welfare Centre in cooperation with the Council for Nordic Cooperation on Disability, and on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The project forms an integral part of Nordic efforts to achieve the goals of the Disability Programme 2023–2027 and to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The expert meeting places particular emphasis on Article 27 (Work and Employment) and Article 31 (Statistics and Data Collection) of the Convention, as well as relevant links to the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030 and the UN's global Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda.
Practical information and registration
Date and time
26–27 November (Day 1: 11:00–16:30, Day 2: 9:00–14:00)
Format & Venue
Physical event, Handicaporganisationernas Hus, Copenhagen, Blekinge Boulevard 2, 2630 Taastrup
Participation fee
Free of charge
Language
English
Accessibility
The venue is fully accessible, with a hearing loop, speech-to-text interpretation and wheelchair access. Sign language interpretation, , and special dietary requirements can be indicated when registering.
Organiser
Nordic Welfare Centre (Nordic Council of Ministers) in cooperation with the Council for Nordic Cooperation on Disability
Contact and information
For questions about the conference content and participation:
Lars Lindberg, Project Manager, Nordic Welfare Centre
