From a student with love.

Abstract

We are gathered here to say goodbye to a dear friend. A friend who mastered all the Nordic languages, who loved to bring us all together, to mix and blend our nationalities, our cultures and our ideas in a melting pot. We became curious and creative, filled with a desire to know more about each other’s health care and welfare systems. Together, we would try new ways. We learned that Nordic welfare is present in all the Nordic countries but has different colours. Together, we had a palette of choice that could bring new life into systems that at times were stiff and unwilling to be open to other ways of developing our health and welfare. Because you were such an open-minded friend, you not only embraced all Nordic countries, but you extended your invitation and welcome to students and teachers from the wider world to come and study and share their ideas, cultures, knowledge, skills and views on health. We have had the privilege of visiting your house, sharing the excellent and exciting meals, being part of the discussions at the table and then returning home with renewed energy, new views and ways to walk. We are keenly aware of our good fortune. We are grateful to you and the governments who gave us that gift. Our hope is that you have planted so many trees and flowers in our gardens that your spirit - our Nordic School of Public Health – will spread, grow and nurture not only the health of the Nordic north but of the wider world.