Karen Ellemann is the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers and a seasoned political leader with deep experience in governance, sustainability, and international cooperation.
Under Ms. Ellemann's leadership as Secretary General, the Nordic Council of Ministers has continued to push the food waste agenda. Not least through the Nordic political commitment Reducing food waste for a green Nordic Region, and the establishment of the Nordic Platform for Reduced Food Waste enabling food waste action, initiatives, knowledge products and joint top meetings.
Ms. Ellemann has been a longstanding strong advocate for reducing food waste and promoting more sustainable food systems. Over more than two decades in Danish politics, she has held multiple ministerial posts — including Minister for Environment — and has consistently worked at the intersection of climate, environment, and social policy. As Denmark’s Minister for the Environment, she launched a pioneering multi‑stakeholder initiative and helped create one of the country’s first voluntary agreements to reduce food waste. She understood early on that food carries cultural, environmental, and social value — and that reducing waste requires both political action and public engagement.
That belief also led her to an unexpected stage: MasterChef Denmark. By stepping into a cooking competition, she reached new audiences and sparked conversations about food and its worth. With a background as a teacher, she brings a leadership style grounded in learning, dialogue, and inclusion.
Today, Ellemann uses her platform to connect food waste reduction with broader societal priorities, showing how regional cooperation can drive systemic change and accelerate progress toward SDG 12.3. Her leadership is defined by a strong commitment to turning political ambition into tangible results.
Links:
Why is food policy crucial for the Nordic Region?
Policy commitment: Reducing food waste for a green Nordic Region