In the beginning of April, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia celebrates its 15 year anniversary. Two events are organized in connection with the jubilee. On April 3 a concert followed by a reception is arranged for all cooperation partners and friends in “Grivas Mebeles”. On April 4 a Nordic – Latvian dialogue conference “Welfare and Growth in Northern Europe – Foundation for Global Competitiveness of the Region” takes place at the premises of the Museum of Riga History and Navigation. In this dialogue conference, we invite everyone to take part in the discussion and try to find answers on the following questions: Is economic growth and welfare each others precondition (the hen and the egg paradox)? Is the Baltic Sea Region globally competitive? Competitiveness, innovations and sustainable development in the Nordic and in the Baltic countries – is it possible to define common ambitions, formulate common strategy and action plan? How is the Nordic-Baltic region prepared for the challenges and changes brought by globalisation? What role does the welfare model have in the global competitiveness of the Nordic region? The leading Latvian and Nordic policy makers, economists, academics, researchers, as well as culture and business professionals are invited to take part in the conference. A short press conference prior to the conference is arranged on the subject "The Potential of the Nordic-Baltic Region. How Competitive can We be?" on April 4 at 9:00-9:30.