Arctic Diplomat Morten Høglund Receives 2025 High North Hero Award for Leadership During Geopolitical Tensions
Norway’s Arctic Ambassador Morten Høglund is the receiver of the 2025 High North Hero Award. The honor recognizes his success maintaining cooperation during heightened geopolitical tensions.
The High North Hero Award 2025 was presented to Høglund during the High North Dialogue conference on March 27.
Patti Bruns, General Secretary of the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, handed over the prize that celebrates Høglund’s leadership as Chair of the Arctic Council Senior Arctic Officials.
– This award is not just for me, but for the team and the people I have worked with over the years. Arctic cooperation is more important than ever, Høglund stated during his acceptance speech.
The jury specifically noted his «exceptional leadership in navigating the Arctic Council’s operations in a challenging time of geopolitical tension».
They highlighted how his inclusive approach ensured the continuation of scientific research and collaborative projects addressing climate change and sustainable development.
Rebuilding From a Standstill
When Norway assumed the Arctic Council chairship from Russia, the council was effectively on pause due to geopolitical circumstances.
Høglund describes the transition as an intense diplomatic achievement that required collaboration from all parties involved.
– We were starting from more or less from zero and then we had to build on that, Høglund explains in an interview with High North News Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen.
The handover process was widely described as a “diplomatic piece of art” in media coverage.
Høglund credits the success to patience and dedication from many stakeholders, including a pragmatic approach by all eight member states and Indigenous representatives.
– All of us wanted the Council to survive. You wanted the Arctic Council to still be an important player, he says, describing the careful conversations that created a plan for transition and restarting activities.
Balancing Multiple Priorities
Under Høglund’s leadership, the Norwegian chairship focused on climate, environment, sustainable economic development, oceans, and the people of the Arctic. Despite the broad scope, his team managed to make progress across these priorities.
– We have concentrated on some key efforts, Høglund notes.
– On oceans, we’ve been concentrating on ecosystem-based approach to ocean management. For climate and environment, we’ve taken the climate dimension to the global stage more directly.
The chairship placed particular emphasis on youth engagement, organizing a successful conference in Tromsø in January that brought together more than 200 young people from across the Arctic.
– It was designed by the youth, for the youth, Høglund emphasizes, hoping this focus will continue under future chairships.
Preserving Arctic Cooperation Beyond Security Concerns
One of Høglund’s main concerns has been preventing security issues from dominating all Arctic discussions. While acknowledging the importance of security conversations, he warned against letting them overshadow other crucial topics.
– If people are asked about the Arctic today, the security dimension comes to the front stage for very obvious reasons, Høglund explains.
– But it’s not the only conversation in the Arctic.
He stressed the importance of maintaining balanced discussions that include climate, environment, indigenous peoples, and youth concerns alongside security matters.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Respect
As the Kingdom of Denmark prepares to take over the chairship in mid-May, Høglund emphasizes the importance of respect and transparency in leading the Arctic Council.
– What is important is that you have to be respectful to all members. Whatever you do and share, you must communicate to all.
Despite challenges with restrictions that have limited in-person activities, Høglund believes maintaining open lines of communication is critical for the council’s future.
– I have always felt that every member of the Council must feel that it’s something in it for them, he says.
– And if they don’t feel either included or that the agenda is not really about their priorities, they will at some point decide not to be part of it.
Looking to the Future
Despite current geopolitical tensions, Høglund remains optimistic about the Arctic Council’s future. He views Arctic cooperation as a long-term project spanning decades ahead.
– Re-inventing it is too difficult. So it’s better to keep it moving, he states, reflecting on the unique structure that brings together indigenous peoples, member states, universities, and researchers.
After what he describes as “the most rewarding experience of my career,” Høglund plans to take a well-deserved holiday.
While he hopes to maintain his connection to Arctic issues, he will be stepping away from direct involvement with the Arctic Council.
The High North Hero Award is an annual honor established by the High North Center for Business and Governance to recognize individuals, organizations, or companies who have contributed to highlighting or developing the High North region.
Editor-in-Chief of High North News, Trine Jonassen, sit down with the High North Hero 2025 and chair of the Arctic Council for Norway, Morten Høglund – watch the full interview: