The conference took place on March 26–27 at Radisson Blu. This year’s theme, “Business in the Arctic: New Realities”, addressed the changes unfolding in the region.
From geopolitics and space to sustainability and regional development, the panels examined how global shifts are reshaping business and everyday life in the North.
Photos from the conference are now available online, along with recordings of the main panel sessions.
- Photos from Tuesday, March 25 (pubinar at Bådin)
- Photos from Wednesday, March 26
- Photos from Thursday, March 27
Below you can re-watch the main panel sessions:
New Realities: Security Politics are Reshaping the High North
Panel description: The entry of Finland and Sweden to NATO has reshaped the geopolitical map of Northern Europe and the European Arctic. The linkages between societal development, a strong and innovative business sector, and a country’s ability to manage security risks are particularly apparent in the High North. Renewed geostrategic interest in Greenland from the US could challenge Western cohesion in the Arctic.
This panel will discuss how the ongoing security shifts in Europe and globally are impacting the political and societal situation in the High North, i.e. the European Arctic. Moreover, we will discuss how the other parts of the Arctic, i.e. the North American, are grappling with the same challenges. Finally, we will look at how Norway can take a leading role in ensuring stability and relative low tension in the High North, and what this means for the people and business environment there.
Moderator: Dr. Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute / High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
Panel:
- Mr. Eivind Vad Petersson, State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Brigadier Steinar Dahl Kongshavn, Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Headquarters
- Mr. Mads Qvist Fredriksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council
- Dr. Hanne Solheim Hansen, Rector, Nord University
- Dr. Rasmus Leander Nielsen, Associate Professor, Ilisimatusarfik – University of Greenland
- Ms. Alina Bykova, PhD Student, Stanford University/Leadership Team, The Arctic Institute
High North Young Entrepreneur
Session description: High North Young Entrepreneur is an international pitch competition of Arctic-related business ideas of young entrepreneurs and start-ups.
The winner was Marine Spark X. Read an article about them at High North News – and see a short interview with them below:
You can also watch the full final (pitch session) below, moderated by Mr. Bård Borch Michalsen (Associate Professor, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway).
Finalists:
- Pack Away AB
- Marine Spark X AS
- cruise2feed
New Realities: The High North in New Space
Panel description: Space exploration is increasingly shaping life in the Arctic, with advancements in satellite technology, communication, and climate monitoring having a direct impact. From improving weather forecasts for industries like fishing and shipping to providing critical data on climate change, space activities are transforming the region’s economy and daily life.
The Arctic’s strategic importance is also growing, as space-based technologies become essential for national security, defense and global cooperation. However, with new opportunities come challenges, including balancing resource exploration with environmental preservation.
As space technologies continue to evolve, the High North is set to play an even bigger role on the global stage. How can these advancements benefit the region, its inhabitants and businesses? Join us as we explore the exciting and evolving intersection of space and the Arctic.
Moderator: Ms. Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
Panel:
- Dr. Michael Byers, Professor of Global Politics and International Law, University of British Colombia
- Ms. Therese Kristiansen, Director People & Organization, KSAT – Kongsberg Satellite Service
- Mr. Ole Dokka, Founder & Executive Director, Spaceport Norway
- Mr. Kolbjørn Blix, Vice President, Andøya Space
Media Panel: Arctic Journalism In a New Reality
Panel description: Meet the journalists from the Barents region who navigate Russian propaganda and disinformation, speedy alliances, a press-hostile USA, and a news image that is outdated before the day is out. How does the Nordic press produce reliable news while the world’s democracies are under pressure?
Moderator: Ms. Trine Jonassen, Editor in Chief, High North News and Board Member of Barents Press
Panel:
- Ms. Line Ylvisåker, Editor-in-chief, Svalbardposten, Norway
- Mr. Marcus Melinder, Editor-in-chief, SVT News Norrbotten, Sweden
- Ms. Sari Pöyhönen, Board Member of Barents Press Finland and Journalist at YLE Rovaniemi, Finland
Ambassador Panel – A new High North
Panel description: The High North is under pressure—not only from the disruptive changes brought by global warming but increasingly from an international security perspective. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the fracturing of transatlantic relationships, the world and international order as we know them are about to change. In this time of transformation, it is more important than ever for the Nordic states to amplify their focus on the High North and increase collaboration. At the Ambassadors’ Panel of the High North Dialogue 2025, we will discuss the new security realities of the High North and how the Nordics can lead in any related debate.
Moderator: Dr. Andreas Raspotnik, Director High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
Panel:
- H.E. Mr. Teemu Tanner, Finnish Ambassador to Norway
- H.E. Mr. Mikael Eriksson, Swedish Ambassador to Norway
- H.E. Ms. Jan Thompson CMG OBE, British Ambassador to Norway
- Ms. Inga M. W. Nyhamar, Section for the High North, Polar Affairs and Resources, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
High North Scenarios
Panel description: Students from the Master Course “International governance and business in the High North” have been developing the future scenarios just before High North Dialogue. Join us to follow the best scenarios about our future in the High North to be presented by the winning group of master students.
Read an article about the winners here.
Moderator:
- Dr. Elena Dybtsyna, Associate Professor, High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
- Ms. Marianne Bahr Simonsen, Director, Kraft Center
High North Hero
Session description: Mr. Morten Høglund, Norway’s Arctic Ambassador and Chair of the Arctic Council Senior Arctic Officials, is the recipient of the prestigious High North Hero Award 2025. Here he is interviewed by Trine Jonassen, editor-in-chief at High North News, after receiving the award on Thursday March 27. Høglund was recognized for his exceptional leadership of the Arctic Council during a time of geopolitical tension, advancing sustainable development and international cooperation in the region.
The High North Hero Award is an annual award established by the High North Center for Business and Governance to honor a person, organization or company who has contributed to highlighting or developing the High North.
The session in which he is presented with the award by Ms. Patti Bruns, Secretary-General of the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, is also available to rewatch below:
I had a Green Dream
Panel description: What happened to the green dream of the North? Do we still believe in the Green Shift? Can it lead to sustainable economic growth in the region?
Moderator: Mr. Mads Qvist Fredriksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council
Panel:
- Mr. Mox Murugan, Business Development Director, Hydrogen, Nordion Energi
- Mr. Are Tomasgard, Secretary, Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions
- Dr. Gry Agnete Alsos, Dean, Nord University Business School
- Ms. Ragnhild Marit Sara, Indigenous Rights Lawyer
I have a Blue Dream
Session description: Norway is an ocean nation. This is especially prominent in the north. Today, great value creation comes from oil, gas, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and tourism. What could the future look like? In this session, we will dive into two perspectives. Can large-scale conservation measures give a triple win: solve problems related to climate, food, and biodiversity? Second, have we underestimated the role of sustainable coastal communities in building resilience and demographic strength?
Moderator: Dr. Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector Research and Development, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Keynote:
- Mr. Alexander Ugland, Project Manager – Bioeconomy, Bellona
- Dr. Grete Hovelsrud, Professor Emerita Nordland Research Institute & Nord University / President, Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research
New Realities: Dreams for the High North
Panel description: As the Arctic region becomes increasingly vital in global conversations, it’s crucial to ask ourselves how we can harness its potential without compromising its fragile environment. What are the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and resource development that can fuel growth, while ensuring that future generations inherit a region that is both prosperous and sustainable?
Moderator: Dr. Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector Research and Development, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Keynote:
- Ms. Cecilie Myrseth, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry
Panel:
- Ms. Cecilie Myrseth, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry
- Dr. Toril Inga Røe Utvik, Manager Northern Area Unit, Equinor
- Mr. Glenn Berggård, Vice Chair of the Regional Executive Board, Region Norrbotten
- Mr. Kristian Iversen, Deputy Leader, Young Wing of the Concervative Party in Bodø