High North Dialogue is an annual conference that brings together major stakeholders concerned with Arctic development. Register here.
Program:
Unless stated otherwise, all events will take place at Radisson Blu in Bodø.
Tuesday March 25
18.00–19.00: Arctic Geopolitics Pubinar at the local brewery Bådin
A pub conversation with some of the leading local voices on Arctic geopolitical issues. The conversation will last about 40 minutes in an informal format where the moderator asks the participants to share their thoughts on the current status in the Arctic, Nordic cooperation, the way forward under President Trump, and the role of North Norway, Bodø, and Bodø/Glimt. It will be a fluid beer-in-hand conversation.
Moderator: Dr. Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute / High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
Panel:
- Mr. Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, Mayor of Bodø Municipality
- Dr. Andreas Raspotnik, Director High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
- Ms. Trine Jonassen, Editor in Chief, High North News and Board Member of Barents Press
- Ms. Anette Møllersen Bjørnå, Researcher, Nordland Research Institute
Click here for location on Google Maps.
Wednesday March 26
07.30 Registration open
08.00 – 09.00 Side Events
09.00 – 09.30 Break
09.30 – 10.30 Side Events
10.30 – 11.00 Break
11.00-11.15 Welcome to the High North Dialogue 2025
Opening by:
- Ms. Hanne Solheim Hansen, Rector, Nord University
- Dr. Andreas Raspotnik, Director High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
- Ms. Benedikte Kosmo Underland, Manager, High North Dialogue Conference, Nord University Business School
11.15-12.30 New Realities: Security Politics are Reshaping the High North
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
12.30 – 13.00 High North Young Entrepreneur
High North Young Entrepreneurs is an international pitch competition of Arctic-related business ideas of young entrepreneurs and start-ups. The three finalists will give a presentation and the conference participants will vote for the best project. The winner will be announced at the Conference dinner.
Moderator: Mr. Bård Borch Michalsen, Associate Professor, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Finalists:
- Pack Away AB
- Marine Spark X AS
- cruise2feed
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch
Grab-and-go lunch is served in the restaurant and mingling area.
While you’re at it, stop by the Business Index North Lounge, open during all breaks.
Drop in for quick insights on Arctic business trends, connect with researchers and business leaders, and explore BIN’s latest data tools.
The BIN Lounge will provide a space for discussions, knowledge exchange and networking.
14.00 – 15.00 New Realities: The High North in New Space
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
15.00 – 15.30 Break
15.30 – 16.30 Media Panel: Arctic Journalism In a New Reality
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
16.30 – 17.00 Break
17.00 – 18.00 Side Events
19.00 – 19.30 Mingling
19:30 – 22.00 Conference Dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel
Thursday March 27
08.30 Registration open
09.00 – 10.00 Ambassador Panel – A new High North
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
10.00 – 10-30 Break
10.30 – 11.00 High North Scenarios
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.
Moderator:
- Dr. Elena Dybtsyna, Associate Professor, High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
- Ms. Marianne Bahr Simonsen, Director, Kraft Center
11.00 – 11.30 High North Hero
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.
Moderator: Ms. Patti Bruns, Secretary-General, Arctic Mayors’ Forum
11.30 – 12.00 Break
12.00 – 13.00 I had a Green Dream
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
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch
Grab-and-go lunch is served in the restaurant and mingling area.
While you’re at it, stop by the Business Index North Lounge, open during all breaks.
Drop in for quick insights on Arctic business trends, connect with researchers and business leaders, and explore BIN’s latest data tools.
The BIN Lounge will provide a space for discussions, knowledge exchange and networking.
14.00 – 14.30 I have a Blue Dream
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
14.30 – 15.30 New Realities: Dreams for the High North
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