High North Dialogue is an annual conference that brings together major stakeholders concerned with Arctic development. The 2025 conference is set to take place on March 26-27, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bodø, Norway, and online – with a pubinar happening on the evening of the 25th.
– This year’s conference is titled “Business in the Arctic: New Realities” and explores the changes in the landscape of economic, political, and environmental opportunities and challenges in the High North, says Benedikte Kosmo Underland, leader of the High North Dialogue.
Key topics include the intersection of security politics and Nordic cooperation, the growing potential of the New Space Industry, the urgent need for a Green Transition towards sustainable practices, and the emerging Blue Opportunities in maritime and ocean-based industries.
– Together, these themes highlight the Arctic’s changing role in global business and the need for innovative solutions to navigate its unique complexities, Underland explains.
Special hotel rates available at Radisson Blu Hotel Bodø for bookings made by January 24th. After this date, accommodation will be subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also – check out our social events.
Preliminary program:
Tuesday March 25
18.00 – 19.00 Arctic Geopolitics Pubinar at the local brewery Bådin
A pub conversation with some of the leading political 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, increased interest, how to achieve joint climate efforts, and so on. It will be a fluid conversation.
Moderator: Dr. Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute / High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
Panelists: Dr. Andreas Raspotnik, Director High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School, Ms. Trine Jonassen, Editor in Chief, High North News
Wednesday March 26
08.00 – 09.00 Side Events
09.30 – 10.30 Side Events
11.00 – 11.15 Welcome to the High North Dialogue 2025
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
Panelists: Mr. Mads Qvist Fredriksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council
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: Bård Borch Michalsen, Associate Professors, High North Center, Nord University Business School
Speaker: Marius Fagerli, Advisor at Innovation Norway Nordland
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch
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
Keynote: Dr. Michael Byers, Professor of Global Politics and International Law, University of British Colombia
Panelists: Dr. Michael Byers, Professor of Global Politics and International Law, University of British Colombia, Ms. Therese Kristiansen, Director People & Organization, KSAT – Kongsberg Satellite Services, Mr. Ole Dokka, Founder & Executive Director, Spaceport Norway, Ms. Ingun Berget, President, Andøya Spaceport
15.30 – 16.30 Navigating Arctic Journalism in a New Reality
How does the Arctic press navigate the complexities of Russia’s war, hybrid threats, misinformation, and a protectionist USA?
In this rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, Arctic media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy. As tensions rise, journalists and media outlets face unprecedented challenges in balancing accurate reporting with the need to protect national security and public trust.
Join us as we delve into how the Arctic press responds to these global crises, how it counters disinformation, and how it addresses the increasingly protectionist stance of the United States. Gain insight into the evolving role of media in the Arctic – where local stories intersect with global power dynamics and where the consequences of misinformation and hybrid threats are felt most acutely.
Moderator: Ms. Trine Jonassen, Editor in Chief, High North News
Panelists: Ms. Line Ylvisåker, Editor-in-chief, Svalbardposten
17.00 – 18.00 Side Events
19.00 – 19:30 Mingling
19:30 – 22.00 Conference Dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel
Thursday March 27
09.00 – 10.00 Ambassador Panel – A new High North
It has become a tradition that Ambassadors to Norway are invited to High North Dialogue for a joint conversation about the current situation in the High North.
Moderator: Andreas Raspotnik, Director High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
Panelists: Chargé d’Affaires Eric Meyer, U.S. Embassy in Norway, Ambassador Teemu Tanner, Embassy of Finland in Norway
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: Elena Dybtsyna, Associate Professor, High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
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.
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: Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Arctic Economic Council
Panelists: Dr. Gry Agnete Alsos, Dean, Nord University Business School, Mr. Mox Murugan, Business Development Director, Hydrogen, Nordion Energi, Mr. Are Tomasgard, Secretary, Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions
14.00 – 14.30 I have a Blue Dream
Norway is an ocean nation, and this is especially prominent in the north. Great value creation comes from oil, gas, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping and tourism. Are we now at the onset of a new era where offshore wind, seabed mining and large-scale conservation measures emerges? Can we realize these new blue dreams in a sustainable way?
Moderator: Dr. Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector Research and Development, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Keynote: Mr. Alexander Ugland, Project Manager – Bioeconomy, Bellona
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: Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector research and development, UiT
16.00 – 17.00 Side Events
17.30 – 18.30 Side Events
Confirmed speakers and moderators
- Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway
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Chargé d’Affaires Eric Meyer, U.S. Embassy in Norway
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Ambassador Teemu Tanner, Embassy of Finland in Norway
- Ms. Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
- Dr. Michael Byers, Professor of Global Politics and International Law, University of British Colombia
- Mr. Mads Qvist Fredriksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council
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Dr. Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute/ High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University Business School
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Ms. Therese Kristiansen, Director People & Organization, KSAT – Kongsberg Satellite Services
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Mr. Ole Dokka, Founder & Executive Director, Spaceport Norway
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Ms. Ingun Berget, President, Andøya Spaceport
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Ms. Trine Jonassen, Editor in Chief, High North News
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Ms. Line Ylvisåker, Editor-in-chief, Svalbardposten
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Mr. Mox Murugan, Business Development Director, Hydrogen, Nordion Energi
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Mr. Are Tomasgard, Secretary, Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions
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Dr. Gry Agnete Alsos, Dean, Nord University Business School
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Dr. Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector Research and Development, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
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Mr. Alexander Ugland, Project Manager – Bioeconomy, Bellona