Side Events are an integral part of the High North Dialogue conference. These are events that will be organized outside of the main conference program.
This was the program for 2025:
Wednesday March 26
08.00-09.00:
Driving forces of sustainable change in the arctic: Procurement
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 3)
Organized by: Bodø Municipality
Contact person: Christian Miguel Jurado Meza (christian.miguel.jurado.meza@bodo.kommune.no)
Language: English
On January 1, 2024, Norway implemented a groundbreaking regulation that mandates a minimum of 30% weighting to climate and environmental considerations in public procurement. This move can revolutionize the way we approach sustainability in the Arctic and beyond.
Join us for an inspiring discussion where we will explore the practical implications of sustainable procurement for public organizations, the private sector, and society.
We will delve into the challenges and opportunities of sourcing sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services in the Arctic region. Are they cheaper? Are they effective? Are they available?
We’re thrilled to welcome the following speakers:
- Christian Tangene – Senior Advisor for Green Public Procurement at the Norwegian Agency for Public and Financial Management(DFØ)
- Christian Miguel Jurado Meza – Project Coordinator for Environmentally Friendly Procurement at Bodø Municipality
- Harald Willumsen Østbø – Managing Director at Bodø’s Regional Development Company (BRUS)
- John-Christian Lervik – Group Procurement Manager at Nordlaks (Salmon farming)
- Sigurd Glomstad – Innovation advisor for Northern Norway at The Supplier Development Program (LUP)
- Steffen Melbu Andersen – Department Manager in Bodø at Nordasfalt (Asphalt company)
Together, we’ll uncover how green procurement can promote the creation of better, more sustainable products and services for generations to come.
Navigating Uncertainty: How Security Policy Impacts the Blue Economy in the High North (by invitation)
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 4)
Organized by: The Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic, www.havarktis.no
Contact person: Sigri Stokke Nilsen (Sigri.a.nilsen@uit.no)
Language: English
This side event seeks to explore the impacts of security developments in the High North and in the Arctic on ocean-based businesses. This discussion will bring together key stakeholders from business, government, and academia to examine how evolving geopolitical tensions are reshaping the operational environment for industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, energy, tourism and shipping.
The National Threat Assessment 2025 (to be published in February 2025) will be used as a starting point for the discussion. It will provide a critical and up-to-date backdrop for understanding the implications of security challenges on ocean-based industries.
Held under Chatham House Rules, the session will seek to:
- Map the current and anticipated challenges faced by ocean-based businesses.
- Explore whether businesses and stakeholders share a unified perception of these challenges.
- Identify potential strategies to enhance industry resilience and competitiveness.
- This roundtable will lay the foundation for possible follow-up roundtables at other meeting places in 2025, as well as a policy brief.
Format:
This session will follow a roundtable discussion format with participation limited to invited stakeholders to ensure an open and focused dialogue. After introductory remarks from the moderator, participants will engage in a structured conversation guided by key questions and insights from the National Threat Assessment 2025. The participants will be invited to share unique insights from their sectors or institutions.
The session will result in a summary of key insights to be shared with participants after the event.
09.30-10.30:
Unlocking Arctic Potential: Investing in People
Radisson Blue (Main Conference Hall)
Organized by: Arctic Frontiers
Contact person: Frida Bak (frida@arcticfrontiers.com)
Language: English
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director at Arctic Frontiers
Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is essential for driving the green transition in the Arctic. To make the High North a more appealing place to live and work, open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and targeted policy actions are needed. The Nordic countries share a strong commitment to building sustainable Arctic communities, but they also face common challenges in workforce recruitment and retention.
This panel discussion will examine how policy frameworks and strategic incentives can help foster economic resilience and attract skilled professionals to the Northern Nordic regions. Panelists will explore the role of businesses, investors, and policymakers in shaping a competitive and sustainable job market. The conversation will also consider how targeted initiatives can support local communities and contribute to long-term regional development.
Panelists:
- Glenn Berggård, Vice Chair of the Regional Executive Board, Region Norrbotten
- Knut Harald Nygård, Sr. Project Manager, Equinor
- Dr. Alina Kovalenko, Researcher of High North Center, Nord University (Norway) and Maynooth University (Ireland)
- Fredrik Korpe, Head of Department (Invest in Nordland), Innovation Norway Nordland
Business in the North: Barriers on the Road to Growth
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 3)
Organized by: Nordland County Council/The North Norway European Office (NNEO)/Tromsø County Council
Contact person: Zdenek Dvorak, Nordland County Council (zdedvo@nfk.no)
Language: English
The Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) of Finland, Norway and Sweden are becoming increasingly important for Europe’s geopolitical and economic interests. With their unique geography – characterized by low population density and challenging climate conditions – these regions are facing complex challenges, including an aging population, long distances from major markets, limited connectivity, and high transport costs.
The OECD report “Building Resilience to Global Transitions in the EU Northern Sparsely Populated Areas” presents strategic policy recommendations to enhance prosperity and well-being in the NSPA at international, national, and regional levels. It highlights the need for stronger cross-border cooperation, multi-level governance, and increased innovation and capacity building. Key priorities include improving east-west transport corridors, reducing barriers to economic growth, such as limited access to finance, labor and connectivity.
This event will bring together regional business representatives and stakeholders to explore the OECD’s findings and discuss mechanisms needed to leverage economic opportunities in the NSPA.
China in the Arctic: Current Insights from the ArcGov Project
Radisson Blue (Meeting room 4)
Organized by: High North Center, Nord University (ArcGov project) and The Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI)
Contact person: Ahad Hadian (ahad.hadian@nord.no)
Language: English
This session presents final thoughts from the research project “China in the Arctic: External Influence on Arctic Governance Mechanisms” (ArcGov), initiated in 2021 and funded by the Norwegian Research Council.
Project Overview
This project aims to discuss how actors external to the Arctic, particularly China, influence and contribute to Arctic governance on three levels:
- Global: Researching China’s engagement with international governance frameworks such as the Law of the Sea and the International Maritime Organization.
- Regional: Analyzing China’s interactions with Arctic regional governance bodies such as the Arctic Council and the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement.
- Local: Studying the effects of China’s investment overtures on local Arctic communities and national economic governance, particularly in Norway.
Current Situation in 2025
As of 2025, the ArcGov project has engaged in significant interdisciplinary discussions on China’s role in the Arctic. Here are some key findings:
- Economic Dynamics: China’s investments in Arctic projects can cause both mutual benefits and also suspicion and controversy. Chinese investments appear prone to narratives.
- Political Dynamics: China’s strategic partnerships have strengthened its presence in the Arctic. These collaborations include joint research initiatives and commercial ventures
Session Goals
In this session, we will share lessons from the ArcGov project, integrating perspectives from economic and political science when asking questions on the current state of Chinese engagement in the Arctic. Our goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of China’s role in Arctic governance and its broader implications for external influence in the region.
17.00-18.00:
Arctic Six in a New Geopolitical Reality: Security, Transport and Social Development in the North
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 3)
Organized by: Arctic Six
Contact person: Tina Bringslimark (tina.bringslimark@nord.no)
Moderator: Bjørn Olsen, professor Nord University Business School, Nord University
Language: Norwegian
The Arctic Six is an alliance of universities in the High North, bringing together UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Nord University, Luleå University of Technology, Umeå University, the University of Lapland, and the University of Oulu. This partnership is dedicated to fostering regional development, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across key sectors. By leveraging the combined and complementary strengths of these institutions in education, research, and innovation, the alliance serves as a strong knowledge hub, amplifying its presence in the global Arctic arena.
The Arctic is undergoing rapid transformation due to shifting geopolitical dynamics, climate change, and technological advancements. This side event at High North Dialogue 2025 will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry representatives to discuss how these changes impact security, transport infrastructure, and social development in the region.
Panellists:
- Jan-Gunnar Winther (Pro-rector Research and Development, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway)
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Svein Øien Eggesvik (Chair of the County Government)
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Odd Jarl Borch (Professor, Nord University)
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Lars Fredrik Martinussen (NHO Nordland)
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Jan Rase Dietz (Center for High North Logistics, Nord University)
- Iselin Németh Winther (Student High North Dialogue Academy and Researcher/Project manager at Fritdjof Nansen Institute)
Arctic Ambitions: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping the Nordic Region
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 4)
Organized by: Team Nordic Arctic (ProTromsø, Business Oulu and Umeå kommun)
Contact person: Julie-Helene D. Sørensen, (julie@protromso.com)
Language: English
Team Nordic Arctic is a cross-border project between Northen Norway, Northern Sweden and Northern Finland led by ProTromsø, Umeå kommun and Business Oulu, with the main aim to strenghten the business collaboration between the three countries. During the first project year, Team Nordic Arctic have created various meeting places and arenas for B2B matchmaking and networking events in the North Nordics. Today we will get the opportunity to meet and hear from several of the entrepreneurs who will share their experiences with east-west collaborations in the north. We will ask the questions of what does it take to succeed with as a young entrepreneur in the Arctic, what are the benefits of creating your own company in the north, and what can we as support mechanisms contribute to their national and international success?
Program:
- 16.45: Door opens.
- 17.00: Welcome by Team Nordic Arctic.
Invited Speakers:
- Project managers Julie-Helene D. Sørensen, ProTromsø and Maja Terning, BusinessOulu
- Ida Rørvik, general manager Tromsø Sentrum Association
- Eeva Lähetkangas, business owner Munpiiri
- Thomas Berntzen, manager and owner Locat3d
- Alexander Espeseth, manager Lugn Games
Sustainable Tourism for Regional Development in the High North: How Can We Tackle Seasonality?
Stormen Library (Literature Hall, 1 floor), Storgata 1a
Organized by: InnNord (High North Center, Nord University)
Contact person: Yati Yati (yati.yati@nord.no)
Language: English
Moderator: Yati Yati, PhD (High North Center at Nord University Business School)
The tourism industry generates 1 in 10 jobs globally, making it a significant driver of regional development, including in the High North. However, despite its unique and attractive natural environment, the region is facing the challenge of population decline. The phenomenon of seasonality is a key issue for tourism in the High North, leading to overcrowding, pressure on local infrastructure and the natural environment, and negative impacts on residents’ quality of life. For example, in Tromsø, winter is the peak season, while in Lofoten, summer attracts the most visitors. This imbalance creates difficulties in retaining a stable workforce, particularly in small, micro-sized businesses, driving up accommodation costs during peak times. Furthermore, it may undermine the High North’s appeal as a destination for young people to live, work, and study.
Moderator: Yati Yati, PhD (High North Center at Nord University Business School)
The panel will explore:
- What are the key challenges, and is seasonality truly a problem?
- What innovative solutions can address these issues?
- How can the tourism industry in the High North create attractive jobs for young people?
Panelists:
- Lone Helle (Managing Director – Visit Tromsø)
- Sara Lupini (PhD Candidate – UiT – The Arctic University of Norway)
- Ann-Kristin Rønning Nilsen (Managing Director – Visit Bodø)
- Knut-Eirik Dybdal (CEO – Arctic Race of Norway)
- Kairi Pääsuke (Chair of the working group on tourism – Barents Euro-Arctic Council)
Thursday March 27
16.00-17.00:
Doing Business: The Arctic (Dis)Advantages
Radisson Blue (Meeting Room 3)
Organized by: Division of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Nord University Business School
Contact person: Filip Lestan (Filip.Lestan@nord.no)
Language: English
The discussion will convene consulting partners and business leaders to explore themes such as economic opportunities, operational challenges, infrastructure development, and strategies for sustainable growth in the High North.
The side event aims to deliver meaningful dialogue on the unique opportunities and challenges of the High North region, actionable insights and foster strategic dialogue.
Moderator: Filip Lestan (PhD Research Fellow, Nord University).
Invited Panellists:
- Ms. Kirsti Helene Rodfjell Meidelsen (Partner KPMG).
- Mr. Aleksander Mevatne (Partner BDO).
- Mr. Kjell Giaever (Partner Arctic Energy Partners).
- Mr. Jonas Dahlberg (Consultant Ernst Young).
- Ms. Ylva Jenshus (MSc student in Entrepreneurship and Business Development).
Who is the Arctic Future for? A foresight Roundtable to Explore Agency, Strategy, and Stakeholders in Building the Future of Arctic communities
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 4)
Organized by: The New Global Order (TNGO)
Contact person: Claire Bracco (cbracco@thenewglobalorder.com)
Moderator: William Nygaard / Claire Bracco, Arctic Affairs Department – Europe and High North Bureau, TNGO
Language: English
The Arctic is currently in vogue. Whether one asks a boardroom executive, a legislator or a scientist the answer is always the same: the Arctic is a place ripe for the future. But whose future exactly?
As the region’s conditions change at a rapid pace, its sparse and vulnerable demographic makeup is increasingly impacted by outmigration and simultaneously faces unprecedented exposures to a diverse array of interests. Inhabiting a place with centuries-old concerns of resource scarcity, its communities are now witnessing a narrative of resource wealth reach their doorsteps. However, when local leaders in the Arctic are asked about the impacts of changing weather, rising sea levels, or new economic opportunities, their concerns extend beyond risks to property and infrastructure. For many Arctic communities, maintaining their identity while navigating a rapidly evolving landscape is an ongoing challenge.
Migration, when effectively managed, has the potential to address these challenges and become a driver of innovation, cultural exchange, and economic revitalization. With rising demand for human capital, and with more and more setting their sights on the Arctic’s projected economic incentives, the event seeks to explore – through the lens of foresight – modalities through which we ensure that the local knowledge base of millennia-old sustainable practices are not only retained – but leveraged.
The side event brings in a panel of experts and voices from youth councils, government, NGOs, and private sector in an engaging conversation with the public to explore the questions of what strategies can integrate migrants into small Arctic communities, what policies and partnerships are needed to maximize the benefits of migration while ensuring sustainability, and how can we mitigate the risks associated with migration, such as cultural erosion, waning intergenerational knowledge retention and community displacement.
Speakers:
16.00-19.00:
Entrepreneurship and Sustainability in the High North: The 15-Minute City (by registration only)
Stormen Library (Literature Hall, 1 floor), Storgata 1a
Organized by: High North Center, Nord University (YoungArctic project)
Contact person: Yati Yati (yati.yati@nord.no)
Language: English
Cost: Free
Who can participate:
Open to all, but especially young individuals (ages 18-40) passionate about shaping a sustainable future for the Arctic. This includes young entrepreneurs, professionals, students, researchers, architects, scientists, and anyone eager to make a positive impact.
Format and registration details:
- The workshop is a team-based event, and all registered participants will be assigned to one of the teams by the organizers.
- Registration to the workshop is required. Register here: https://nettskjema.no/a/495797
- The workshop is limited to 40 participants
- Register by: March 21, 2025
Description:
The workshop is open to all, but especially young individuals (ages 18-40) passionate about shaping a sustainable future for the Arctic. This includes young entrepreneurs, professionals, students, researchers, architects, scientists, and anyone eager to make a positive impact.
Join us for an exciting and thought-provoking workshop presented by the YoungArctic project in collaboration with the EduSmart project, where we will explore the question: How can we create vibrant sustainable urban spaces for young Arctic entrepreneurs?
The goal of this workshop is to inspire and empower young people to drive sustainable change in the Arctic by addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. Through collaborative discussions, participants will have the chance to share innovative ideas and explore practical solutions that can help shape the Arctic region’s future.
The workshop will be expertly led by Cem S. Kayatekin, Assistant Professor at IE University in Segovia, Spain. Additionally, Evgenii Aleksandrov, Associate professor at Nord University Business School will deliver a short pitch on the role of technology in Arctic city sustainability.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with experts and like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights. Participants will be divided into groups to develop solutions that address the question above. Beyond just a learning experience, this workshop also offers a platform for networking, connecting with fellow participants, and sharing your vision for the Arctic’s future.
At the end of the session, we will offer a dinner to continue conversations in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Juries:
- Rune Eiterjord (Advisor for Transport and Mobility – Bodø Municipality)
- Tor Gausemel Kristensen (Head of Development and Sustainability – Iris Salten)
- Iselin Kristine Mauseth Steira (Associate Professor, Co-director of Engage, Centre for Engaged Education through Entrepreneurship – Nord University)
17.30-18.30:
Circular Economy for a Sustainable Arctic: Sharing Experiences and Contrasting Opinions
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 3)
Organized by: Nord University
Contact person: Amsale Kassahun Temesgen (amsale.k.temesgen@nord.no)
Language: English
The High North area is experiencing climate change that is three times the global annual average. Melting permafrost and glaciers are influencing conditions in lakes, rivers and the oceans. The High North is further highly dependent on natural resources and these changes thus do not only influence the viability and cultures of communities but also the industries and economic future of the region. Circular Economy (CE) is increasingly seen as a tool for sustainable development and transformation of the economy that needs a broad coalition of actors at all levels, individuals, industries and policy makers. Discussions across areas and industries and sharing of knowledge and experience is a key factor in this development. This is especially important in the High North with low population density, lack of bigger cities to provide agglomeration effects and with both education and innovation under national levels. The purpose of the event is thus to bring together actors across the High North, including representatives of core industries, e.g. within fishing, and waste management, policy makers and researchers to discuss opportunities and challenges in the implementation of CE in local context and how to move forward towards a sustainable future. The aim is to contribute to the ongoing discussion of how to minimize waste through fully utilising resources throughout supply chains and developing the opportunities for renewable energy development.
Moderator: (TBC)
Expert panel (invited speakers):
- Cathrine Barth, Head of Circular Economy in the strategy agency Natural State and part time Assistant Professor at School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Tor Gausemel Kristensen, Head of Development & Sustainability, Iris Salten IKS (and project manager for several circular innovation projects, including also upcoming Interreg project BEHAV-E)
- Børge Bøyum, Managing Director of Frem Bodø
- Christian Miguel Jurado Meza, project coordinator for climate friendly procurements, Bodø Municipality
- Rannveig Edda Hjaltadóttir, Associate Professor, Nord University. Research focus Circular Economy and innovation
The session is in collaboration with the projects Arctic Circles, INDIGO and IPR4SC.
Space as a Catalyst for Arctic Cooperation
Radisson Blu (Meeting room 4)
Organized by: Norwegian Space Cluster
Contact person: Charlotte Alme (cla@kpb.no)
Moderator: Simon Flack – Innovation Norway / Invest in Nordland
Language: English
As the Arctic gains strategic importance, space-based technology is becoming a crucial tool for security, sustainability, and economic development. Satellites provide vital capabilities, from climate monitoring and broadband connectivity to navigation and defense. However, no single nation can fully address the region’s challenges alone—international collaboration is essential to ensure stability and progress.
By working together on satellite communications, Earth observation, and space-based security initiatives, nations can overcome regulatory hurdles, technological demands, and geopolitical uncertainties. Stronger partnerships will not only enhance Arctic resilience but also unlock new opportunities for research, innovation, and sustainable resource management.
A panel discussion will bring together representatives to explore how space technology can drive Arctic cooperation. By fostering collaboration between nations, space can serve as a unifying platform to reinforce the Arctic as a region of shared prosperity, security, and innovation.
Moderator: Charlotte Lahnborg Alme, Norwegian Space Cluster.
Expert panel:
- Odd-Harald Hagen – Business Developer/Project Manager, Space Norway, Major-General (ret.) former Defense attache and Defense cooperation attache to USA and Canada
- Eirik Ludvigsen – Owner of Space Guide, former SENIOR SPACE OFFISER in Norwegian Joint Headquarters
- Simon Flack – Space Industry Coordinator Innovation Norway
- Anders Tørud – Norwegian Space Cluster
The panel discussion will be recorded and released as a podcast after the event.