With a packed program of panels, workshops, and engaging debates, FNI is working to find solutions to critical challenges facing the Arctic. This year’s Arctic Frontiers conference, themed "Beyond Borders," brings together participants to discuss geopolitics, environmental governance, and sustainable development.

Find the FNI events and contributions on YouTube.

 

Monday: Arctic Environmental Governance

FNI kicks off the day with the panel Strengthening Biodiversity Governance Beyond Borders at 09:00. In collaboration with WWF and NUPI, the panel will discuss approaches to protecting Arctic biodiversity. Senior researcher Christian Prip from FNI will join Vicki Lee Wallgren (WWF), Evan Bloom (UiT), and others for the session.

On Monday at 13:30, FNI, led by Serafima Andreeva, together with the Polar Geopolitics Podcast and Arctic Frontiers, hosts the workshop From Survival to Strategy: Arctic Council Chairships in a New Era. This session analyzes the Arctic Council’s resilience and future trajectory. The discussions, recorded as a podcast, are moderated by Eric Paglia (KTH) and feature contributions from Greenlandic representative to the Danish Parliament Aaja Chemnitz, Jennifer Spence (Harvard), Rolf Rødven (AMAP), and Christian Prip (FNI).

Later in the evening, the focus shifts to Mack Ølhallen for the Arctic Geopolitics Pubinar – a lively and informal discussion on the Arctic’s political landscape. FNI’s Andreas Østhagen will lead the discussion, joined by prominent voices such as Norway’s State Secretary Maria Varteressian, Pat Duncan (Senator, Yukon, Canada), and Arne O. Holm from High North News.

 

Tuesday: Nordic Cooperation, Asia and Space

At 10:30 on Tuesday, FNI will host the event Stronger Together: Nordic Collaboration in the Arctic. This panel explores the potential for enhanced Nordic cooperation in a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics. Pål Wilter Skedsmo from FNI will moderate the discussion, joined by Karen Ellemann (Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers), Maria Varteressian (Deputy Minister at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Hans Christian Hveem Kjølseth (Deputy Minister the Norwegian Ministry of Defence).

FNI also contributes to side events organized by other institutions at Arctic Frontiers. On Tuesday morning, FNI's Erdem Lamazhapov joins the workshop Korea’s Collaborative Journey in the Arctic: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Directions, organized by the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) and the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), to discuss Korea’s role as an observer state and its contributions to Arctic cooperation. Later that afternoon, FNI's Andreas Østhagen participates in the session Space for a Better and Safer Life in the Arctic, organized by the Norwegian Space Agency, featuring Norway’s Trade Minister Cecilie Myrseth and Hans Chr. Kjølseth (Deputy Minister, Defence). This session explores how space-based services, such as satellite technology, can support innovation, communication, and resource management in the Arctic
 

Wednesday: Energy and Security in the Arctic

FNI is contributing to two events on Wednesday, January 29. Energy researchers have been less visible at the conference in recent years, but this year, FNI is stepping in to fill the void. The afternoon session, Powering the Arctic: Energy Solutions for Wind, Security and Growth, examines how energy production can balance security and sustainability. Tor Håkon Inderberg from FNI will participate alongside Equinor’s sustainability director, UiT researcher Claudia Chang, and Troms County’s deputy mayor.

In the evening, the seminar Arctic Security Seminar will address security challenges in the Arctic. Andreas Østhagen from FNI will lead the seminar, with contributions from figures such as Brigadier Steinar Dahl (Norwegian Armed Forces), and Jennifer Spence (Harvard).

 

Thursday: Critical Minerals and Hydrogen Innovation

The final day of Arctic Frontiers features two side events hosted by FNI. At 11:00, the focus will be on China’s influence on Arctic mineral extraction and its consequences for the Nordic region in the session China’s Role in Supply Chains of Critical Minerals. The discussion will be moderated by Iselin Stensdal from FNI, with Erdem Lamazhapov and Gørild Heggelund contributing.

At 13:30, the session Arctic Hydrogen: Balancing Innovation and Regulation will explore opportunities and challenges related to hydrogen projects in the Arctic. Per Ove Eikeland from FNI will join Nordic and European energy leaders for this event, organized in collaboration with Nordic Energy Research.

Early Career Researchers and Other Contributions

FNI’s Serafima Andreeva leads efforts to promote early-career researchers’ participation through the Arctic Council Youth Conference on Sunday, January 26. Her session provides researchers at the start of their careers with insights on navigating Arctic research and geopolitics.

On Monday, January 27, she is also organizing the Arctic Council Open Sessions, a series of discussions that will be published as episodes of the "Polar Geopolitics" podcast. In addition, she will give a lecture at the Arctic Frontiers Student Forum on Monday at 15:15: Arctic Council and changing chairship: The Kingdom of Denmark and the question of Greenland. 

Throughout the conference week, FNI Senior Researcher Andreas Raspotnik will also serve as a host on the main stage. Through collaboration with politicians, researchers, and the business community, FNI contributes to vital discussions and solutions for a sustainable Arctic future.

Find the FNI events and contributions on YouTube.

 

All FNI side events: 
 


Event #1: Beyond the Ordinary: Innovating Governance Structures for Better Biodiversity Protection

Monday 27 January, 09:00 - 10:30, 
The Edge: Room Margarinfabrikken 2
Fiind the YouTube stream here.

In the Arctic, biodiversity loss and the climate crisis are more interlinked than in any other place on Earth, and there’s both a need and potential for better biodiversity governance in the region. Several governance frameworks exist that, if implemented properly, could contribute to strengthening the resilience of Arctic biodiversity. This event will first focus on two key examples: the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Agreement to prevent unregulated high seas fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean. We then turn to a wide-ranging panel debate about existing needs and scope for taking action in Arctic biodiversity governance. Through expert introductions and a panel discussion, we will address the following questions: 

  • What is at stake for Arctic nature and in what areas do we have the most pressing needs for innovation, enhanced implementation or quicker action in ecosystem governance?
  • What potential exists for new thinking in using existing governance instruments and structures to better protect Arctic biodiversity?
  • What is the role of states, Indigenous peoples, the Arctic Council, and global multilateral bodies in Arctic biodiversity governance?

Speakers: 

  • Vicky Lee Wallgren, Director, WWF Global Arctic Programme
  • Willfred Nordlund, Member of the Norwegian Parliament, Centre Party
  • Evan Bloom, Senior Adviser, Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic
  • Christian Prip, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute
  • Miguel Roncero, International Relations Officer, European Commission
  • Moderator: Elana Wilson Rowe, Research Professor, NUPI

Organised by: World Wide Fund for Nature, Fridtjof Nansen Institute and Norwegian Institute of International Affairs

Contact: knirva@wwf.no


 

#2: From Survival to Strategy: Arctic Council Chairships in a New Era

Monday 27 January, 13:30 - 17:00, Workshop
The Edge: Importkompaniet

In the wake of unprecedented global shifts, including the war in Ukraine and a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the Arctic Council finds itself at a crossroads. This event, hosted by the Fridjof Nansen Institute in collaboration with the Polar Geopolitics Podcast and Arctic Frontiers, will explore the Arctic Council's resilience, future trajectory, and opportunities for adaptation in a complex international environment.

  • Through a moderated, live-to-tape podcast recording series, we will delve into three critical discussions:
  • Two Years of Turmoil: Why Did the Arctic Council Survive?
  • Handing Over the Reins: Denmark’s Chairship of the Arctic Council
  • Looking Ahead: The Future of the Arctic Council

The Polar Geopolitics Podcast explores Arctic and Antarctic issues through a geopolitical lens, featuring expert interviews on topics such as security, climate change, sustainable development, governance, energy, shipping, and Indigenous perspectives. Covering regions like Greenland, Antarctica, and the Arctic Ocean, it also examines the polar interests of nations including Russia, Canada, China, and Australia. 

With: 

  • Aaja Chemnitz, Greenlandic representative to the Danish Parliament 
  • Eric Paglia, Researcher, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  • Jennifer Spence, Director, Arctic Initiative, Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Rolf Rødven, Executive Secretary, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP)

Organised by: The Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Polar Geopolitics Podcast and Arctic Frontiers.


 

Arctic sub. UK gov pic.Event #3: Arctic Geopolitics Pubinar

Arctic Frontiers Open
Monday 27 January, 19:30 - 20:30
Mack Ølkjelleren (Direksjonen)

Seldom has there been more attention given to Arctic issues. Conflict, war, climate change and erratic politics impact the geopolitics of the Arctic. Still, there are few disputes of significance in the Arctic, and Arctic states still cooperate on managing regional issues.

This Pubinar will discuss these serious topics in an informal manner. The topic will be the general political situation in the Arctic. The participants in the panel discussion are:

  • Maria Varteressian, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norway
  • Pat Duncan, Senator, Yukon, Canada
  • Sara Olsvig, Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council
  • TVN Prasanna, Rear Admiral, Joint Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat, India
  • Arne O. Holm, Editor-in-Chief, High North News
  • Moderator: Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute and Nord University.

The conversation will last about 40 minutes where Østhagen will ask the participants to share their thoughts on the current status in the Arctic, Nordic cooperation, the way forward under Trump, increased interest, how to achieve joint climate efforts, and so on. It will be a fluid conversation.

Organised by: The Fridtjof Nansen Institute.

 

Event #4: Stronger Together: Nordic Collaboration in the Arctic

Tuesday 28 January, 10:30 - 12:00
The Edge: Margarinfabrikken 1
Find the YouTube stream here

In this side-event we will discuss how a demanding geopolitical situation affects Nordic regions in the North. The Arctic has gone from being described as a stable region characterized by friendly cooperation, to being seen as a geopolitical hotspot. Cross border contact like the Barents cooperation is replaced by a situation where Finland and Sweden are NATO-members and where dialogue with neighboring Russia is at an absolute minimum.

Total defense and increased military presence are high on the agenda in municipalities in the Nordic Arctic. Small communities are discussing and experiencing how national security affects them. Furthermore, business growth, attracting and retaining youth and knowledge are vital elements for resilient societies.

This calls for increased Nordic collaboration, beyond borders: In what areas and how can we cooperate closer? How does increased military presence, a higher emphasis on security, emergency preparedness and hybrid threats affect our communities? Demographic trends are worrying, and what measures can we take to make sure the Northern parts of Sweden, Finland and Norway are able to be socially sustainable?

  • Moderated by Pål Wilter Skedsmo, FNI
  • Welcome by Mayor of Tromsø, Gunnar Wilhelmsen
  • The importance of knowledge in a new north, Rector Dag Rune Olsen, UiT Arctic University of Norway
  • The geopolitical backdrop, State secretary Maria Varteressian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway
  • Nordic trust in challenging times, Karen Elleman Nordic Council of Ministers

Armchair conversation, Municipalities’ role in safety and security?

  • Moderated by: Patti Bruns, Secretary General, Arctic Mayor’s Forum
  • Marie-Louise Rönmark, Mayor of Umeå Niklas Eklund, Umeå University
  • Magnus Mæland, Mayor of Sør-Varanger

Armchair conversation II Business development as a tool for national security (30 min)

  • Moderated by Gøril Johansen, ProTromsø
  • Power for investments, Petter Bjørkli, Energi i Nord
  • Idar Kreutser, Confederation of Norwegian enterprises
  • Janne Hietaniemi, Business Oulu
  • Carina Zolland, Luleå energi

Organised by: Pro Tromsø and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute

Contact: julie@protromso.com / pskedsmo@fni.no


 

Norwegian wind power plant. Photo: Jarle AaslandEvent #5: Powering the Arctic: Energy Solutions for Wind, Security and Growth

Wednesday 29 January, 13:30 - 15:00
The Edge: Importkompaniet
 Find the YouTube stream here

  • Tor Håkon Inderberg, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute 
  • Claudia Cheng, PhD Candidate, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
  • Hilde Røed, Senior Vice President Climate & Sustainability, Equinor
  • Benjamin Furuly, Deputy County Mayor, Troms, Conservative Party Høyre
  • Petter Bjørkli, Cluster leader, Energi i Nord
  • Moderator: Ruth Astrid Sæter, Journalist


How can energy production contribute to security and sustainable development in the Arctic? This side event brings together experts, policymakers, and local actors to explore the interplay between wind power, energy security, and community development in the North.

We will delve into the potential of wind power in Finnmark, addressing both opportunities and regulatory challenges associated with large-scale energy projects.

The discussion will examine approaches to wind energy in Northern Norway and how strategic initiatives can influence regional growth.
Additionally, we will tackle regulatory and infrastructural challenges that must be addressed to ensure an effective energy transition.

What role does wind power play in the Arctic energy system, and how do national and regional energy policies shape its development?

From the impact of energy production on geopolitical stability to the consequences for local communities, we will explore key questions:

  • How can we balance energy growth with security and social sustainability?
  • What does a sustainable energy future look like for Arctic regions, and how can we ensure that industrial initiatives align with local needs?
  • We will discuss the strategic choices shaping the Arctic’s energy landscape and laying the groundwork for future security and development.

Organised by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute and UiT - The Arctic University of Norway

Contact: avalberg@fni.no


 

Event #6: Arctic Security Seminar

Wednesday 29 January, 17:30 - 19:00, Side Events
The Edge: Margarinfabrikken
Find the YouTube stream here

Western Europe and Special Envoy for Arctic Matters in the European External Action Service (EEAS)
In September 2024, the first iteration of the Arctic Security Conference was held in Oslo. The goal was to dive deeper into to security issues in the various sub-regions of the Arctic, specifically focusing on the Nordic Arctic and the North Pacific Arctic.

In this Arctic Security Seminar, we will draw the most relevant conclusions from the Oslo conference and discuss how to proceed with Arctic security debates in the frame of the Arctic Frontiers conference and beyond.

Key topics include the role of Arctic cooperation, the ambiguity of governance structures, the divergence in Arctic threat perceptions, and the role of media in amplifying these issues and concerns.

Chair: Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute

The Officials

  • Pat Duncan, Senator, Yukon, Canada
  • Claude Veron-Reville, Head of Division for Western Europe and Special Envoy for Arctic Matters, European External Action Service, EU
  • Brigadier Steinar Dahl Kongshavn, Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Headquarters
  • Rear Admiral TVN Prasanna, Joint Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat, India

The Analysts

  • Jennifer Spence, Director, Arctic Initiative, Harvard University
  • Erdem Lamazhapov, PhD-candidate, Fridtjof Nansen Institute
  • Arne O. Holm, Editor in Chief, High North News
  • Brett Simpson, Institute of Current World Affairs fellow and freelancer


Organised by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute
Contact: Dr Andreas Østhagen, ao@fni.no

 

EV charging. Photo: Juice on UnsplashEvent #7: China's Role in Supply Chains of Critical Minerals and Materials: Consequences for Nordic countries


Thursday 30 January, 11:00 - 12:30
The Edge: Arbeidskontoret 2
Find the YouTube stream here 

  • Sigurd Enge, Senior Adviser, Bellona
  • Iselin Stensdal, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute
  • Erdem Lamazhapov, PhD Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen Institute
  • Gørild M. Heggelund, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute
  • Carina Sammeli, Mayor of Luleå, 
  • Eirik Larsen, Head of the Human Rights Unit, Saami Council
  • Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council (AEC)


Global energy transition drives the demand for critical minerals to meet commitments framed by the Paris Agreement, making many more nations to turn to the Arctic in search of solutions. In addition, the U.S. and Europe are looking to "de-risk" and decrease their reliance on China in mining and processing of critical minerals, while Norway is giving "green light for seabed minerals". This pursuit promises a greener future and economic development in the Arctic but poses challenges, such as balancing environmental protection and indigenous rights against economic and geopolitical interests. This side event will discuss efforts to diversify critical mineral supply, and political and legal implications this will have for Nordic countries.

The session will critically examine the potential for critical mineral extraction in the Nordic Arctic amidst the heightened geostrategic race for critical minerals. The panel will provide a robust discussion of the delicate balance between economic prospects, environmental stewardship, indigenous ownership, and the geostrategic considerations about the future of critical minerals in the Arctic region.

Critical minerals are the lifeblood of the renewable energy revolution and technological advancement. China, the world's second largest economy, plays a central role in supply chains of critical minerals and metals. In order to decrease their reliance on China, the U.S. and the EU have turned their attention to the Arctic. The Arctic, with its land and sea-based resources, is becoming a focal point for nations seeking to secure their mineral supply chains. However, the environmental impact of land and sea mining and the risks it poses to the Arctic communities, indigenous lifestyles, and the environment necessitate a closer examination. Additionally, the changing geopolitical landscape marked by increased interest from non-Arctic actors, particularly China, adds layers of complexity to the extraction and control of these strategic resources.

This side event is based on findings of the research project China's role in supply chains of critical minerals and metals: consequences for Norway, financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.

Organised by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute
Contact: gheggelund@fni.no

 

 


Event #8: Arctic Hydrogen: Nordic Solutions to Common Barriers

Thursday 30 January, 13:30 - 15:00
The Edge: Arbeidskontoret 2
Find the YouTube stream here

What are the key challenges to hydrogen initiatives in the Arctic, and what are the solutions? This event will explore how we can overcome barriers for clean hydrogen development together, how to advance clean hydrogen development, and what this could mean for the Nordic-Arctic region. 

Using examples like the Narvik–Luleå corridor and Sweden’s Hybrit project, speakers will outline the current state of hydrogen projects in the North. Discussions will also address the EU’s hydrogen strategy and how Nordic cooperation can drive innovation and sustainable development.

Speakers:

  • Per Ove Eikeland – Senior Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI)
  • Ole Aune Ødegård – Adviser, Nordic Energy Research
  • Mads Qvist Frederiksen – Director, Arctic Economic Council
  • Carina Sammeli – Mayor of Luleå, Sweden
  • Ari Alatossava – Mayor of Oulu, Finland
  • Mox Murugan – Business Development Director, Hydrogen, Nordion Energi
  • Edina Ringdal Wickholm – Director of Decarbonization Policy and Partnerships, Yara
  • Eirik Frantzen, CEO, Nordkraft
  • Moderator: Ruth Astrid Sæter

Panelists from industry, research, and policymaking panelists will discuss challenges such as regulation, infrastructure, and market creation. 

Organised by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute and Nordic Energy Research
Contact: Anna Valberg (avalberg@fni.no)