Med et tett program av paneler, workshops og engasjerte debatter bidrar FNI med å søke løsninger på kritiske utfordringene for Arktis.

Årets Arctic Frontiers-konferanse, med temaet "Beyond Borders", samler aktører for å diskutere temaer som geopolitikk, miljøstyring og bærekraftig utvikling. 

Finn FNIs arrangementer og bidrag på YouTube.

Mandag: Arktisk miljøstyring og geopolitikk

FNI starter dagen med panelet Strengthening Biodiversity Governance Beyond Borders kl. 09:00. Sammen med WWF og NUPI diskuterer panelet tilnærminger for å beskytte Arktis’ biomangfold. Christian Prip fra FNI deltar sammen med bl.a. Vicki Lee Wallgren (WWF) og Evan Bloom (UiT).

Kl. 13:30 arrangerer FNI ved Serafima Andreeva sammen med Polar Geopolitics Podcast og Arctic Frontiers workshopen From Survival to Strategy: Arctic Council Chairships in a New Era. Her analyseres Arktisk råds robusthet og framtid. Diskusjonene, som tas opp til podcast, ledes av Eric Paglia (KTH) med bidrag fra den grønlandske folketingsrepresentanten Aaja Chemnitz, Jennifer Spence (Harvard), Rolf Rødven (AMAP), samt Christian Prip (FNI). 

Senere på kvelden flyttes fokuset til Mack Ølhallen for Arctic Geopolitics Pubinar – en livlig og uformell diskusjon om Arktis’ politiske landskap. FNIs Andreas Østhagen leder samtalen, med bidrag fra blant andre statssekretær i Utenriksdepartementet Maria Varteressian, Pat Duncan, Senator i Yukon, Canada, og Arne O. Holm fra High North News. 
 

Tirsdag: Nordisk samarbeid, Asia og verdensrommet

Tirsdag kl. 10:30 er FNI vertskap for arrangementet Stronger Together: Nordic Collaboration in the Arctic. Panelet undersøker mulighetene for økt nordisk samarbeid i en tid med endrede geopolitiske forhold. Pål Wilter Skedsmo fra FNI leder samtalen, med generalsekretær i Nordisk ministerråd Karen Ellemann, statssekretær i Utenriksdepartementet Maria Varteressian og statssekretær i Forsvarsdepartementet Hans Christian Hveem Kjølseth. 

FNI er også til stede på andre arrangørers side events. Tirsdag morgen deltar FNIs Erdem Lamazhapov i workshopen Korea's Arctic Cooperation, arrangert av Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) og Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). Her diskuteres Koreas rolle som observatørstat i Arktisk Råd, og landets bidrag til arktisk samarbeid.

Senere på ettermiddagen deltar Andreas Østhagen fra FNI i sesjonen Space for a Better and Safer Life in the Arctic, arrangert av Norsk Romsenter. Her deltar blant andre næringsminister Cecilie Myrseth og FD-statssekretær Hans Chr. Kjølseth. Sesjonen undersøker hvordan rombaserte tjenester, som satellitteknologi, kan bidra til innovasjon, kommunikasjon og ressursforvaltning i Arktis.

 

Onsdag: Energi og sikkerhet i Arktis

FNI bidrar til to arrangementer onsdag 29. januar. Energiforskere har vært mangelvare på konferansen, men i år bidrar vi til å fylle hullet. Ettermiddagens sesjon, Powering the Arctic: Energy Solutions for Wind, Security and Growth, undersøker hvordan energiproduksjon kan balansere sikkerhet og bærekraft. Tor Håkon Inderberg fra FNI deltar sammen med Equinors bærekraftsdirektør, UiT, og Troms’  fylkesvaraordfører.

På kvelden tar seminaret Arctic Security Seminar for seg sikkerhetsutfordringene i Arktis. Andreas Østhagen fra FNI leder seminaret, med bidrag fra folk som brigader Steinar Dahl (Forsvaret) og Jennifer Spence (Harvard).

 

Torsdag: Kritiske mineraler og hydrogeninnovasjon

Den siste dagen av Arctic Frontiers har FNI to side events. Kl. 11:00 setter vi søkelys på Kinas innflytelse på utvinning av mineraler i Arktis og konsekvensene for Norden på China’s Role in Supply Chains of Critical Minerals. Diskusjonen ledes av Iselin Stensdal fra FNI. Erdem Lamazhapov og Gørild Heggelund bidrar i panelet.

Kl. 13:30 handler sesjonen Arctic Hydrogen: Balancing Innovation and Regulation om muligheter og utfordringer knyttet til hydrogenprosjekter i Arktis. Per Ove Eikeland fra FNI deltar sammen med nordiske og europeiske energiledere. Arrangementet er et samarbeid mellom FNI og Nordisk energiforskning. 
 

Ungt engasjement og bidrag

FNI’s Serafima Andreeva leder an i å fremme unge forskeres deltagelse gjennom Arctic Council Youth Conference søndag 26. januar. Sesjonen hennes gir forskere tidlig i karrieren innsikt i hvordan de kan navigere i arktisk forskning og geopolitikk.

I tillegg holder hun foredrag på Arctic Frontiers Student Forum mandag kl.15:15 om Arktisk råd og skiftet av lederskap: Kongeriket Danmark og spørsmålet om Grønland.

Gjennom hele konferanseuka er FNI-seniorforsker Andreas Raspotnik vert på hovedscenen. 

Finn FNIs arrangementer og bidrag på YouTube.

 

Alle FNIs arrangementer: 
 


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

Monday 27 January, 09:00 - 10:30, 
The Edge: Room Margarinfabrikken 2
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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: 

  • 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 picEvent #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
  • Arne O. Holm, Editor-in-Chief, High North News
  • TVN Prasanna, Rear Admiral, Joint Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat, India
  • 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

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

  • 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
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  • 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

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
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  • 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
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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)