High North Dialogue 2026 Unveils First Panels, Registration Now Open

The conference brings together students, researchers, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss developments in the High North. 

Next year’s program focuses on four themes that are important for the region: political influence, business development, resilience, and people. 

– We want to highlight the issues people in the region talk about most, says Director at the High North Center, Andreas Raspotnik. 

– Who makes the decisions that affect the north? How do we create more jobs? How do we prepare for rapid change? And what makes people stay? 

Highlighting local knowledge 

A part of the program looks at how political decisions about the High North are made far from the region itself. Much of the debate now takes place in bigger capitals, and the conference will examine how the Nordic North can make its own needs more visible. 

Another topic is business. The region has strong research environments and many good ideas, but too few develop into long-term companies. The program looks at what holds early projects back and how more local ideas can grow. 

Resilience is also a key issue. The Arctic is changing quickly, and communities face new challenges linked to weather, nature, and living conditions. The conference wants to highlight how local knowledge is important when things change fast. 

– Real questions 

The final theme concerns people. 

While the north is sometimes described as distant or difficult, many residents point to strong communities, rich cultural life, and a good work–life balance. The conference will discuss why people stay, why some move north, and what could bring others back. 

– These are real questions for people who live in the region, Raspotnik says.

Relevant links:

• Read the preliminary program
• Registration for High North Dialogue 2026 is now available
• Participants can also book rooms at Radisson Blu Bodø at a conference rate