UArctic Congress 2026 concludes in the Faroe Islands

The fifth UArctic Congress brought together close to 1,400 participants from nearly 40 countries for discussions, networking and knowledge exchange, with an overarching focus on healthy humans and oceans in the Arctic. The event was hosted by the University of the Faroe Islands in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fisheries and the Faroe Marine Research Institute.

“Hosting the UArctic Congress 2026 has been a fantastic experience,” said Martin Tvede Zachariasen, Rector of the University of the Faroe Islands. “The Congress has set a new standard for the type and scale of conferences that can be held in the Faroe Islands, while its themes were both timely and highly relevant to communities across the North Atlantic.”

The 2026 Congress had an extensive program for the participants to engage in. The week kicked off with pre-meetings and workshops on May 25, many of them related to UArctic’s collaborative activities. From May 26 to 28, the program was centered around the five key themes of the event: sustainable economic development and international cooperation, oceans, climate change in the Arctic, biodiversity, and Indigenous Peoples and northern communities. 

The program featured keynote speeches from experts, leaders and decision-makers, as well as plenary keynotes and panel discussions highlighting the five themes. More detailed subtopics and different perspectives were introduced through parallel and poster sessions in which participants were able to present their own work, share knowledge, and exchange ideas with each other. Almost 200 parallel sessions took place with presentations, workshops, panels, and roundtables, and close to 200 posters were displayed and presented at the conference venue, making the participant-led sessions the largest part of the Congress program. 

Drawing particular attention to the oceans theme, the Ocean Connectivity Conference took place from May 26 to 28, organized under the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship of the Arctic Council. The conference was hosted by the University of the Faroe Islands and embedded in the Congress. With a focus on Sub Arctic and High Arctic connectivity, the Ocean Connectivity Conference explored how to best adapt to changes in a sustainable way, and what measures can support effective ocean governance to ensure that marine resources are managed responsibly in the years ahead.

“We have touched upon issues related to climate, pollutants, ocean currents and their connection to climate change, as well as wildlife, fisheries, and the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples whose lives are closely tied to the ocean. These are exactly the kinds of interconnected challenges that is the core of the Arctic Council cooperation. The fact that UArctic is a child of the Arctic Council also highlights why it is so valuable to work together to highlight the importance of ocean connectivity,” said Kenneth Høegh, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials.

As part of the UArctic Congress 2026, on May 27 institutional leads of UArctic’s higher education members gathered for the Rectors’ Forum for a dialogue on Arctic collaboration and higher education, focusing especially on the role of universities in serving the needs of small Arctic societies and communities. The meeting provided the participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss mutual issues, and strengthen connections between institutions.

Concluding the Congress week, on May 29 the UArctic Assembly brought together around 150 representatives from UArctic member institutions for the annual members’ meeting. The meeting was marked by a record-breaking number of institutions approved as new members, with 28 institutions voted in. Other decisions on the Assembly agenda included the approval of new Thematic Networks and appointment of members and student representatives to the UArctic Board. 

“The impressive number of Congress participants and the record number of new UArctic members is clear proof of the success of the Congress concept but also proof of the success of UArctic: the need for institutional and scientific collaboration on and in the Arctic is stronger than ever before. UArctic celebrates its 25th anniversary since the Launch in 2001 – in those 25 years we have grown from a small number of like-minded institutions in the Arctic to a vibrant global community that has real impact,” commented UArctic Secretary General Outi Snellman.

Besides the more formal parts of the Congress program, the participants were also treated to social and cultural events with local flavors and elements, including a “Welcome Home” reception at the local football stadium, a street celebration in the heart of Tórshavn, and live music from local bands and artists at all social events. Those attending the Congress closing also got to participate in a chain dance, a Faroese tradition which was also depicted in the official Congress logo.

We thank all participants, organizers, partners and sponsors for a memorable Congress, and look forward to the next one in Sweden in 2028! 

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