Project manager Benedikte Kosmo Underland is looking forward to this year's High North Dialogue. Photo: Markus Thonhaugen.
High North Dialogue is an annual conference organized by the High North Center at Nord University in Bodø. The event brings together decision-makers, researchers, business leaders, and young people from around the world to discuss the future of the Arctic.
This year’s theme, "Business in the Arctic: New Realities," addresses the changes in the region.
With growing global interest and Norway’s clear prioritization of the High North, the conference could hardly come at a more critical time.
– A new U.S. president and a rapidly changing international landscape make discussions about the High North more important than ever, says project manager Benedikte Kosmo Underland.
Important discussions
The conference will take place at Radisson Blu in downtown Bodø.
Among this year's confirmed speakers are Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Professor Michael Byers from the University of British Columbia, and Anu Fredrikson, director of Arctic Frontiers – in addition to several ambassadors to Norway.
The newly released program covers key topics such as security policy, the space industry in the High North, the green and blue economy, and journalism in conflict areas.
The High North is changing, and we need to discuss what this means for business, politics, and local communities, says Underland.
Project manager Benedikte Kosmo Underland
The conference also includes the Ambassador Panel, where diplomats discuss international cooperation in the north, as well as the presentation of the High North Hero Award and the final of the High North Young Entrepreneur competition.
In addition to the main program, 16 side events will be held in collaboration with partners such as Bodø Municipality, Bodø Region Development Company, Arctic Frontiers, and Nord University.
Pubinar open to everyone
Alongside the main program, several informal events will take place.
For example, on March 25, a pubinar will be held at Bådin Brewery, featuring discussions on geopolitics.
– We hope the local community will join. It’s free and open to everyone, says Underland.
The social program also includes a morning sauna, a conference dinner, as well as an Arctic coastal walk and a RIB safari to Saltstraumen.
Underland also hopes that many young people will participate in the conference.
– Anyone under 40 can apply for financial support to cover the conference fee, and students receive a discounted price.
What is High North Dialogue?
The High North Dialogue is an annual conference in Bodø, organized by the High North Center at Nord University. The conference brings together youth, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the future of the High North.
The theme for 2025 is Business in the Arctic: New Realities, focusing on security policy, the space industry, the green and blue shift, Nordic cooperation, and journalism in times of crisis. The program includes debates, an ambassador panel, award ceremonies, and side events.
The conference will take place at Radisson Blu in Bodø on March 26-27, with an informal "pubinar" the evening before.
Registration is available at highnorthdialogue.no.
What is High North Dialogue?
The High North Dialogue is an annual conference in Bodø, organized by the High North Center at Nord University. The conference brings together youth, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the future of the High North.
The theme for 2025 is Business in the Arctic: New Realities, focusing on security policy, the space industry, the green and blue shift, Nordic cooperation, and journalism in times of crisis. The program includes debates, an ambassador panel, award ceremonies, and side events.
The conference will take place at Radisson Blu in Bodø on March 26-27, with an informal "pubinar" the evening before.
Registration is available at highnorthdialogue.no.
