The Arctic Congress Bodø 2024 concluded successfully
Arctic Congress Bodø 2024 was a success. Photo: Markus Thonhaugen
The Arctic Congress Bodø 2024, held from 29 May to 3 June, concluded with a resounding call for international cooperation, sustainable development, and innovative solutions to the Arctic region's challenges.
6 Jun 2024
Over 1,200 delegates from around the globe, representing diverse sectors and research fields, attended the congress, which Nordland Research Institute and Nord University hosted in the picturesque city of Bodø, Norway. The congress consisted of three conferences—High North Dialogue 2024, ICASS XI, and UArctic Congress—with over 900 abstracts in almost 200 sessions on 15 stages in 8 locations around the city centre. As one of the Alaska Native Elders said from the stage, "Use your voice, cause no one will do it for you, and remember to have fun in the process."—This is precisely what researchers and organisers from NRI did during this memorable event.
NRI's employees at the forefront
Our employees are at the heart of our organisation. This photo story highlights the remarkable individuals whose hard work and commitment propel us forward. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and express our gratitude for their exceptional efforts in preparing for this year's congress, which is a true testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision.
"Sharing our newest research with colleagues and getting updated on the state of the art within our fields is incredibly rewarding. The inspiration and new ideas for sustainably developing the High North are invaluable. I want to thank our organising committee, sponsors, and volunteers for making this congress possible—a catalyst for meaningful exchange and action. Big thanks to all my amazing coworkers for their outstanding efforts in getting ready for this congress!" — summarises Iselin Marstrander, managing director at Nordland Research Institute.
29 May 2024
Managing Director Iselin Marstrander gave a short speech and performed with her singing group, Sleepy People, during the Ice Breaker. Photo: Kevin Andre Dybfest Jørgensen
30 May 2024
On 30 May, our Research Professor, Grete Hovelsrud, IASSA President and Chair of the Steering Committee for Arctic Congress Bodø 2024, came on stage to dance during the official congress opening. Photo: Markus Thonhaugen
Managing Director Iselin Marstrander and Nord University's Rector Hanne Solheim Hansen gave opening remarks on the main stage during the Opening Ceremony. Photo: Markus Thonhaugen
The opening ceremony packed Stormen Concert Hall to capacity, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Photo: Markus Thonhaugen
Frøde Mellemvik, Director of the High North Center for Business and Governance, Grete Hovelsrud, President of the International Arctic Social Science Association and our Research Professor, and Lars Kullerud, President of the University of the Arctic, concluded the Opening Ceremony. Photo: Markus Thonhaugen
Senior Researcher Suyash Jolly hosted a session on respecting Indigenous Peoples' rights and enabling (Re)Distribution of non-renewable resources for inclusive green industrial development in the Arctic. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
Research Professor Birgit Pauksztat hosted a session about the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities in the Arctic. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
In a session about improving healthcare services in the Arctic, Senior Researcher Raj Kumar Thapa focused on sustainability and public health. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
Lars Kullerud, President of the University of the Arctic, Grete Hovelsrud, President of the International Arctic Social Science Association and our Research Professor, and Frøde Mellemvik, Director of the High North Center for Business and Governance, talked about Arctic geopolitics and Arctic Congress during a Pubinar (a seminar in a Pub) at the fully packed Båding Brewery. Photo: Kevin Andre Dybfest Jørgensen
31 May 2024
Researcher Vida Daae Steiro discussed what sustainable economic development entails for the Arctic from different societal and scientific perspectives in a plenary session. Photo: Kevin Andre Dybfest Jørgensen
During a panel discussion, Senior Researcher Brigt Dale discussed the topic of food security and transboundary risk in relation to Norwegian aquaculture. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
Senior Researcher Megan Palmer-Abbs presented a study on transitioning to more circular value systems in managing plastic in the fisheries and aquaculture sector within peripheral Arctic regions. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
Arctic municipalities' perception of agency in the context of depopulation was the subject of Senior Researcher Stian Bragtvedt's presentation. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
Senior Researcher Anna G. Sveinsdóttir presented findings on the potential for flexible tourism management in Svalbard and Greenland. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
In her presentation, Senior Advisor Cecilie Bratt discussed the importance of true collaboration in projects involving different study areas to ensure that everyone is included.Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
1 June 2024
Senior Researcher Helena Gonzales Lindberg explained how maps affect environmental governance and planning in the Arctic. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
During a panel talk, Senior Researchers Camilla Risvoll (second from the left) and Salina Spiering (fourth from the left) discussed how to restore sustainable food systems, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the Arctic. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
Other highlights from the Arctic Congress Bodø 2024
All photos taken by Kontrafei Media (not for redistribution)
