The Arctic is undergoing rapid transformations with global consequences. As climate change accelerates and sea ice retreats, the stakes for nature, communities, and global cooperation are higher than ever.
The event is hosted by UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Memorial University of Newfoundland. For the first time, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will sail through the Northwest Passage. On board the voyage are 120 students and around 40 researchers from UiT and partner universities. Three of the students will be present in Nice to share the vision and plans for this journey. We are honored by the presence of HRH Crown Prince Haakon.
Time schedule:
09:30–10:00: Coffee served
10:00–11:15: Program
11:15–12:00: Light refreshments & event concludes
The event brings together political leaders, researchers, Indigenous representatives, youth, and civil society to discuss:
The program includes opening remarks, a keynote address, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities. Moderator is Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Speakers are listed below (to be updated).
Accreditation to the Blue Zone is not required to attend the event. However, due to security measures, registration is mandatory. Please note that registration does not guarantee a seat, as capacity is limited. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
✅ Please RSVP by June 1, 2025.
🆔 A government-issued ID will be required for access.
➡️ Dress code: According to weather. NO HEELS on deck
We recommend arriving early on the day to secure your space.
Crown Prince Haakon is the heir to the Norwegian throne and a long-standing advocate for sustainability, ocean health, and global development.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Norway
Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, responsible for national policy on fisheries, aquaculture, seafood, marine and maritime research and innovation, as well as coastal management and sea transport.
Vice President of Conservation and Projects at Oceans North
Her current focus is on achieving precautionary management for the Central Arctic Ocean and supporting the work of Inuit partners in advancing protected areas.
Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Global Compact
Assistant Secretary-General and CEO.
Director of Environment, Nunatsiavut Government
Rodd has worked for the Nunatsiavut Government for the past 13 years and is based in Nain, Nunatsiavut.
Pro-Rector for Research and Development at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
Winther has had a particular interest in generating research-based knowledge in the Arctic and Antarctic
Vice-president pro tempore of Memorial University for the Fisheries and Marine Institute.
Dr. Paul Brett is an ocean innovation leader based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, at Memorial University’s Fisheries and Marine Institute – Canada’s largest post-secondary institution dedicated to ocean industries.
Rector, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Dag Rune Olsen is a Norwegian physicist and university leader.
Policy Director, Institute of Marine Research
Peter Haugan is Policy Director at Institute of Marine Research and professor of oceanography at the Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen, Norway.
Director, Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic
Sigri Stokke Nilsen is project manager and acting director at the Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic.
Researcher and documentary maker
Beate Bursta works independently across multiple fields as a fisher, researcher, and author. Her academic background includes extensive experience as a lecturer and researcher at the Nordic Sámi Institute, the Sámi University of Applied Sciences, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
Student, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Master student at UiT in Tromsø currently pursuing a masters in both Biology (Freshwater Ecology) and in Political Science.
Student, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Mathis holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Goethe University in Frankfurt a.M. In addition to his primary field, he also studied Classical Archaeology and Public Law, broadening his academic background.
Student, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Holds a Master's degree in International and European Environmental Law from Aix-Marseille University, France and is now specializing in Law of the Sea at UiT.