Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development at UiT, during the Kirkenes Conference in 2024.Foto: Inger Elin Utsi / UiT
23 April 2025
New forum for Nordic university collaboration in the Arctic
The Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are now facing significant challenges related to the development of total defence and green transition. In April, a new forum for will be established to highlight how universities in the three countries can contribute with new solutions.
The Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are now facing significant challenges related to the development of total defence and green transition. In April, a new forum for will be established to highlight how universities in the three countries can contribute with new solutions.
"In the new security situation, the entire society must mobilise. Universities play an important role in preparedness because knowledge is needed across the board when building resilient communities. This can range from strengthening food security and addressing the impacts of climate change on critical infrastructure to high-tech solutions that can be used militarily, such as drones," says Winther.
Winther believes it is crucial to accelerate the facilitation of close, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral collaboration across the borders of NATO countries Finland, Sweden, and Norway.
"This is where The Arctic Six comes in as an established and strong alliance that can make important contributions to total preparedness," emphasises Winther.
How cross-border collaboration can create positive ripple effects, both locally and regionally, will be discussed at the Forum for Arctic Security, which will be held at UiT's campus in Tromsø on 28 April.
"Military capacity is, of course, crucial for a society's security, but with today's hybrid threat landscape, a range of other areas affecting civil society will make important contributions to total preparedness. For individuals, this could involve vigilance and private emergency stockpiles," says Winther.
Published:
Updated: