Polar Academy contributes to Arctic policy discussions at Arendalsuka 2026
The programme for Arendalsuka 2026 has now been published, and the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (NVP) will once again participate through the High North Partnership (Nordområdepartnerskapet).
The High North Partnership brings together 19 organisations from academia, public institutions, industry, and civil society with a shared ambition to promote knowledge, dialogue, and cooperation on Arctic and High North issues during Arendalsuka.
This year's programme addresses a broad range of topics, including environmental security, Arctic governance, ocean research, preparedness, green energy, space infrastructure, and Indigenous rights. Most of the partnership's events will take place on 13 August, when a full day of debates and discussions will be hosted in Arendal.
NVP is co-organising the event The Arctic: Environmental Security and a Changing World, which will take place on 11 August at 16.00 at the Altinget Stage. The event is organised together with GRID-Arendal, the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI), and the Arctic Parliamentary Delegation of the Norwegian Parliament.
At a time of increasing geopolitical tension and accelerating environmental change, the discussion will focus on how international cooperation, science diplomacy, and environmental preparedness can be strengthened in the Arctic. Particular attention will be given to the role of scientific knowledge in supporting policy decisions and international environmental governance.
Among the participants are Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Member of Parliament Lars Haltbrekken, with Karen Landmark, Director of GRID-Arendal, serving as moderator.
As a member of the High North Partnership, NVP views Arendalsuka as an important arena for bringing Arctic and Antarctic research into public debate and strengthening dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and society.
The Academy encourages members and partners attending Arendalsuka to participate in the partnership's events throughout the week.
Links
Full programme for the High North Partnership at Arendalsuka 2026 (in Norwegian)
View of Arendal from Fløyheia. Photo: The Norwegian Parliament