Arvid Karell elected President of the Nordic Youth Council 2026
Karell comes from Korsholm in Finland and represents Nordic Christian Democratic Youth. He has been a deputy member of the UNR Presidium for the past two years and was elected president to loud applause.
“At a time when the world feels uncertain, it is more important than ever that young people have hope and feel optimistic about the future. The UNR is the collective voice of Nordic youth, and I will strive for a future in which everybody has a place and a role,” says the incoming President.
Karell formally takes office as President in January 2026, but will spend the next couple of months preparing for his new role.
Record number of resolutions
The UNR Session 2025, held in the historic premises of the First Chamber of the Swedish Parliament, considered a record 53 resolutions, up from 32 last year.
A wide range of issues were covered: from free menstrual products in schools and the legalisation of white snuff, to the recognition of qualifications in regulated professions such as medicine and psychology throughout the Nordic Region.
Among other things, the UNR decided to pursue equal status with the other Nordic languages for the Greenlandic, Faroese and Sami languages, so that everyone can participate in Nordic co-operation in their native language.
A unique youth organisation and part of Nordic decision-making
The UNR is a forum for Nordic youth organisations and an integral part of the Nordic Council’s decision-making processes. It brings together young people to exchange ideas and visions, to raise important issues affecting young people in the region and to put then on the agenda for Nordic co-operation.
Resolutions adopted at the UNR Session are discussed at meetings of the Nordic Council, at which the UNR has speaking rights. The Nordic Council decided whether to send the proposals to the Nordic governments as official recommendations.
New Nordic Youth Prize
The Nordic Youth Prize was awarded for the first time at Session 2025. The prize highlights individuals and organisations for extraordinary efforts on behalf of young people in the region. The inaugural prize was awarded to Nordjobb.
