Reykjavík, Iceland, October 16 - 18

Arctic Circle Assembly 2025

Arctic Circle is the largest annual international forum for dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. The Nordic Council of Ministers will be present.

Ljósmyndari
Jakob Halldórsson

In a time of rapid change and mounting challenges, Nordic cooperation in the Arctic remains vital to regional resilience, stability and sustainable development. This year, the Nordic Council of Ministers and several of its institutions will host 13 events at the Arctic Circle Assembly - each exploring how Nordic values, knowledge, and collaboration can contribute to a safe, resilient and connected Arctic. 

From democratic resilience and energy security to green shipping, aquatic food innovation, and research collaboration, the Nordic programme brings together diverse voices and cutting-edge solutions. Join us in Reykjavík from October 16–18, where the Arctic Circle Assembly once again offers a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and action in the High North.

Nordic information booth

Nordic information booth

Don’t forget to visit the Nordic information booth in Harpa to learn more about our work and meet representatives from across our Nordic institutions. 

Highlighted events

16 okt
16 October, at 10.50-11.45

From Fjord to Future: Nordic Aquatic Food Solutions

Exploring how Nordic aquatic food systems can drive sustainable and healthy diets, cultural heritage, and climate resilience.
17 okt
17 October, at 08.30 - 09.25

Bridging the North: Nordic-Canadian Research Co-operation

What are the key ingredients behind Nordic–Canadian research partnerships, and how can they deliver meaningful outcomes for Arctic communities and knowledge systems?

Highlighted events

17 okt
17 October, at 13.30 – 14.15

Plenary session: Energy Security for a Resilient Arctic

What is the role of energy in building a resilient Arctic region? Nordic Energy Research invites you to a discussion on the possible pathways for the Arctic Energy landscape until 2030, examining key drivers, uncertainties and solutions.
17 okt
17 October, at 17.05-18.00

Small Societies, Strong Democracies: Resilience in the Face of Disinformation

This session explores the impact of disinformation on politics, public discourse, and democracy in the West Nordic region, and asks: how can small societies build resilience?

Program

Wednesday, October 15

 

08.30-16.30: Sustainable Development of the Arctic: Kick-off for nine research projects 

Organized by NordForsk 

Location: The Nordic house  

Unofficial pre-event 

By invitation only 

Program

Thursday, October 16

 

09.40 – 10.35: North Atlantic & Arctic Neighbours: Building Sustainable Futures 

Organized by NORA - Nordic Atlantic Cooperation, NALIK Ventures, Orkney Islands Council and The European Union 

Location: Ríma A, Harpa Ground Floor 

 

10.50-11.45: From Fjord to Future: Nordic Aquatic Food Solutions 

Organized by Nordic Council of Ministers, NORA - Nordic Atlantic Cooperation and Nofima 

Location: Ríma A, Harpa Ground Floor 

 

 

18.15 – 19.10: Arcticonomics: The Dilemma Between Nordic Wealth and Nordic Values 

Organized by Fronttier and Nordic Innovation 

Location: Sker, Harpa Ground Floor 

Read more

Program

Friday, October 17

 

08.30 - 09.25: Bridging the North: Nordic-Canadian Research Co-operation 

Organized by NordForsk and Rannís - The Icelandic Centre for Research 

Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level 

Read more

 

09.40-10.35: Zero Emission Shipping – Accelerating the Green Transition in the Arctic 

Organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment and Climate, Nordic Energy Research, the Arctic Council Working Groups on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) and Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR). 

Location: Björtuloft, Harpa Fifth Level 

Read more

 

12.30 – 13.30: Nordic Network Mingle 

Organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordic Energy Research, Nordic Innovation, NordForsk, NAPA, and NORA 

Location: La Primavera, Harpa Fourth Level

By invitation only 

 

13.30 – 14.15: Plenary Session: Energy Security for a Resilient Arctic 

Organized by Arctic Circle in collaboration with the Nordic Council of Ministers and Nordic Energy Research 

Location: Silfurberg Hall, Harpa Second Level 

Read more

 

15.55 – 16.50: Food Security and Emergency Preparedness in the North: Cross-Border Cooperation 

Organized by Arctic Six University Alliance, Arctic Mayors' Forum, Troms County Municipality, Tromsø Municipality, Arctic Frontiers, and NORA - Nordic Atlantic Cooperation 

Location: Sker, Harpa Ground Floor

 

 

 

17.05 – 18.00: Small Societies, Strong Democracies: Resilience in the Face of Disinformation 

Organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the West Nordic Council 

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Floor 

Read more

 

17.05 – 18.00: Arctic Energy Resilience in Practice 

Organized by Nordic Energy Research and the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG)

Location: Sker, Harpa Ground Floor 

Read more

 

18.15 – 19.10: Breaking Barriers: Addressing the Mental Health of Young Men in the Arctic 

Organized by Arctic Mayors’ Forum, Tromsø Municipality, Arctic Frontiers, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Troms County Municipality; NORA - Nordic Atlantic Cooperation 

Location: Skarðsheiði, Harpa Third Level 

Program

Saturday, October 18 

 

09.00 – 09.55: Silver Sparks: Unlocking Senior Potential 

Organized by NORA - Nordic Atlantic Cooperation and Nordland County Council 

Location: Ríma B, Harpa Ground Floor 

Read more about Arctic Circle

Read more about Arctic Circle

2025 Nordic booth

Meet the Nordic Council of Ministers in our information booth (Harpa, second floor) and learn more about our work and projects in the Arctic. Several of our Nordic institutions will be present in the booth at the following times. 

Nordic Council of Ministers and NAPA

October 16, at 08.30-12.45

Nordic Energy Research

October 16, at 12.45-19.15

NORA

October 17, at 08.30-13.30

Nordic Innovation

October 17, at 13.30-19.15

NordForsk

October 18, at 09.00-14.00

Info Norden

October 18, at 14.00-19.15

Contact

Silja Elvarsdóttir

+354 7729027
silja@nordichouse.is

Ida Croff

+45 60 39 71 98
idacro@norden.org

Relevant publications

23.01.25

A Resilient Arctic Nordic Arctic Programme 2025–2027

Publications number:
2025:703
02.11.23

Peace and Security in the Arctic

Publications number:
2023:734
02.11.21

A Sustainable Arctic – The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Arctic Co-operation Programme 2022–2024

Publications number:
2021:737
22.09.23

Young Voices from the Arctic: Insights on Climate Change and Permafrost Degradation

Publications number:
2023:6
17.06.24

Plastic in raw wastewater in Greenland

Publications number:
2024:516
19.02.24

WANO policy brief

Publications number:
2024:2
17.03.26

Improving small water supplies in the Nordic countries

Publications number: 2026:505
17.02.26

Indigenous tourism in the European Arctic

Publications number: 2026:501
04.02.26

A Nordic Perspective on AMOC Tipping

Publications number: 2026:504
20.01.26

Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) and Indigenous-led Conservation in the Nordic region and the wider Arctic

Publications number: 2025:556
07.12.25

EXPO 2025, Osaka, Japan

Publications number: 2025:036
27.10.25

Nordic Cryosphere Digital Twin

Publications number: 2025:565
22.10.25

Together for a Green Future in the Nordic Region and the World

Publications number: 2025:034
04.08.25

Vejledning til styrkelse af borgerinddragelse i forvaltning af naturen i Arktis

Publications number: 2025:543
04.08.25

Styrket lokalt baseret monitering og forvaltning af levende ressourcer i Arktis

Publications number: 2025:525
03.06.25

Nordic Biodiversity Framework

Publications number: 2025:553