Already during the first morning session in Arktikum, Rovaniemi, UArctic was represented in several sessions and panels. There was also a UArctic booth offering print materials, fresh out of print copies of our yearly Shared Voices magazine, and guidance about UArtic opportunities from our member engagement coordinator.
The final day of the conference started with the 3-part "mini conference" on "Transportation, Infrastructure and Logistics in the European Arctic". It was co-organized by Centre for High North Logistics (Nord University) and UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Transport and Logistics. Moderated by Kjell Stokvik (Nord University), the Thematic Network's Lead, part 1 addressed "Business opportunities in the big picture". The session explored how secure supply chains, multimodal transport systems, and innovation can drive sustainable development in the North. Keynote speakers included Liisa Ansala, (Lapland Chamber of Commerce), who presented the investment potential of the whole northern region until 2035 (confirmed/ongoing 97,8bn€, in planning: 89,2 bn€); and Felix Tschudi (Tschudi Shippin Company) who, among others things, highlighted the Importance of political decision in regards to bringing the innovation into life. In that respect Tschudi pointed out that Norway aims to learn from Finland's example. This comment led to a dynamic discussion among the panelists.
In parallel to that, the "Exploit or Empower: Pros and Cons of Researching Interventions in the Arctic" session was convened and moderated by John Moore (Arctic Centre, University of Lapland), Lead of UArctic Thematic Network on Frozen Arctic Conservation. As climate tipping points loom large, this session explored the complex trade-offs involved in researching and potentially implementing interventions in the Arctic. Convened and moderated by John Moore (Arctic Centre, University of Lapland), the discussion examined both the scientific and ethical dimensions of influencing Arctic systems under stress. Panelists included Ilona Mettiäinen (Arctic Centre, University of Lapland), Vice-Lead of UArctic Thematic Network on Frozen Arctic Conservation; Rolf Rødven (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP); and Risto Isomäki, )Chair of the Board, Into Publishing).
The Part 2 of "mini conference" on "Transportation, Infrastructure and Logistics in the European Arctic" addressed the challenges and potentials of Arctic Mobility. In her keynote, Johanne Raade, the co-director of Arctic Six, gave the introduction to the alliance of six prominent universities, all members of UArctic: Luleå University of Technology, Nord University, Umeå University, the University of Oulu, the University of Lapland, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. It also operates as a UArctic Regional Centre for the benefit of UArctic members in the Nordic Arctic, supporting their participation and engagement in UArctic activities. During the panel, Jouko Niinimäki, UArctic Executive Vice-President (University of Oulu), introduced the possibilities that UArctic has to offer to its members and reflected further on the topic of Arctic Mobility.
Further, Kamrul Hossain, UArctic Chair in Arctic Legal Research and Education and Lead of UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law, convened a session "Interpolar Dialogue: Bridging Knowledge Between the Arctic and the Third Pole" Organized by the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre. The session brought together experts to explore the parallels between two of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions: the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), often referred to as the “Third Pole.” The discussion focused on shared environmental security challenges such as cryosphere loss, water insecurity, and accelerated climate change. Participants emphasized the urgent need for scientific collaboration and policy alignment between the regions, highlighting how the lessons learned in one polar region can inform adaptive governance and resilience in the other.
Moderated by Adam Stepien (Arctic Centre, University of Lapland), a member of UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Law, the session "Arctic Foresight: Future Lessons from the Past and from Beyond the Region" explored the future of Arctic governance through the lens of non-Arctic states, drawing on diverse theoretical perspectives and empirical insights from Arctic Council Observer States and the European Union.
The final part of "mini conference" on "Transportation, Infrastructure and Logistics in the European Arctic" addressed the BEAR project. The session featured a keynote by Kjell Stokvik, highlighting key findings from the project and the growing importance of adaptable infrastructure in a rapidly changing Arctic.
With that, we thank the organizers of the Arctic Spirit Conference 2025 for giving UArctic and its Members the opportunity to hold sessions, present their research, and to collaborate and network with colleagues.