Please note that this is a preliminary program for the conference. The times and placement of sessions are subject to change. We appreciate your understanding and recommend checking for updates closer to the event.

08:30 - 09:45

Registration

10:00 - 11:00

Opening Ceremony

Speakers:

  • State Secretary, Norway - pre-recorded video
  • Morten Høglund, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials, Arctic Ambassador of Norway
  • Ellen-Sara Sparrok, Vice-President, Saami Council
  • Ida Gudding Johnsen, Deputy Mayor of Bodø
  • Hanne Solheim Hansen, Rector of Nord University
11:00 - 11:40

Keynote: Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness in the Arctic: Strengthening Resilience and Collaboration

Description: The Arctic is experiencing rapid climate change, impacting global disaster risks, emergency management, and community resilience. This keynote will set out the latest trends in disaster risk reduction (DRR), highlight the role of all of society approach including Indigenous knowledge, and how we can strengthen cooperation on resilience. Highlighting key global frameworks like the Sendai Framework, the presentation will outline how we can integrate disaster risk reduction in the Arctic region, and the international agenda. The urgency to act is now, and through collaboration, we can build a more resilient Arctic that benefits communities locally and globally.

Speaker:

  • Natalia Alonso Cano, Chief, Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Keynote: Climate Change in the Arctic - Implications for Emergency Management

Speaker:

  • Roar Skålin, Director, Norwegian Meteorological Institute
11:40- 12:00

Norwegian Chairship Wildland Fire Initiative

Speakers:

  • Morten Høglund, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials, Arctic Council

  • Edward Alexander, Co-Chair, Gwich’in Council International

12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch
13:00 - 14:00

Sharing Circle on Emergency Management in the Arctic

Moderator:

  • Shankell Mack, Aleut International Association

Speakers:

  • Chief Bill Erasmus, Arctic Athabaskan Council
  • Karen Pletnikoff, Aleut International Association
  • Edward Alexander, Gwich'in Council International
  • Tonje Johansen, Saami Council
14:00 - 14:15

Arctic Youth Conference Connection

Speakers:

  • Minetta Westerlund, Arctic Council Secretariat
14:15 - 14:45 - Health break
14:45 - 15:30

Dialogue: Communication and Situational Awareness in Arctic Emergencies

Speakers:

  • Thomas Ringen, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre North Norway

  • Halil Keskin, Head of Operational Services International Mobile Satellite Organization

  • Martin Skedsmo, Key Account Manager, KSAT

15:30 - 15:50

Nuclear Threats and Emergency Preparedness in the Arctic

Speaker:

  • Sara Skodbo, Director of International Nuclear Security & Safety and R&D, Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA)

15:50 - 16:20 - Health break

16:20 - 17:00

Are We Prepared for a Large-scale Cruise Ship Incident in the High Arctic?

Speakers:

  • Tore Hongset, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre North Norway
  • Jens Heine Grauen-Larsen, Ministry of Defence Denmark
  • Patti Bruns, Secretary General, Arctic Mayors' Forum
  • Karen Pletnikoff, Aleut International Association
18:00 - 20:00 - Evening reception at Bodø City Hall (Torvgata 9)