NOK 2.6 million Project Aims to Get More Young People to Stay in The North
Advisor Andrey Kazakov and researcher Elena Sæther from the High North Center show off the trophy from the Arctic Next Innovation Challenge. The student competition was held for the first time this autumn and is being continued in the ArcticNext project. (Photo: Markus J. Thonhaugen/High North Center)
The High North Center at Nord University receives support for a project highlighting opportunities for young people in the Arctic.
The project ArcticNext has recently received NOK 1.2 million in funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a total budget of NOK 2.6 million.
"We have several projects focusing on how to motivate young people to come, work, and live here. ArcticNext is a natural continuation of that work", says Elena Sæther, researcher at the High North Center according to a press release.
The project involves collaboration with North American and other Arctic universities. The main partner is Memorial University in Canada.
"We are building on networks we have already established and engaging partners from across the Arctic", explains Andrey Kazakov, advisor at the High North Center.
Several participants
Sæther believes the key goal is for young people to gain a better understanding of the High North, see opportunities in the region, and contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable development in the Arctic.
"It’s about showing the opportunities that actually exist here, both to those already living here and to those considering moving north", she says.
The project aims to strengthen networks among young people, highlight available jobs and educational paths, and create space for entrepreneurship.
"There will be many participants involved in the project - over 100 people, which is very exciting."
Important work
The main part of the budget will fund activities where young people can take part, including travel and accommodation costs to ensure broad participation.
Both Kazakov and Sæther emphasize that much needs to be in place for more people to choose to stay in the North.
"Many things have to be aligned at different levels. But this is our contribution, to show that the North is a vibrant and attractive place for young people."
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