Russia’s Ambassador is Coming to Bodø

The Arctic dialogue continues during the High North Dialogue in Bodø this week. The Russian and Finnish Ambassadors are attending, as is the USA’s Chargé d’Affaires, along with high-level Norwegian politicians.

Three State Secretaries, the Leader of the Labour Party, top-level diplomats from the USA, Russia and Finland along with at least 300 students, researchers, politicians and business leaders will attend the High North Dialogue conference (HND), which aims at creating international dialogue about innovation, creation of values and business development in the High North.

What is particular about the HND is the opportunity for students from all over the world to meet top-level High North actors in conversation about future developments in the north.

Top diplomats meet

Russia’s Ambassador to Norway, Teimuraz Ramishvili, his Finnish colleague Erik Lundberg and the USA’s Chargé d’Affaires Jim DeHart meet the State Secretaries who are vital in the ongoing work of shaping the government’s new High North Strategy; Marit Berger Røsland, Grete Ellingsen and Roy Angelvik – as well as Labour Leader Jonas Gahr Støre.

"We notice increasing international interest for the development in the North, both from other Arctic countries and also from nations like China and India", says Frode Mellemvik, Director of the High North Centre for Business & Governance at Nord University, which facilitates the conference.

Awarding of the High North Hero

One of the highlights of the conference is the awarding of the High North Hero, an annual international award given to a person or organization that has contributed to promoting the economic significance of the High North.

- We expect much attention around the winner of this year’s award, who is a very distinct person in international High North development, says Frode Mellemvik.