“The Nordic Council of Ministers aims to bolster resilience and contribute to strong local communities in the Arctic”, says Secretary General Karen Ellemann.

In the tenth Nordic Arctic programme, 30 million Danish Kroner over a period of 3 years, are set to foster social, economic, and environmental resilience.
Resilience and strong communities
“Our new Nordic Arctic programme is human-centered”, says Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Karen Ellemann.
For nearly 30 years, the Nordic Council of Ministers has been actively engaged in the Arctic. During this time, the organization has supported a broad range of activities and projects, including the work in the Arctic Councils working groups and flagship events such as the Arctic Youth Conference.
People’s needs at the core
“The saying goes that ‘what happens in the Arctic, does not stay in the Arctic’. Climate change is indeed a reality for the 4 million people living in the Arctic. A strong focus on resilience and adaptation is key. It is equally imperative to zoom in on the needs and wants of the people living in the Arctic. This is why strengthening local communities is a new objective in our Nordic Arctic programme,” says Ms. Ellemann.
The Nordic Arctic programme is being launched on 27 January at the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, Norway.
Youth perspectives are also a Nordic priority in the Arctic. As an example, the Nordic Council of Ministers has contributed to funding the Arctic Youth Conference 2025. The forum takes place in Tromsø on 24 – 26 January prior to the Arctic Frontiers conference.
“Engaging with youth is essential to understand where the world will be heading next. Therefore, I am especially looking forward to a meeting with representatives from the Arctic Youth Conference”, says Ms. Ellemann.
Strong Nordic presence at Arctic Frontiers 2025
In addition to launching the Nordic Arctic programme, Secretary General Ellemann has an extensive program both on the main stage and in side-events.
Institutions under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers such as Nordic Energy Research, NordForsk, Nordic Innovation and Nordregio are also strongly present at this year’s Arctic Frontiers.
Facts about the Nordic Arctic Programme 2025-2027
The Nordic Arctic Programme 2025-2027 aims to support socially, economically, and environmentally resilient Arctic communities. By promoting robust civil societies, sustainable economic growth, and green transitions, the programme aims to supports local initiatives and partnerships that inspire resilience across the Nordic-Arctic region. Through this programme the Nordic Council of Ministers will back innovative Arctic projects aligned with the Nordic Council of Ministers 2030 vision.
10 million Danish Kroner annually over 3 years, which amounts to 30 million Danish Kroner or approx. 4 million Euro
Open call administered by the The Nordic Institute in Greenland (NAPA)
Strategic funding component administered by the Nordic Council of Ministers secretariat
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