Barents Road International Organization aims to foster increased cooperation and dialogue across borders. Today we need international collaboration and functional structures for cross-border cooperation more than ever before.
Members of the Barents Road International Organization from Finland, Norway, and Sweden gathered in Bodø—both in person and online—for the annual congress this year, hosted by the cities of Bodø and Saltdal. The event took place from the 24th to the 26th of November, 2024.
Key presentations:
Astrid Aleksandra Hansen, Project Coordinator at Salten Regional Council: Presented Youth Salten, aimed at strengthening youth participation, fostering regional cooperation, and discouraging emigration.
Maria Hansen presented project “Dreams of Salten” which is a part of Bodö Capital of Culture 2024.
Stig Frode Olsen, Head of the International Office at Nordland County Council: Discussed The Arctic Paradox, covering population development, workforce access, housing, renewable energy, climate changes, and geopolitical turbulences in the Arctic region.
Monica Ahyee, Director at Innovation Norway Nordland: Focused on innovation and growth in Nordland, highlighting potential collaboration opportunities.
Site Visits:
Nord University and the High North Center: International center for research, education and communication, connected to societal and business development in the Arctic.
Center for Crisis Management and Collaboration (Nordlab): Specializes in preparedness and collaboration.
Wood Hotel Bodø: brand new hotel, primarily constructed from wood, inspired by the nature of Bodø and local traditions.
The second day of the Annual Congress included the formal part of the meeting with elections of a new Barents Road Board, Nomination Committee and more. World Café workshop followed the formal meeting to develop concrete activities for the next year.
Representatives from Host Cities Bodø and Saltdal, Norway:
Bodø: Deputy Mayor Ida Gudding Johnsen, City Chairmanship Board Members Lena Breivik and Ingunn Skogmo Nordvang, International Adviser Johanne Hansen Kobberstad.
Saltdal: City Chairmanship Board Members Tora Lovise W. Johansen and Sandra Mietinen, Project Manager at Saltdal Utveckling KF Elin Kvamme, Managing Director at Salten Regionråd Allan Allingsen, Coordinator at Salten Regionråd Maria Hansen.
Representatives from Finland:
Sonja Aatsinki, Director of The Local Federation of East Lapland
Sanna Kyllönen, Project Manager at The Local Federation of East Lapland
Seppo Selkälä, Vice Mayor of Salla
Tytti Tuominen, Project Manager at The Local Federation of East Lapland
Sanna Kotajarvi, Expert at the City of Kemi
Representatives from Sweden:
Daniel Smirat, Chair of Luleå Municipal Assembly and the Barents Road Organization
Mathias Karvonen, Mayor of Luleå
Ulrika Lundberg, Member of Luleå Municipal Assembly
Leif Nordström, Chair of Boden Municipal Assembly
Ove Bucht, Auditor
Nataliia Hammarberg, Coordinator of Barents Road International Organisation
About Barents Road International Organisation
Founded in 1997, the Barents Road International Organization aims to stimulate cooperation and dialogue within the Barents region. Its members include municipalities and organizations from Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Since 2018, the Barents Road Secretariat has been located in Luleå, Sweden.
Read more about the Barents Road International Organization here: Barents Road Organisation, Sverige, Luleå, barentsroad.org or contact Nataliia Hammarberg nataliia.hammarberg@lulea.se
Text: Nataliia Hammarberg
Photography: Elin Kvamme and Nataliia Hammarberg
28 November 2024
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