From October 17th to 19th, 2024, the Business and Tourism Development Company participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik. The program covered a wide range of topics in politics, science, and business, with a focus on the Arctic.
The event provided leaders, decision-makers, researchers, and students with the opportunity to contribute insights and questions to various discussions, making the assembly both essential and valuable.
This year, the organizers introduced a new initiative, the Arctic Circle Business Assembly, which exclusively featured business-focused sessions with participants from around the world. Topics such as trade in the Arctic and North America, business collaborations, renewable energy, hydropower plants, and investment opportunities across the Arctic were among the subjects addressed.
“It was interesting to listen to the many opportunities that arise when dialogue between decision-makers brings up potential collaboration projects, such as transport between North America and Greenland instead of the traditional route between Greenland and Europe,” said Gerth P. Olsen.
This year, Director Gerth P. Olsen also participated in a panel presentation alongside Visit Greenland, Innovation South Greenland, and Arctic Circle Destination, focusing on how tourism can be developed and expanded both nationally and regionally—each offering their unique perspectives.
“Our door is not wide open for our guests; we also have conditions and limitations. We develop guidelines, among other things, so that everyone agrees on the rules on both sides. Yes, we want more tourists to come to our region, but it should not come at the expense of the peace and quiet of the residents,” was one of the messages presented by Olsen.
Additionally, the Destination Manager participated in The Arctic Policy Hackathon as one of the future decision-makers in the Arctic, organized in part by the Arctic Mayors’ Forum.
“During two and a half days with other young people from the Arctic, we discussed the strengths, values, and challenges we face in our respective countries. One of the topics was how Indigenous peoples have been and continue to be deeply affected by colonialism. We also focused on how we can protect our environment and communities and developed recommendations for improving infrastructure,” said Navarana Bidstrup, Destination Manager.
