Save the Date: Forum on the Arctic Security

Arctic security has had and continues to have profound impact on Nordic and European Arctic. We, six Nordic Universities located in the European Arctic, call for an open dialogue and increased cooperation between academia and stakeholders; policy makers, defense forces, cities, communities, and businesses to address the security challenges our region is facing. Building on the success of the first “Forum on Arctic Security: Total Defense in the Fennoscandian Arctic – Perspectives from Sweden, Norway, and Finland”, held in Tromsø, Norway in April 2025, we are now inviting you to join a follow-up Forum, which will feature high-level presentations and discussions with co-creation of new joint initiatives.

Join us at the Arctic Security Forum in Oulu on June 16-17, 2026, for an event where we will first gather for a full day presentations and discussions on the most pressing Arctic security issues of today, followed by a second day with three co-creation workshops to establish new cooperation, projects and plans under the main three topics of the forum:

Theme 1: Total Defense

Theme 2: Transportation

Theme 3: Preparedness in the North

Program outline

Venue: Hotel Lasaretti, Kasarmitie 13, Oulu

June 16, 2026

Security Forum, Aurora Hall

8.30 Registration

9.00 Opening and Keynotes

10.00 Coffee/networking

10.30 Panel: Total Defense

12.00 Lunch

13.00 Panel: Transportation

14.30 Coffee/networking

15.00 Panel: Preparedness in the North

16.30 Closing

June 17, 2026

Workshops, Puisto-Patio Hall

9.00 Introduction to workshop

EU funding opportunities

10.00 Workshops: Total defense (Puisto-Patio Hall), Linna (Transportation) and Rossi (Preparedness in the North) cabinets

12.00 Lunch break

13.00 Workshops continue (as before)

14.00 Joint feedback session, Puisto-Patio Hall

15.00 Next steps

15.30 Closing

What is Arctic Six?

The Arctic Six unites six leading Northern Nordic Universities: Luleå University of Technology, Umeå University, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Nord University, the University of Lapland, and the University of Oulu. Arctic Six provides unique, interdisciplinary insights and solutions tailored to European Arctic-specific issues. Our networks and close ties to local communities ensure practical, inclusive approaches to address the evolving geopolitical and security landscape in Fennoscandia. Arctic Six represents therefore a transformative approach to Arctic challenges by integrating academic excellence with stakeholder needs. Through interdisciplinary research, education, and collaboration, the alliance plays a vital role in enhancing security, sustainability, and cooperation in the Arctic region.