The Nordic Arctic region faces unique challenges and opportunities, including sparse population, limited accessibility, economic dependency on few industries, alongside vast natural resources. These dynamics, combined with the accelerating impacts of climate change and the potential for increased activity in areas such as resource extraction and shipping, have highlighted the Arctic’s global significance.

Nordregio brings a distinct Nordic comparative perspective to Arctic research and policy development. We collaborate with public authorities and local stakeholders to address critical issues such as climate adaptation and climate change impacts on socio-ecological systems. Our comprehensive data collection supports informed policymaking, while active engagement with indigenous communities ensures inclusive and co-designed research. These efforts contribute to our assessments of changes in ecosystem services, and governance of natural resources. Through this work, Nordregio equips policymakers with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed decisions that ensure sustainable development and resilience in the Arctic region.

Member for Denmark (chairman)
Kasper Lykke Kirkelund Søndergaard
Danish Housing and Planning Authority
kasson@plst.dk

Sara Aasted Paarup, Vicedirektør (Deputy Member)
Plan – og Landdistriktsstyrelsen
sarpaa@bpst.dk

Member for Norway
Erik Vieth Pedersen, Director-General
Ministry of Local Governments and Regional Development
evp@kdd.dep.no

Ronny Kristiansen (Deputy Member)
Department of regional policy, KDD

Member for Sweden
Maria Eriksson, Senior Advisor
Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure
maria.m.eriksson@regeringskansliet.se

Mattias Moberg, Head of Unit, (Deputy Member)
Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure

Members for Finland
Olli Voutilainen, Senior Officer
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
olli.voutilainen@tem.fi

Venla Bernelius, Leading Expert (Deputy Member)
City of Helsinki
venla.bernelius@helsinki.fi 

Member for Island
Björn Ingi Óskarsson, Lawyer
Ministry of Infrastructure
bjorn.i.oskarsson@irn.is

Aðalsteinn Þorsteinsson, Director (Deputy Member)
Ministry of Infrastructure

Member for Åland
Katarina Fellman, Director
Statistics and Research Åland
katarina.fellman@asub.ax

Member for the Faroe Islands
Eyðun Christiansen, Director
Association of Local Governments
eydunc@kf.fo

Representative from Nordregio staff
Nora Sánchez Gassen, Senior Research Fellow
Nordregio
nora.sanchezgassen@nordregio.org