Welcome to Nordregio Forum 2025 – the annual research conference for regional development in the Nordics! Bringing together regional and local policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, the conference will turn to one of the most urgent issues of our time: crisis resilience.
This is your platform for dialogue, collaboration, and research-based solutions. Through inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and peer-to-peer exchange, we’ll explore how Nordic regions can tackle today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s uncertainties.
Join us in Lahti, Finland, on 3–4 December as we dive deeper into the regional issues shaping our future.
Strengthening crisis readiness for resilient, sustainable, and flourishing Nordic Regions
Given the current geopolitical climate, the ability to manage both everyday challenges and crises is crucial for developing robust, attractive and sustainable regions. But how prepared are the Nordic regions to meet these challenges head-on?
When a crisis strikes, who do you turn to first? Often, the answer is close to home. In the Nordic region, turning to our neighbours isn’t just instinct—it’s strategy. By strengthening cooperation, we build collective resilience. Together, we can shape urban and rural communities that not only endure disruption but continue to grow, adapt, and flourish.
You’re invited to join this important discussion and connect with your neighbours. Welcome to the Nordregio annual research conference!
Programme
3 December – day 1
09:30-10:00 Registration & coffee
10:00-10:10 Introduction
10:10-10:20 Welcome remarks
10:20-10:45 Keynote 1
10:45-11:20 Keynote 2
11:20-11:40 Coffee break
11:40-12:00 Researcher presentation
12:00-13:00 Panel session
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-16:00 Parallel study trips
17:00-18:00 Guided tour of Lahti Visual Arts Museum Malva
18:30 Conference dinner
4 December – day 2
09:00-09:30 Coffee & mingle
09:30-09:35 Introduction
09:35-09:45 Study trips in short
09:45-10:15 Keynote 3
10:15-10:45 Researcher presentation
10:45-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:30 Parallel workshops
12:30-12:45 Teaser interview: State of the Nordic Region 2026!
12:45-13:00 Lunch & end
Location
Located by the beautiful Lake Vesijärvi, Sibelius Hall is a congress- and concert center at the heart of Lahti.
Travel
Travelling to Lahti couldn’t be easier! Head over to our friends Visit Lahti for the best advice how to get there.
Hotel
A selection of recommended hotels will be shared in August 2025.
Register for free today!
FAQ
Who can attend?
Nordregio Forum is designed for a wide range of professionals and stakeholders working with regional, rural, and urban development across the Nordic countries.
Policymakers at national, regional, and local levels
Researchers and academics in regional development and sustainability
Industry leaders and innovators in green technology and planning
Urban and regional planners
Public sector professionals involved in environmental and social policy
NGOs and civil society actors engaged in sustainable development
How much does a conference ticket cost?
The conference ticket is free of charge, which includes access to all seminars, lunch on both days, conference dinner on day 1 and transport to and from the study trip. Travel to and from the conference and hotel is not included in the ticket.
Will the conference also be streamed online?
No, this year we will only host the forum as an in-person event. Selected sessions will be recorded and shared through various platforms by mid-December 2025.
Why is the conference held in Lahti?
Finland hold the 2025 Nordic Council of Ministers chairmanship, therefore the conference is held in Finland. Lahti was chosen as a great location being situated just 1 hour from Helsinki and will offer participants the opportunity to explore a city beyond a capital.
When do I need to book my conference ticket?
We recommend booking your ticket at your earliest convenience. We have a limited number of spaces for the Forum this year.
Where is the conference dinner held?
The dinner will be at Malskin Bistro which is located in the Visuals Arts Museum Malva.
Contact us
Contact Event Manager Melina Viking for any inquiries about the Forum:
+46 733 48 43 98
