At a geopolitical turning point, Oulu brings its voice to Arctic Frontiers

The Arctic region is at the centre of global attention as security, resilience, cooperation and sustainable development reshape the North. Oulu will once again participate in Arctic Frontiers in Tromsø, where the 2026 conference theme Turn of the Tide explores how northern cities and communities can respond to a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

This year, Oulu will contribute to several programme events focusing on security, societal preparedness and the role of cities in cross-border governance within the broader geopolitical landscape. The city will be represented on stage by Mayor Ari Alatossava and Oulun Energia Director Kimmo Alatulkkila, who will share perspectives from one of the largest Arctic urban cities.

Business & Burger – Cross-Border regional cooperation in challenging times

Held in conjunction with Arctic Frontiers, the Business & Burger event brings together Northern Nordic Mayors’ Panel to discuss the roles of companies, society and individuals amid geopolitical change. The panel will address local and national responsibilities, preparedness in northern regions, municipal practices related to NATO and allied cooperation, as well as the importance of businesses and Nordic cross-border collaboration between Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Business & Burger
Monday, 2 February at 17:00 (UTC +1)
Restaurant Skirri

Communities at the Core of Nordic Resilience and Safety

On Tuesday, Arctic city leaders will gather for a panel discussion highlighting the growing need for close cross-border dialogue between Nordic Arctic communities. The discussion will focus on shared strengths of the Nordic model – trust, democratic values, high competence and education – and how municipalities can strengthen resilience and social sustainability in a changing security environment.

The panel will be moderated by Arctic Mayors Forum’s Patti Bruns and feature mayors from across the Nordic Arctic, including representatives from Oulu, Umeå, Tromsø, Luleå and Målselv.

Safety, Security and Social Sustainability in the Nordic Arctic
Tuesday, 3 February at 14:30–16:00 (UTC +1)
Roald Amundsen Hall, Saga Hotel

Self-Sufficiency to Energy Leaders: Arctic Solutions for an Energy-Secure Region

Director of Oulun Energia, Kimmo Alatulkkila, will represent Oulu in this panel discussion, which explores resilience and preparedness as core pillars of policy and practice across the Nordic region. The panel brings together representatives from Nordic energy cooperation, regional and municipal authorities, and mayors from Arctic cities to foster cross-sector dialogue and share practical insights on strengthening resilience across the Nordic region.

Self-sufficiency to energy leaders: Arctic solutions for an energy secure region¨
Thursday, 5 February at 10:00 - 11:30 (UTC +1)
Arbeidskontoret 1, The Edge hotel