UArctic Congress 2026 and Ocean Connectivity Conference Conclude in Tórshavn
After months of preparation and an intensive week of discussions, networking, and knowledge exchange, UArctic Congress 2026 and the Ocean Connectivity Conference have concluded in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
The Congress brought together close to 1,400 participants from nearly 50 countries, including researchers, Indigenous representatives, students, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders from across the Circumpolar North and beyond.
Over three days, participants took part in nearly 200 sessions and events covering topics such as Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities, Oceans, Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Economic Development and International Cooperation. In total, the academic programme featured 189 parallel sessions across 14 tracks, making use of every available space at the Congress venue, Við Tjarnir.
Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities was the largest thematic area, accounting for 72 sessions. The Oceans theme, which formed the core of the Ocean Connectivity Conference, featured 43 sessions, while Sustainable Economic Development and International Cooperation accounted for 32 sessions.
The Congress also featured an extensive poster programme with close to 200 posters presented across five poster sessions. Together with oral presentations, panel discussions, workshops, roundtables, exhibitions, and other formats, the programme involved no fewer than 937 presenters.
In addition to the main Congress programme, approximately 70 participants attended the Rectors’ Forum, while around 150 representatives took part in the UArctic Assembly.
Beyond the academic programme, participants experienced Faroese culture through musical performances, local food, receptions, and excursions across the islands. These activities provided opportunities for dialogue and exchange beyond the conference venue and offered participants a chance to experience the Faroe Islands first-hand.
The organisers would also like to thank the many Faroese contributors who shared their culture, knowledge, hospitality, and traditions throughout the week, helping make UArctic Congress 2026 and the Ocean Connectivity Conference a truly memorable experience.
Supporting the next generation of Arctic researchers and leaders remained a central priority. Through the support of sponsors and partners, 115 students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers received financial assistance to participate in the Congress.
The organisers would like to extend their sincere thanks to all participants, presenters, volunteers, sponsors, partners, exhibitors, and contributors who helped make UArctic Congress 2026 and the Ocean Connectivity Conference possible. Special thanks are also due to the many volunteers whose efforts were essential throughout the week.
As the Congress concludes, the discussions, partnerships, and collaborations initiated in Tórshavn will continue to contribute to research, education, and cooperation across the Arctic and beyond.