Programme
Programme overview
The UArctic Congress 2026 will take place at the arena Við Tjarnir, located at Atlagøta, 188 Hoyvík, just outside Tórshavn. The event will span several days of activities:25 May – Welcome reception, Thematic Networks Meetings26–28 May – UArctic Congress, Ocean Connectivity Conference & Rectors’ Forum29 May – UArctic Assembly
From 26–28 May, the Congress programme will feature 11 parallel session tracks running across six time slots each day, alongside thematic keynote sessions with chairs and panel discussions.
The programme combines high-level plenaries, academic exchange, Indigenous knowledge perspectives, and networking opportunities, highlighting the priorities of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council Chairship and the vital link between the Arctic and the oceans.
The Ocean Connectivity Conference is integrated throughout all three Congress days, with dedicated parallel sessions each day and a special focus during Ocean Day on 28 May.
The programme below is preliminary and subject to change. A final detailed programme, including session titles and speakers, will be published on our website in spring 2026.
Monday, 25 May
Participants are warmly invited to a Welcome Home reception, kindly hosted by Atlantic Airways. The informal gathering offers an opportunity to pick up name badges and connect with fellow participants ahead of the Congress opening the following morning.
Tuesday, 26 May – Opening Day
The Congress officially opens at 09:00 with a cultural performance, followed by welcome addresses and keynote speeches, and a youth panel, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Congress sessions begin later in the morning and continue throughout the day across the programme themes.
In the evening, participants are invited to the Official Opening Reception in Tórshavn city centre, offering an opportunity to connect across disciplines, institutions, and regions.
Wednesday, 27 May
Wednesday begins at 08:00 and offers a full day of academic exchange across the Congress themes, including thematic keynote sessions featuring chairs and panel discussions.
The day concludes at approximately 18:10.
The Rectors’ Forum will take place at Fiskastykkið on 27 May. This invited event gathers rectors and institutional leaders for strategic dialogue on Arctic collaboration and higher education.
Thursday, 28 May – Ocean Day
Thursday highlights Ocean Day, bringing particular attention to the Ocean Connectivity Conference as an integrated part of the overall Congress programme.
Ocean-related themes will be especially prominent throughout the day, including thematic keynote sessions focused on ocean connectivity and cooperation. The broader interdisciplinary scope of the Congress continues across all session tracks.
The Congress concludes with a Closing Session, featuring keynote addresses, followed by the final reception: Ocean Night (from approximately 18:30), including a cultural element celebrating Arctic–Ocean connections.
Friday, 29 May – UArctic Assembly
The UArctic Assembly will take place at Kongshøll. The Assembly is open to all registered participants; however, it is primarily attended by UArctic member institutions and institutions considering or in the process of becoming members.