High North Hero 2025: Looking Back on Norway's Chairship of The Arctic Council: "You Have to Be Respectful to All Members"
Editor-in-Chief of High North News, Trine Jonassen, sit down with the High North Hero 2025 and chair of the Arctic Council for Norway, Morten Høglund. (Video and editing: Markus J. Thonhaugen, High North Center)
Bodø (High North News): Chair of the Arctic Council, Morten Høglund, reflects on the two years that have passed and Norway taking over the chairship from a Russia at war. "It was intense, like being inside a tumble dryer. But very rewarding". And the most important task: Keeping the council alive as Denmark takes over as chair in May.
Norway’s Arctic Ambassador Morten Høglund is the receiver of the 2025 High North Hero Award. The honor recognizes his success in maintaining cooperation during heightened geopolitical tensions.
The jury specifically noted his «exceptional leadership in navigating the Arctic Council’s operations in a challenging time of geopolitical tension». The award was presented to Høglund during the High North Dialogue conference in Bodø, on March 27.
Here, Høglund is interviewed by High North News Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen shortly after receiving the award.
The High North Hero Award is an annual honor established by the High North Center for Business and Governance to recognize individuals, organizations, or companies who have contributed to highlighting or developing the High North region.
High North News is an independent newspaper published by the High North Center at the Nord university. High North News follows the Norwegian Press Code of Ethics and is edited according to the Association of Norwegian Editors – Rights and Duties of the Editor.