"I had the privilege of attending the Arctic Youth Conference in Tromsø, Norway, from January 24 to 26, 2025, representing Beyond Borders Youth Network. This conference featured a packed agenda designed to foster meaningful discussions, celebrate Arctic culture, and create collaboration opportunities. My participation was made possible by a grant from the University of the Arctic.
During the conference, the main topics included youth mental health, youth engagement, and climate change. Key discussions centered around how to support mental well-being among Arctic youth, strategies for increasing youth involvement in community and decision-making processes, and addressing the impacts of climate change on Arctic communities. The role of art in knowledge sharing was highlighted as a powerful tool for making information more creative and accessible. Additionally, while food security and sovereignty were discussed in a side event, the importance of these topics in connecting communities through culture sharing and storytelling was evident. The interconnectedness of community and connection was emphasized throughout the sessions, with youth leaders expressing their commitment to building sustainable, resilient futures in the Arctic.
I gained valuable insights into the European Youth Parliament's processes, engaged in policy discussions, and networked with Arctic parliamentarians and a Sami representative. We explored successful strategies in the Yukon and addressed the challenges of youth engagement and tokenism, particularly for youth and people of color.
The grant from the University of the Arctic was instrumental in enabling my participation. This experience has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It reinforced my confidence by affirming that organizations like UArctic believe in the contributions of young leaders like myself. Attending the conference allowed me to engage in potential future collaborations, represent the visible minority on an international platform, and deepen my understanding of indigenous cultures. These insights and connections will significantly benefit my work with Beyond Borders Youth Network, a nonprofit organization in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada, dedicated to supporting young immigrants and refugees through skill-building, networking, and volunteering. The knowledge and leadership skills I gained from this conference will help strengthen our community, promote inclusivity, and foster resilience among young people.
Thank you to the University of the Arctic for supporting my participation and empowering me to contribute to the future of the Arctic."
Part of the YoungArctic project, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. YoungArctic is a collaboration between High North Center (at Nord University), UArctic, and International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA).Follow the project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngarcticproject/