True North 2026:-The start of a new future in Northern Norway

That children and young people Is crucial to the development of attractive and robust communities in the north is nothing new. But is it enough for young people to want to stay in the region?

Northern Norway is described Of the government as Norway’s most important strategic focus area and the prime minister have reported that the next big promise will be a youth promise. There are not two different things, but initiatives that are mutually dependent on each other.

Tromsø has become assigned the title European Youth Capital (EYC) for 2026 and will be through the project True North 2026 Work to ensure that young people between the ages of 15-35 want to live, work and create throughout Northern Norway and the Arctic. As part of True North 2026 Takes Tromsø municipality, in collaboration with players throughout Northern Norway, takes an important step to secure the region’s future. This is not just a youth project, but a social investment.

The initiative to stay European youth capital is larger than just Tromsø, and comes from a need to secure the youth perspective throughout the region. We now want to invite the business community and the government to participate in this initiative.

Northern Norway has a Seally strategic significance, both nationally and internationally. In order for us to safeguard important resource management for the Norwegian economy and contribute to the collective defense, we need both labor and expertise in the north. Lessons from the war in Ukraine show that well -functioning and strong societies that can maintain and support themselves in crises allow the public to direct their services to those who really need it. Young people are central to securing robust societies, which is an important part of local and national preparedness. In order for Northern Norway to be an attractive place to live and work, we must focus on our young people. True North 2026 may be the starting shot on such a commitment.

The educational institutions UiT and Northern University Gives us replenishment to educated and competent young people that we should benefit from the working life here in the north. If we manage to keep them, the region will have the impact needed to meet future challenges, whether it is security, climate or business development. Without young people who choose to settle in the region, our overall emergency preparedness is weakened.

We don’t just need To keep today’s youth in the region – we must also attract young newcomers. There is a need for more people in both city and district. In addition, it is elementary that young people see greater opportunities than just a workplace. We must arrange for them to become citizens with participation opportunities, interests and a sense of belonging. The labor of the future is being created now, and it is crucial that we give them the best conditions for coming and staying.

It is hard to Adapt a suit without taking measures of the person who will use it. If we want this region to be an attractive place for young people, then young people must be able to shape it. Instead of adult decision makers guessing what young people need, we need to facilitate diverse and representative participation processes that ensure that young people help shape the Northern Norway of the future. Good participation is also a societal cheekback – we are left with better solutions and young people with greater belonging and ownership of our region.

In addition to listeningthen money must be put on the table. We can get as good input as we want, but without actually dedicating the resources to create better societies and services in the north, young people will opt out of our region. Northern Norway must have a working and study life that is attractive to young, good and safe frameworks to build a life, and rewarding and interesting activities to fill your free time. It does not come by itself and will demand the ability and willingness to invest in Northern Norwegian communities.

We now see a unique The opportunity to link the government’s northern area strategy with True North 2026. With the right funding and cooperation, this can be a lasting effort that ensures a viable and strong region for many years to come. That is why we invite the government and all relevant players in the region to build a Northern Norway where young people not only work and live, but also help to create The future.

Ole Gunnar Håland

Kristoffer Karlsen

Tromsø municipality

Mari Bondevik

Brynjar Andersen sauce

True North 2026