It's quiet in Katuaq this afternoon. Only a few guests are in the café and the large foyer. At a table in the café sits the director of Sulisitsisut (Greenland's Erherv), Christian Keldsen, looking out over the room.
- You're always excited. I would also say that if you're doing such a big event and you're not excited, then something's wrong, says Christian Keldsen and laughs a little.
Ticket sales for Future Greenland opened on January 29, and two weeks later all tickets were snapped up.
- We've always been sold out, at one point or another, but not in 14 days, says Christian Keldsen.
Record number of media participating
The great international interest in Greenland and the conference's guest list has also left its mark on the media image. Among others, Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry and the US ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery have announced their arrival.
For the first time, a record number of media are participating in the conference.
In addition to local and Danish media, international media such as The Wall Street Journal, BBC and Bloomberg News are also coming to Nuuk.
Normally, around a handful of media participate in the conference. This year, 30 media have registered, and several are already on the waiting list.
Some are bringing their own security personnel
The many VIP guests also mean that the security efforts surrounding the conference will be significantly more extensive than usual.
On both Tuesday and Wednesday, participants will likely encounter more security personnel in and around the conference. Some guests also bring their own security personnel.
- There are some people who come in who have their own security with them. Both some who are invited and some who are not invited. So people are part of our program. For the past many years, we have targeted the embassies. It is an active effort that we are out and about to visit the embassies to get them to participate.
- The ambassadors must be protected. The recipient country, that is, Denmark Greenland, does that, says Christian Keldsen.
In addition, the authorities will also be responsible for part of the security work. Christian Keldsen does not want to go into detail about the security efforts, but confirms that this time more resources have been spent in the area.
- And you have to remember again that there is no security risk. But it is a question of uncovering what it is, and then just anticipating and having a plan for the circumstances. And we are doing that. So safety is top notch, says Christian Keldsen.
