– A strong business community is crucial for Greenland's future. And this has only become even clearer with the situation we and the world are in.
This is what the director of the Greenland Business Association, Christian Keldsen, says, expressing that it is incredibly important that we see and seize the opportunities that exist here and now to develop Greenland and Greenland's business community.
Nothing about business – without business
The 10th edition of the Future Greenland conference, which will take place on 19-20 May in Nuuk, will take as its starting point the current geopolitical situation with a focus on Greenland's role and opportunities to take a strong place in both business development and the geopolitical situation unfolding around us – both with and without us.
Members of the Greenlandic Parliament often say: “Nothing about us – Without us”. The business community now agrees with “Nothing about business – without business”.
– We must not let a good crisis go to waste, as Winston Churchill said, says Christian Keldsen, director of Greenland Business, who expects that the number of participants will quickly reach the maximum of 500.
Greenland seen from the world
The conference will focus on the Faroe Islands, and what they have done to strengthen their blue economy. The starting point is a presentation by member of the Faroese parliament, Høgni Høydahl.
– We draw inspiration from the Faroe Islands, which have worked with energy, fishing and tourism. In addition, we will discuss AI technology, crypto mining and of course the raw materials sector, says Christian Keldsen, adding that we will also get up in the helicopter and look at Greenland from the outside world.
– At the conference we will be talking to representatives from NATO, the EU and the USA and thereby learn more about Greenland's position in the world. There will also be a special focus on expanding French trade relations under the heading "The view from Paris", and again this year a large delegation from Canada will be present at the conference. China's role in the Arctic is also on the agenda, says Christian Keldsen.
New concepts
Among the speakers are former US Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford and Director of NATO Strategic Communications Janis Sarts, as well as Arctic Ambassador Kenneth Høegh and former politician Aqqaluk Lynge. In addition to the various presentations, the conference will also be spiced up with a number of new concepts such as an ambassador's lounge and some special breakouts, where some of the participants will have lunch and hear a presentation elsewhere in Nuuk.
Young people's view of the future
The success of the 2024 youth conference "The Future of Greenland" is made possible again this year on May 6 in Nuuk due to sponsorships from the Bank of Greenland, Nunafonden, Naviair, Polar Seafood and the British Embassy.
– The Youth Conference runs 14 days before Future Greenland, and just like last year, we will be visited by a few of the young people at the Future Greenland Conference, who will present their messages and engage in a dialogue about the future of the world. Nothing about the youth – without the youth.
The Future Greenland conference will take place May 19-20 in Nuuk. For registration and further information: futuregreenland.gl
