The Faroe Islands and their capital, Tórshavn, have secured the prestigious UArctic Congress & Assembly 2026, a significant gathering of 600–1,000 international delegates from Arctic-focused universities, organisations, and enterprises. Organised by the University of the Faroe Islands (Setur) in collaboration with the Faroese Government and the Faroe Marine Research Institute, this milestone event highlights the country’s growing role in Arctic research and academic partnership.
As a university city, Tórshavn is strengthening its global academic connections while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The municipality actively invests in hosting international conferences that align with the nation’s long-term vision.
We speak with newly inaugurated Tórshavn Mayor Elsa Berg about the significance of UArctic 2026 for the city and beyond.
How does hosting a congress of this scale support sustainability and innovation in Tórshavn, and what initiatives is the city implementing to ensure a sustainable and innovative approach to such major Arctic events?
“Hosting a congress of this scale in Tórshavn plays a key role in promoting sustainability and innovation by facilitating the exchange of knowledge between nationalities, particularly on Arctic-related topics. Furthermore, it creates forums of knowledge and experiences, that we can learn from and build on to facilitate even more innovation.
“This type of event also creates opportunities for experts, researchers, students and industry leaders locally to collaborate on sustainable solutions, helping to drive progress in areas like environmental protection, climate resilience, and energy efficiency.
“In recent years, Tórshavn Municipality has also placed a strong emphasis on social sustainability when planning events. Event organisers seeking support from the municipality are encouraged to host public events for the local community, ideally in the Faroese language. We believe this is a way to fully make the most of the knowledge and expertise that conference attendees bring to Tórshavn. This could for example mean including local public schools, local innovators and so on. Recognising the effort required to travel to the Faroe Islands, we are committed to ensuring that visitors leave a positive and lasting impact on the city. Additionally, bringing together innovative individuals from neighbouring countries with similar living conditions will foster inspiration and hopefully initiate the development of creative solutions and ideas.
“Additionally, the municipality is open to supporting innovative solutions for organising the conference. This could include arranging eco-friendly transport options to and from the venue – perhaps even taking an alternative route for a unique experience.”
What message do you have for the international scientific community about collaborating with Tórshavn and the Faroe Islands?
“The Arctic has been under-researched, and there is a significant need to focus on this area now, particularly with the involvement of researchers who are born and reside in the region, as they possess the deepest understanding of the Arctic. Today, it is especially important to study and map the effects of climate change on the Arctic and explore potential solutions. As a Faroese student, studying in Iceland, I have experienced the benefits and importance of collaborations between nationalities.
“Having studied ecology, I recognise the critical importance of protecting plant life and biodiversity. I am aware that we have incredibly talented researchers in this field in the Faroe Islands, and I am confident that collaboration with skilled individuals from institutions such as “Fróðskaparsetur Føroya” here in Tórshavn will benefit all parties. A notable example of local energy innovation is SEV, the Faroe Islands’ power company. Due to its geographical isolation, the Faroe Islands cannot import electricity from neighbouring countries, necessitating a self-sufficient power infrastructure. The ambitious target to achieve a 100 per cent renewable energy sector by 2030 will be met through the integration of various energy sources, including solar energy, offshore wind power, tidal energy, and pumped storage. This is just one of many examples highlighting the critical role of innovation and the utilisation of local knowledge in developing sustainable energy solutions when you are not connected to mainland Europe.
“Tórshavn Municipality is working towards becoming a knowledge-driven municipality, and therefore we warmly welcome UArctic 2026.”
Is the city equipped to host a congress of this scale?
“We are fully prepared and enthusiastic about hosting a congress of this scale. The brand-new multi-area “Við Tjarnir” will serve as the venue, offering all modern amenities required. Surrounded by some of the Faroe Islands’ most stunning natural scenery, it promises to make the experience even more special for participants.
“Tórshavn offers everything you would expect from a capital – just on a smaller scale. Here you will find high-quality restaurants, cosy cafés, and excellent shops showcasing locally made goods. I also recommend exploring Tórshavn’s vibrant cultural scene during your visit, featuring contemporary art galleries, concerts, and theatre performances that showcase the unique heritage of the Faroe Islands. With its well-developed infrastructure, most of the villages in the Faroe Islands are within an hour’s drive away, making Tórshavn the ideal base for exploration. For those eager to explore the outdoors, there are several walking trails within the municipality. Particularly interesting are the beautiful villages and islands surrounding Tórshavn, each with its unique charm.
“Most importantly, Tórshavn has a lot of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in hosting events and conferences, ensuring that every aspect of the event will be handled with expertise and precision. The skilled hosts and excellent facilities, combined with the undeniable charm of Tórshavn, undoubtedly position the city as fully prepared to host this large-scale event.”
The capital city Tórshavn, the University and the Faroe Islands stand ready to engage researchers, policymakers, and institutions in shaping the future of Arctic knowledge at UArctic 2026.
