20.11.24

Mapping Northern Futures: What opportunities do young people see in Tromsø and Reykjavik?

In the fall of 2024, Folke started a project called Mapping Northern Futures. The initiative has received funding from NORA - Nordic Atlantic Cooperation.

Together, young people from Tromsø and Reykjavik explore how to better cope and prepare in our fast-changing world. A small group with young adults from Tromsø went on a studytrip to Reykjavik 4.-7. November 2024. Activities will be concluded with a workshop in Tromsø in the spring of 2025.

We are already seeing how our northern communities have changed - and are developing. The way we live, study and work is not the same as before. Younger generations have different dreams and ideas about what a good and meaningful life can be. Our world has become multicultural because people are on the move, for various reasons. Some have been driven to flight. Others are drawn to opportunities and jobs. Technology such as artificial intelligence and interaction on the internet and in apps offer new, great opportunities, but can also lead us into problems and have negative effects.

To strengthen confidence in the future and facilitate new initiatives, this pre-project will:

• Through networking and desk research, identify main partners in North Norway (focus location Tromsø) and Iceland

• Build knowledge about futures thinking methods

• Build knowledge about citizen social science, and how it can be implemented in this project

Background

Young people living in Northern Norway and Iceland have opportunities. But they also face some challenges.

Their societies have an ageing population, many choose to move from rural areas to urban centres, too many drop out of education, traditional industries are closing down, and there are labour shortages. On an individual level, many struggle with loneliness and mental health problems. More entrepreneurs are needed who are able to see new opportunities - “beyond the horizon” - and start new, sustainable businesses.

Our communities must become healthier and more inclusive. According to the WHO, health, social conditions, environment and economic growth are closely linked. WHO recommends that all societies make the necessary changes to build healthy and future-oriented places. For this to happen, we must use both critical and creative thinking. We need to improve our future thinking skills.