Among the participants at the conference were both current and former participants in the student exchange program between the two universities.
 
In his speech, Mr Sivertsen underlined the importance of the cooperation between Norway and Russia in the field of research and education:
 
"In times with a worsened political climate between Russia and the EU and NATO member states, it is especially important that the people to people cooperation continues" said Mr Sivertsen.
 
He also emphasized the importance of student exchange between Arctic countries, and presented several proposals on how to develop this cooperation further:
 
"Student exchange is important for cultural understanding and networking between people and countries. I propose to establish a circumpolar mobility program for student exchange between the eight Arctic countries. This should be developed in close cooperation between the universities, governments and the business sector. At the same time it is important that the mobility program addresses the joint challenges and opportunities we have in the Arctic" said Mr Sivertsen.