The Arctic is one of the most sensitive regions on Earth and is particularly affected by global warming. We have invited decision-makers and experts in the field to discuss geopolitical and scientific developments in the region in order raise awareness of various collaborative research projects in the Arctic.
To complement the discussions, the event will open the exhibition Stars of Polar Night by Esther Horvath.
International Arctic research provides essential scientific information about the mechanics of climate change and offers key insights into how we can best tackle this global challenge through international cooperation. The melting of Arctic sea ice has also made the region vulnerable to conflicting economic interests and a target for security policies. This can hinder the coordinated fight against climate change, particularly in the Arctic.
Program
Moderator: Gosia Smieszek-Rice, Deputy Secretary, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), Norway
16:00: Opening
Jan Kantorczyk, Minister Counsellor, Acting Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Oslo
16:05: Welcome addresses
- Ragnhild Hennum, Rector at The University of Oslo
- Anne Lindboe, Mayor of Oslo
16:15: Political keynote speech
- Fran?ois Hollande, Former President of the French Republic (2012-2017) during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) hosted in Paris
16:30: Political panel discussion
- Sigrun Aasland, Minister of Education and Research, Norway
- Marcus Hicken, Director for Energy Diplomacy, Climate and Security at the Federal Foreign Office, Germany
- Florence Robine, Ambassador of France to Norway
17:05: Short break: musical performance
17:10: Presentation
- Denis Mercier, Professor of Physical Geography, Sorbonne University, France
17:15: Panel discussion with a focus on science
- Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute
- Marcel Nicolaus, Sea Ice Physicist and Deputy Head of the Sea Ice Physics Section at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Germany
- Christina Voigt, Professor at the Department of Public and International Law, University of Oslo
17:45: Introduction to the exhibition “Stars of Polar Night”
- Esther Horvath, Photographer and Visual Science Communicator, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Germany
18:00: Reception
19:00: Optional: Guided tour of the photo exhibition in front of Domus Bibliotheca by Esther Horvath
19:30: End of the event
Doors and registration open at 15:30.
Stars of Polar Night Exhibition
The open-air exhibition by Esther Horvath will be on display at Universitetsplassen on 27 October to coincide with the “Climate Talk” event. From 28 October to 23 November, the exhibition will be on display in the Oslo City Hall exhibition area, between City Hall and Olav Vs Plass.
Esther Horvath, photographer for the Alfred Wegener Institute and National Geographic Explorer, has documented Arctic climate research since 2015. Her series “Stars of Polar Night” captures life and science during the polar night, focusing on the French German Arctic Research Base AWIPEV, the Norwegian Polar Institute, Kings Bay, and other institutes at Ny-?lesund Research Station, Svalbard.
The exhibition is funded by National Geographic Society, based on Esther Horvath’ National Geographic Wayfinder Award.
About "Climate Talks meets Art"
"Climate Talks meets Art" is a collaboration between the Embassies of France and Germany in Norway, the Alfred Wegener Institute and the University of Oslo, Department of Public and International Law.
For updates, visit the official Climate Talks Facebook page.
Participate
The event is free and open to all.
Register by 22 October 2025. Sign up via the link below if you want to participate in person.
You can also follow the event via streaming. The streaming will begin when the event starts.
Welcome!
Accessibility during your visit
If you need an elevator or any other form of assistance when visiting us, please call this number upon arrival: + 47 90 13 17 55.
About Scene Domus Bibliotheca
Scene Domus Bibliotheca is the University of Oslo's dialogue and communication arena, located at The University Square in downtown Oslo. Here, you can participate in debates, conversations, and listen to exciting lectures.
Curious about what's happening here? Follow Universitetsplassen - UiO on Facebook for exciting updates.
See full program for Domus Bibliotheca here