Greenland’s youth share visions for the country’s future at Nuuk conference
Some 400 young Greenlanders gathered in Nuuk this week to discuss their aspirations for the future of Kalaallit Nunaat, as part of a youth-focused conference organised by Greenland Business (Grønlands Erhverv).
The event, titled Future of Greenland, serves as a junior edition of the upcoming Future Greenland business conference, where industry leaders will convene in the capital in ten days. Participants were asked how they envision their country’s development—and what role they hope to play in shaping it.
Calls for stronger Nordic ties and local empowerment
Dina Larsen emphasised the need for deeper collaboration with Greenland’s Nordic neighbours. “We could have better cooperation with the other North Atlantic countries,” she said, drawing on her own experience working in the Faroe Islands. “We can inspire each other. When we exchange skills and experiences, we can develop our country.”
For Parnuuna Olsen, inclusivity is key. “I want a Greenland where there’s room for everyone—whether you’re a man, woman, or trans,” they said, criticising conservative attitudes toward tradition. “One of my friends was discriminated against for wearing a beaded necklace because it was seen as feminine. But beads are a Greenlandic tradition.” Olsen stressed that progress should not be held back by the past: “It’s the future, and we shouldn’t let ourselves be limited by old ways.”
Balancing urban growth with rural opportunities
Mike Mak’e, from the eastern town of Tasiilaq, called for investment beyond the capital. “I hope development happens not just in Nuuk but in smaller towns too,” he said. “Right now, I have to move to the west coast just to study. I miss Tasiilaq and would have stayed if there were a high school or other education options there.”
Isa Petersen urged greater global engagement. “Greenland should expand its cooperation with the world,” she said. “We need to teach people more about Greenland and share what we can offer.” Petersen plans to contribute by travelling abroad as a volunteer: “I love learning about new cultures and seeing how others live differently. I want to show people who I am—and through that, they’ll get to know Greenland.”
Self-determination and local focus
Maalia Skifte advocated for greater autonomy, though she avoided the term “independence.” “I want us to be more self-governing—to have our own country that we decide over ourselves,” she said. While her desired education isn’t available in Greenland, she intends to return after studying in Denmark: “This is where my roots are, where my family and friends are. I want to contribute to a brighter future here.”
Uiloq Bak argued that young Greenlanders should prioritise domestic issues over foreign news. “Many young people don’t follow what’s happening in Greenland—they focus on other countries,” they said. “The more we talk about Greenland, the more ideas we’ll have, and the more people will step up to make a difference.” Bak admitted to previously neglecting local news but now plans to discuss it more with friends and family.
Poul Jensen, a student at Greenland Business School, framed his ambitions in terms of reciprocity. “My country has given me a lot, so I want to give something back,” he said. “I’d like to work on something interesting—maybe trade or office work—that can improve living standards for future generations.”