Join Communication and Civil protection professionals from across the Nordic and Baltic regions for a high-impact conference focused crisis communication.
We are pleased to invite you to the Nordic Crisis Communication Conference 2025 and the Joint Crisis Communication in the Baltic Sea Region, taking place in Grand hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland, from December 3 to 5, 2025. This gathering of crisis communication experts offers a vital opportunity to strengthen our strategies, expand our network, and enhance our collective resilience. This conference is held in collaboration with The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), that is also generously funding the event.
This winter, as daylight shortens in Reykjavík, we will highlight some of the most pressing communication challenges facing our societies — and explore how we can unite to address them.
Agenda
December 3, 2025
17:00 – 19:00 Icebreaker event in Perlan (Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík)
Even though it’s December, we can’t promise the Northern Lights – and even though we’re waiting for the next volcanic eruption, we can’t promise that either – but what we can promise is a fun and memorable time at Perlan! We’ll start on the fifth floor with light refreshments and a chance to chat. After that, we’ll experience the Northern Lights, explore volcanoes, and even walk inside an ice cave – all in the same building!
To wrap things up, you’re welcome to return to the fifth floor if you’d like to continue the conversation.
December 4, 2025
08:30 – 09:00 Registration
09:00 – 09:10 Welcome to Iceland
Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, Minister of Justice
09:10 – 09:20 Civil Protection in Iceland: Effective Public Communication During Crises
Hjördís Guðmundsdóttir, Communication Manager for Civil Protection in Iceland
09:20 – 09:30 The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)
Vineta Polatside, Senior Adviser for Safe & Secure Region at the CBSS
09:30 – 10:15 Keynote: Leadership Under Pressure
In a country shaped by dramatic landscapes and unpredictable forces, leadership is constantly tested.
Speaker: Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland
Q&A
10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:15 Living on the edge
Sør-Varanger municipality faces a new reality on Norway’s northeastern frontier – just miles away from Russia.
Magnus Mæland, Mayor of Sør-Varanger in Norway (Magnus Mæland will participate through a pre-recorded interview)
Morten Harangen, Head of Press and special adviser, DSB
Q&A
11:15 – 11:35 Police Communications on the Baltic Sea Cable Offences
On Christmas Day, a police task force and the Border Guard took over the vessel that had cut the undersea cable with an anchor. Was it an accident or a test of how quickly the authorities are able to react?
Juuso Metsälä, Communication Specialist, Helsinki Police Department
Anna Zareff, Head of Communications, National Bureau of Investigation
11:35 – 12:00 Discussion
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 14:00 The Trump Administration and the Future of the Free Press in the US
Garrett M. Graff, Journalist, historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist
Q&A
14:00 – 14:20 Rumours During a Crisis
How rumours shape responses in times of uncertainty—and why transparent communication is key.
Henrik Olinder, Senior Expert in Crisis Communication, MSB
Q&A
14:20 – 14:40 Coffee break
14:40 – 15:10 The Case of Grindavík: Evacuating a Town — and Not Returning
Exploring the human and societal consequences of Grindavík’s sudden evacuation and its long-term impact on resilience and trust.
Otti Rafn Sigmarsson, Grindavík Native and Former Chair of ICE-SAR
Q&A
15:10 – 15:30 Swedish Gang Violence from a Communication Perspective
Examining how communication strategies shape public understanding and response to Sweden’s escalating gang violence.
Kristian Ljungberg, Head of Special Operations Communication (N7), Swedish Police
Q&A
15:30 – 16:00 Discussion
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19:00 Dinner in Nauthóll. Nauthólsvegur 106, 101 Reykjavík
December 5, 2025
09:00 – 09:20 Crisis Communication – a NATO approach
Dr. Gudmundur Bjorn Thorbjornsson, Press Officer at NATO
09:20 – 10:00 Was Ukraine communicatively prepared for the war, and how is it coping now?
Ivetta Delikatna, Expert in business and public communications. Partner at the communications consulting agency E’Comm.
10:00 – 10:20 Agency Beyond Orders: how local government delivered wartime public communication in Ukraine 2022–2025
Olena Molodtsova, Communication Lead at the Polaris Programme, a Sweden-funded flagship initiative supporting Ukraine’s recovery, reforms and local self-government.
10:20 – 10:35 Disscusion
10:35 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 11:20 City of Helsinki Data Breach – New Communication Guidelines for Cyber Incidents
The 2024 breach impacting 300,000 people underscored the need for messaging as a protective measure.
Tiina Bieber, Head of Communications, Safety Investigation Authority, Finland (SIAF)
11:20 – 11:40 Civil Protection in Wartime: Finland’s Strategy and Lessons from Ukraine
Exploring Finland’s civil defence planning and communication strategies informed by Ukraine’s experience.
Ira Pasi, Project Manager, Department for Rescue Services, Ministry of the Interior, Finland
Anna Lehtiranta, Head of Communications, Helsinki Rescue Department, Finland
11:40 – 12:00 Nordic Cooperation: More Than Words
Nordic cooperation is a cornerstone of stability, innovation, and shared values.
Marianne Kvan, Deputy Head of Mission in Norwegian Embassy in Iceland
Q&A
12:00 – 12:30 Panel / Discussion: Supporting Each Other in Crisis and Conflict
How do we strengthen international cooperation without losing our own voice?
Hjördís Guðmundsdóttir, Communication Manager for Civil Protection, Iceland.
Eriikka Koistinen, Director, Communications, Ministry of the Interior Finland.
Bjarne Siewertsen, Senior advisor, Press and communications, The Danish Resilience Agency.
Anna Lihr, Director of the Communication Department, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.
Head of Communication, Communications Department, The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection.
Final Words
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In a time of increasing pressure and growing uncertainty, solidarity and shared understanding remain our most valuable assets. By the end of these two days — we hope all participants will leave with new connections, enhanced clarity, and renewed strength.
Who Is the Intended Audience?
- Heads of communication at the Government level
- Heads of communication, civil protection and emergency response agencies and authorities
- Heads of communication in the Armed Forces
- Crisis communication professionals in the above and relevant private sectors and NGOs.
- Crisis communication relevant researchers
Registration
Registration is handled through each participating country. Each country is allocated only about 20–25 seats for the conference, meaning spots are limited. Secure your place early – this is a unique opportunity you don’t want to miss. For more information hjordis@almannavarnir.is
We look forward to seeing you in Reykjavík.
Warm regards,
The Nordic Criscom Team