Copenhagen Cultural and Media Summit Set to Spark a New Nordic Public Discourse

Severe geopolitical tensions, growing autocratic tendencies, and increasing pressure on democratic values and press freedom are reshaping the global landscape. As the world changes rapidly, the Nordic region has emerged as a pivotal political and cultural community. In response, NORD 55°—an initiative dedicated to fostering a stronger and more unified Nordic public sphere—is launching the first in a series of annual Nordic culture and media summits. On May 13, 2025, leading Nordic figures from the cultural and media sectors will gather at PRESSEN, JP/Politikens Hus in Copenhagen to set the stage for this new initiative.

NORD 55° is a joint Nordic initiative supported by some of the region’s leading media houses, including Bonnier News, Amedia, Konstsamfundet, Sermitsiaq, and JP/Politikens Hus. The ambition behind the annual culture and media summits is to establish the most significant Nordic forum for idea exchange, societal progress, and cultural development.

“If the Nordic region is to play a stronger role and stand more clearly in this time of upheaval, it is crucial that we build a more unified Nordic public sphere. To succeed, we urgently need to deepen the dialogue between Nordic cultural and media stakeholders. A stronger engagement from the cultural and media sectors is essential for achieving this goal. That is precisely why we are convening a Nordic culture and media summit,” says Stig Kirk Ørskov, CEO of JP/Politikens Hus and Chair of the Board at NORD 55°.

No one can take on this challenge alone. The reasoning is clear: only through strong, collective engagement across the Nordic region’s cultural and media institutions can we build a shared public sphere that remains resilient against the forces threatening democratic values.

“These challenges won’t resolve themselves, and the threat to democracy isn’t going away. We established NORD 55° to ensure that thought leaders from across the Nordic countries meet, connect, and engage with one another. We must shape visions for the future together—rather than in isolation,” explains Lise Bach Hansen, Head of programming Live, talks & literature, Royal Danish Library.

Together for a Shared Nordic Future

That’s why NORD 55° is now bringing together thought leaders and cultural and media executives from across the Nordic region for this pivotal first summit.

The day will feature keynote speeches, speed talks, readings, and dynamic Q&A sessions, where some of the Nordic region’s most influential voices in public debate and arts will help shape the direction for the future.

The program already includes contributions from the following speakers, with more names to be added in the coming weeks.

• Peter Wolodarski (S)– Editor-in-Chief, Dagens Nyheter
• Christian Jensen (DK)– Editor-in-Chief, Politiken
• Svend Hardenberg (GL) – Entrepreneur and Actor
• Mona Ibrahim Ahmed (N)– Public Speaker
• Stina Ekblad (FI)– Actor
• Thure Lindhardt (DK)– Actor
• Kathrine Tchemerinsky (DK)– Culture Editor, Weekendavisen
• Trine Eilertsen (N) – Editor-in-Chief, Aftenposten
• Ida Ölmedal (S) – Head of Culture, Svenska Dagbladet
• Stig Kirk Ørskov (DK) – CEO, JP/Politikens Hus
• Hilde Sandvik (N) – Host of Norsken, svensken & dansken, Vice Chair of Amedia’s Board, Board Member of Amedia Foundation
• Christian Have (DK) – Strategic Director, HAVE Kommunikation
• Lise Bach Hansen (DK) – Head of programming Live, talks & literature, Royal Danish Library.

Read more here: https://nord55.org/call-to-the-north/

Visit the NORD 55° website, where you can also sign up for the monthly newsletter: https://nord55.org/

Practical Information

Date & Time:May 13, 2025, 15:00–18:00
Location: PRESSEN, JP/Politikens Hus, Copenhagen

Participation:
The event is open to anyone interested in the future—cultural and media leaders, decision-makers, and other stakeholders engaged in the Nordic region.

Ticket link: Opråb til Norden! | PolitikenPlus

Further details and program updates will follow.

For additional inquiries, please contact:

Anja Linnet
anja@have.dk
+45 22 65 53 48