- REGISTRATION TO PARTICIPATE IN PERSON ON SITE -
Information about COVID-19 in Ireland
The Irish Government announced its plan to end most COVID-19 restrictions by 22nd October 2021. Subject to public health advice, this means that:
- Restrictions on numbers that can attend events no longer apply.
- Vaccination or recovery certificates (for example, the EU COVID Digital Certificate) are no longer needed to go to an indoor venue.
- It is also no longer expected to wear a face covering, except on public transport and in shops.
In light of the latest development, the NPA programme decided to open registration for in-person participants from Ireland, as well as other NPA countries and regions willing to attend the conference in person.
Before making any travel arrangements, international guests should verify their national rules and organisational policy as far as travel abroad and participation in indoors meetings is concerned.
The NPA programme may decide to cancel the on-site event on short notice, in compliance with the decisions of the Irish public authorities. Therefore, refundable flights and accommodation options are recommended.
Redefining Peripherality
The NPA Annual Event 2021 will look at the recent developments in the Northern Periphery and Arctic, including the transformative changes triggered by the pandemic, and how they are addressed by the NPA projects and can be addressed in the future programme.
The conference will be the opportunity to discuss how the perception of the periphery has changed and initiated or accelerated changes in e.g. ways of working, living and providing services. The benefits of cooperation across the Arctic and near-Arctic regions also emerged during the past period showing how the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the regions played a key role in building response capacity and preparedness for the future.
Some of the questions NPA project partners, keynote speakers and participants will be addressing:
- What does the new periphery look like?
- What new opportunities are coming up?
- What changes are needed to harness such opportunities?
- To which quality of life in the periphery are we aspiring for the future?
2021 also marks the transition between the NPA 2014-2020 programme, and the beginning of the next Interreg NPA 2021-2027 programme. The conference will not miss to look at the 2014-2020 achievements and introduce the vision and funding priorities of the new programme.
The NPA Annual Event will broadcast from The Model, in Sligo, this registration will allow you to participate in the event on-site. To receive the link to participate online, please register here: https://interreg-npa.idloom.events/npa2021sligo.
Event programme
(All times indicative and in local time)
11:00-12:00 Welcome buffet
12:00 - Welcome words
- Welcome address from Minister Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform at the Department of public expenditure and reform in the Government of Ireland
- Welcome words from Mr David Minton, Director of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly, Ireland
12:30 - Redefining peripherality
- How has the NPA area changed since 2014? Observing the changes in the NPA area from 2014 until now and trends for the future based on the area analysis.
Dr Irene McMaster, European Policy Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, Scotland - Findings and Recommendations from the COVID-19 Response group projects
Panel discussion between members of the COVID-19 response group:- Mr Thomas Fisher, Lead partner of NPA project Covid & Economics, CoDel, Scotland
- Prof Liam Glynn, Lead partner of NPA project COVIDWATCH EU, University of Limerick, Ireland
- Prof. Joan Condell, Lead partner of NPA project TechSolns, University of Ulster
- Dr Anette Fosse, partner in NPA project COVIDWATCH EU, The Arctic University of Norway
- Questions and Answers with Irene McMaster and the members of the panel.
13:30 - 14:00 Coffee break
14:00 - Networking Sessions, NPA projects solutions for a new periphery
Separate thematic sessions online and one session on site. Each of the sessions will look at a topic addressed by the NPA 2021-2027 and will discuss how future NPA projects can contribute to the objectives of the new programme, also taking into account the solutions developed by the projects carried out throughout 2014-2020.
To participate in the thematic sessions it is necessary to register for the online event.
- Innovation Capacity - How can NPA projects support the uptake of advanced technologies, reap the benefits of digitisation and enhance sustainable growth & competitiveness of SMEs?
Hosted by the NPA project DISTINCT
- Climate change and resource sufficiency (online and physical) - How can NPA projects promote energy efficiency, climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention? How can they promote the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy?
Hosted by the NPA project HUGE
- Natural and cultural heritage - How can NPA projects protect and develop wider territorial synergies through natural and cultural heritage?
Hosted by the NPA project SPOT Lit
15:00 - Periphery and Arctic, a mutually beneficial cooperation
- The new EU Arctic Policy and the role of transnational cooperation
Mr Michael Mann, EU Ambassador at Large for the Arctic, European Union External Action Services - The Irish Government’s Strategy for the Nordic Region
Mr Ciarán Byrne, Deputy Director of EU Policy Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland - The Network of Arctic Researchers in Ireland (NARI): Fostering opportunities for collaboration
Dr Audrey Morley, The President of the Network of Arctic Researchers in Ireland - Debate with the audience
15:30 Looking ahead to the Interreg NPA 2021-2027
- The Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic 2021-2027
Ms Kirsti Mijnhijmer, Head of Secretariat, Northern Periphery and Arctic programme - Questions and Answers
16:00 Wrap up and closure
