On 27 August 2026, the Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Gdańsk hosted representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The meeting focused on the challenges associated with urban and regional development, with particular emphasis on the housing situation in Gdańsk and the developing metropolitan area.
The visit took place as part of a study visit by representatives of the Ministry to Gdańsk. The Norwegian delegation was primarily interested in Poland’s and Pomerania’s experiences regarding demographic trends, regional development, the labour market and rising housing costs in areas experiencing population growth. These issues are also particularly relevant from Norway’s perspective, as the country faces challenges such as recruiting and retaining workers in smaller and more remote centres, as well as ensuring the availability of housing.
The guests were welcomed by Prof. Iwona Sagan, from the University of Gdańsk, who specialises in urban and regional development, spatial planning and housing issues. During the meeting, Prof. Sagan outlined the housing situation in Gdańsk and the key challenges relating to housing in this rapidly developing metropolitan area.
The presentation served as a starting point for a discussion on the challenges facing contemporary cities and regions in the context of demographic and economic change. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange Polish and Norwegian experiences regarding regional development and the consequences of demographic changes for local communities.
Originally, the programme for the visit was also to include a presentation by Dr Rafał Raczyński, programme coordinator of the Migration Observatory at the University of Gdańsk’s Centre for Sustainable Development, on return migration to Poland, state policy regarding the return of Poles from abroad, and its significance for the demographic situation and the labour market. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr Raczyński was unable to attend the meeting. The topic of return migration may form the subject of further knowledge exchange with our Norwegian partners.
The visit by representatives of the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development forms part of the University of Gdańsk Centre for Sustainable Development’s activities relating to the exchange of knowledge and experience concerning contemporary social, demographic and spatial challenges, as well as the search for solutions supporting the sustainable development of cities and regions.