Labour shortages will be one of the biggest challenges in the coming years. The competition for skills will intensify, and expectations of what municipalities should deliver will increase, while their ability to implement these expectations will come under greater pressure.

Knut Arne Gurigard is 73 years old and was born and raised in Leveld, Ål. He was the general manager of the Hallingdal Regional Council for almost thirty years and remains an active voice in the region. In his lecture, he will draw connections from history, describe where Hallingdal stands today, and point out the challenges the region may face in the future.

He questions whether the time is right for the municipalities in one of the country's most clearly defined and well-functioning rural regions to take the major future challenges seriously and dare to have the demanding discussions about the way forward.