Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) is kicking off it's first OpenDoors event in collaboration with GRID-Arendal. The event, which is to take place on 5th June, coincides with World Environment Day.

OpenDoors is one of many WHA initiatives aimed at creating sustainable conditions for international workers and their families in the region. 

It is also part of WHA’s collaborative efforts with business associations, municipalities and the voluntary sector to create comprehensive solutions that contribute to the retention of expertise in Southwest Agder.

What is OpenDoors?

OpenDoors is a social and professional networking concept for internationals in Agder and is part of the Welcome Alliance spearheaded by WHA.

It is designed to connect internationals in Agder through a series of in-person networking events.

Each event is hosted by a local business, cultural institution, or leisure association, offering newcomers a chance to explore the region’s workplaces, cultural life, and recreational opportunities. 

The way it works

Local businesses will invite international workers and their partners to an informal evening of food, drink and informal conversations. At the event, the company will give a short presentation about who they are, what they do, and how they contribute to the region.

GRID-Arendal will share the important work that it does on beating plastic pollution, in keeping with the theme of this year's World Environment Day.

The Value of OpenDoors

OpenDoors will help Southwest Agder to create an awareness of the businesses and opportunities that exist in the region.  

Businesses will have opportunities to showcase their company, and build a reputation as an inclusive and attractive employer in the region.

Both internationals and businesses would have a meeting place where they can meet and network easily.

OpenDoors is more than an event - it is a bridge between people, possibilities, and places.

Would you like to OpenDoors?

The creation of a Welcome Alliance is one of the key initiatives that can help businesses and organisations in Agder overcome fierce competition in attracting and retaining skilled labour, according to a recent study RECRUIT delivered by NORCE and Agdering.

The study highlights that more than half of those who move to Agder for work leave within four years. This high turnover rate not only disrupts businesses but also undercuts the region's potential for sustainable growth. To tackle this, the Welcome Alliance provides a structured framework for fostering a welcoming culture and creating a supportive, inclusive environment where international workers and their families can thrive.

A Holistic Framework for Talent Attraction and Retention

Spearheaded by Welcome Hub Agder, the Welcome Alliance connects stakeholders across private, public and civil society sectors. It offers resources, connections, and opportunities to align on strategies to address shared challenges. This ecosystem approach ensures that businesses, municipalities, and other partners can pool resources and drive collective impact while meeting their specific needs.

Key services provided through the Welcome Alliance include:

• Talent Hub (Spouse Programme): Supporting international partners in finding meaningful employment, a critical factor for retention.
• Inclusion Excellence Programmes: Helping businesses improve inclusivity through training, workshops, and certification.
• Regional Talent Attraction Campaigns: Showcasing Agder as a competitive destination for talent.
• OpenDoors Initiative: Encouraging businesses to actively engage with the international community through events, discussions, and networking opportunities.

The alliance also supports broader regional goals, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, by helping businesses strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and aligning them with social sustainability priorities.

Anchored in Regional Collaboration and Buy-In

The Welcome Alliance builds on the region’s strengths by emphasising business buy-in and active participation. Members gain access to talent pipelines, training, and strategic initiatives while contributing through community involvement and financial support. Programmes like Inclusion Excellence Certification and OpenDoors offer measurable ways to showcase inclusivity.

Megan Sommer Strand, CEO at Welcome Hub highlights the importance of collective community efforts. 

“This alliance bridges gaps that no single business or individual can address alone. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the Welcome Alliance creates meaningful solutions that make integration smoother and deliver lasting benefits for both businesses and the community."

- Megan Sommer Strand, CEO Welcome Hub Agder

Other Strategic Initiatives to Boost Regional Integration

In addition to the Welcome Alliance, the study also calls for,  

• the establishment of a central unit to address skills challenges at a regional level and coordinate efforts across sectors 
• the launch of a digital platform as a one-stop shop for information about regional services, job opportunities, and community events.
• mentorship programmes which would serve to pair newcomers with local professionals to provide guidance, support, and a sense of connection.

By committing to these initiatives and working across sectors, Agder can transform its challenges into opportunities, positioning itself as a leading destination for talent from Norway and beyond. The Welcome Alliance is not just about welcoming talent—it’s about creating a region where people want to stay, grow, and contribute for the long term.