The 2025 Building Conference was held at Skjólbrekka in Mývatnssveit on 4 November under the heading „Social diversity of communities – balance, challenges or untapped opportunities?“ The conference is an annual forum jointly organised by the Icelandic Rural Development Authority and the Association of Icelandic Local Authorities, where the development of communities, social issues and the future shaping of the countryside are discussed.
The conference addressed how diverse communities can be a driving force for positive community development, and how local authorities, organisations and residents can utilise social diversity as a strength rather than a challenge. The programme featured numerous presentations and panel discussions on the integration, inclusion and community engagement of new residents in rural areas, as well as case studies of successful projects from across the country.
The Network of Knowledge of the Thingeyingas took an active part in the conference, and Ingibjörg Benediktsdóttir delivered a speech entitled „"What helps an immigrant? – A practical study based on the experiences of immigrants in North East Iceland". The presentation was based on a qualitative study conducted with a grant from the Immigration Development Fund, which aims to shed light on the experiences and situation of immigrants in Norðurþing. The study is based on 30 interviews with immigrants from different backgrounds discussing their experience of daily life, access to services, participation in employment and culture, as well as the main barriers being examined and support systems that have proven useful.
Attendance at the conference was good, and Skjólbrekka was full to capacity.