Arctic Circle Assembly gears up for start of in-person meeting on October 14
The Arctic Circle Assembly, one of the biggest northern-themed conferences in the world, is gearing up for its four-day, in-person gathering starting October 14 in Reykjavik.
“This will also be the first big multi-sectorial gathering in Europe to take place since the Covid-19 pandemic began,” the organizers said in a news release.
They’ll be approximately 100 sessions offered this year, with more than 1,000 participants from 50 different countries.
As usual, the opening session will feature ministers and government representatives speaking on their Arctic strategies or policies.
Some of the confirmed speakers include:
- Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on President Joe Biden’s Arctic strategy
- Virginijus Sinkevicius, the EU commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, on the EU’s new Arctic strategy
- Kalistat Lund, Greenland’s minister for Agriculture, Self-sufficiency, Energy and the Environment, on Greenland’s Arctic priorities
Canada-themed sessions
The Arctic Circle began in 2013 as a way to bring together those interested in the Arctic, whether in the North, or elsewhere in the world. It was established by former Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson
Before the pandemic, the annual assemblies in Reykjavik drew more than 2,000 people.
They’re attended by everyone from politicians and Indigenous leaders to NGOs, businesspeople and academics.
Canada-themed sessions at this year’s gathering include everything from the evolution of Arctic policy in Quebec, to a session on Youth voices in the Arctic organized by Global Affairs Canada.
At a Session organized by @Institutnord they will be examining the evolution of #Quebec Arctic Policies!
How has the @GouvQc‘s interests in the #Arctic developed?
See you in Reykjavik🇮🇸 to learn how! pic.twitter.com/NbTV7KvjeG
— Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) October 5, 2021
The event will run October 14-17 at Harpa, the Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
Write to Eilís Quinn at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Potential Canadian Northern Corridor would present unique security challenges and opportunities, say researchers, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Sami, environmental groups weigh in on Finland’s Climate Act reform, Yle News
Greenland: Greenland, Denmark and the Faroe Islands sign terms of reference for committee on foreign affairs and defence, Eye on the Arctic
Iceland: Iceland gives green light to new Olafur Ragnar Grimsson Arctic institute, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Nordic fighter jet exercises underway inside Arctic Circle, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: National security chief says Russia must bolster its Arctic military, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden inaugurates new regiment in sub-Arctic Arvidsjaur, Radio Sweden
United States: Norway ambassador visits Alaska to talk climate, Russia and, yes, Norwegian dog mushing success, Alaska Public Media
