Activities of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

Increased tension in international affairs has had a significant impact on developments in the Arctic. Countries with interests in the region must closely monitor the situation and be prepared to respond to rapid changes. While global warming threatens the environment and communities—and opens up shipping routes—Russia's invasion of Ukraine has greatly diminished hopes for peaceful relations in the Arctic.

The focus will be on the impact of significantly increased international tensions on Arctic affairs, particularly regarding rapid climate change, the growing military importance of the region, and Iceland's interests.

The IACN, along with Ocean Missions, hosted a stakeholder and expert meeting to discuss plans relating to the establishment of a limited marine protected area - or Hope Spot - along the coastal region of Northeast Iceland.

Whaèdǫǫ̀ Nàowoò K’e Xanı̀ɂah K’ęę̀ Goxè Hodı, best translated from Dene into English as ‘Oldtimers knowledge way of thinking and wisdom to us - sharing stories’, was a workshop which offered a safe space and platform for a holistic knowledge-sharing gathering to explore gender equality through lived experiences and ancestral knowledge. In particular, it fostered inter-generational knowledge transfer between Indigenous elders, youth, and community leaders across the Arctic to share Indigenous perspectives on a range of gender related topics—such as governance, security, and human rights.

WiRE and IACN conclude their Share Your North Webinar Series on Renewable Energy in the Arctic with their final instalment, exploring innovations and emerging technologies within the sector.

Renewable energy production has come a long way. In forgoing our unsustainable reliance on fossil fuels, we have managed to harness the powers of nature to renewably sate our ever-increasing demand for heat and electricity.

These systems are far from static; they are constantly evolving thanks to our collective ingenuity, providing new and efficient means to renewably satisfy our increasing demands for energy, with each emerging technology chartering unexpected paths forward.

It is with this in mind that this episode will delve into some of the latest developments within the renewable energy generation sector, uncovering their nuances and interplays within the current conditions of the Arctic.

Event page: https://www.shareyournorth.is/events/the-arctic-renewable-energy-sector-exploring-innovation-technologies

Vardberg, the IACN, and the University of Akureyri will be hosting a seminar on Arctic security and defense. The seminar will take place both In-Person and Online at the University of Akureyri, North Iceland.

The Arctic Security and Defense seminar aims to provide an opportunity to discuss security developments in the High North.

Among these are questions about the effects of Russia's escalating conflict in Ukraine on the Arctic. How is Russian military capability, conventional capacity, and core economic and security interests likely to evolve in the Arctic? What are the implications of Finland's (and Sweden's pending) membership in NATO? Considering Norway's chairmanship of the Arctic Council, what role does the council play in ensuring long-term collaboration and security in the region?

Take part in a discussion with leading experts on security and international relations on how the Arctic can be made safer.

After the seminar, the Norwegian Embassy in Iceland will host a reception.

Event page: https://www.shareyournorth.is/events/security-and-defence-in-the-high-north

This audio-visual exhibition presents women from northern Iceland and Alaska. Their stories introduce powerful narratives of grief and resilience, reflect on feelings of isolation and moments of despair, as well as project boundless optimism and self-empowerment. Presented narratives allow us to better understand the COVID-19 pandemic's complex gendered impacts on the Arctic communities and life in the Arctic as a whole.

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Bringing Arctic women's voices to light helps us reflect on lessons learned and broaden our perspective about how dramatic events such as COVID-19 impact Arctic communities and women specifically. 

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These interviews are a part of the research project “Understanding the Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 in the Arctic (COVID-GEA).” 

Read more about the project here: www.arcticcovidgender.org

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Arctic communities; most importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely deepened gender inequality for years to come.

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This event will present the preliminary findings from the recently conducted interviews in Akureyri and neighboring communities. Themes will include considerations on how the pandemic contributed to gender inequalities in relationship to social realities, local economies, and personal life strategies.

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These interviews are a part of the research project “Understanding the Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 in the Arctic (COVID-GEA).”

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Read more about the project here: www.arcticcovidgender.org

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This audio-visual exhibition presents women from northern Iceland and Alaska. Their stories introduce powerful narratives of grief and resilience, reflect on feelings of isolation and moments of despair, as well as project boundless optimism and self-empowerment. Presented narratives allow us to better understand the COVID-19 pandemic's complex gendered impacts on the Arctic communities and life in the Arctic as a whole.

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Bringing Arctic women's voices to light helps us reflect on lessons learned and broaden our perspective about how dramatic events such as COVID-19 impact Arctic communities and women specifically. 

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These interviews are a part of the research project “Understanding the Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 in the Arctic (COVID-GEA).” 

Read more about the project here: www.arcticcovidgender.org

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Arctic communities; most importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely deepened gender inequality for years to come.

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This event will present the preliminary findings from the recently conducted interviews in Húsavík and neighboring communities. Themes will include considerations on how the pandemic contributed to gender inequalities in relationship to social realities, local economies, and personal life strategies. 

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These interviews are a part of the research project “Understanding the Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 in the Arctic (COVID-GEA).” 

Read more about the project here: www.arcticcovidgender.org

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SPEAKERS

• Pétur Ásgeirsson, Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland
• Ágúst Hjörtur Ingþórsson, Director, Icelandic Centre for Research - Rannís
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network
• Matthew L. Druckenmiller, Director, Navigating the New Arctic Community
• Office (NNA-CO); Co-Lead, The Exchange for Local Observations and Knowledge of the Arctic (ELOKA); U.S. Delegate to the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)
• Adam Stepien, Researcher and PhD Candidate, Arctic Governance Research Group, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Finland
• Corine Wood-Donnelly, Associate Professor of International Relations & the High North, Nord University, Norway; Uppsala University, Sweden; Scientific Coordinator, JUSTNORTH, Norway
• Gunnar Stefansson, Professor, University of Iceland; Vice President for Research, UArctic

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Moderator: Sólrún Svandal, Deputy Senior Arctic Official, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland

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SPEAKERS

• Bridget Larocque, Policy Advisor and Researcher, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Canada
• Kimberly Fairman, Executive Director, Institute for Circumpolar Health Research (ICHR), Canada
• Sarah Cox, Director, Circumpolar Affairs Directorate, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada; Head of Delegation, Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), Arctic Council
• Andrey N. Petrov, Professor and Director, ARCTICenter Department of Geography, University of Northern Iowa, USA
• Anna Karlsdóttir, Assistant Professor, University of Iceland; Senior Research Fellow, NordRegio, Sweden
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network; Arctic Council SDWG Social, Economic and Cultural Expert Group (SECEG); Lead, Gender Equality in the Arctic; Chair, Icelandic Joint Committee on Arctic Affairs
• Joan Nymand Larsen, Professor, University of Akureyri, Iceland; Senior Scientist, Stefansson Arctic Institute, Iceland

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Moderator: Hjalti Ómar Ágústsson, Special Advisor, Directorate of Equality, Iceland

SPEAKERS

• Ágúst Hjörtur Ingþórsson, Director General, The Icelandic Centre for Research – Rannís
• Annika Sølvará, Director, Research Council Faroe Islands
• Maliina Jensen, Secretary, Greenland Research Council
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network
• Magni Mohr, Dean and Professor in Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands; Faroese Representative, Forum for Arktisk Forskning (FAF)

SPEAKERS

• Þorsteinn Gunnarsson, Senior Associate Scientist, Stefansson Arctic Institute, Iceland; Former Rector, University of Akureyri; Former Senior Advisor, The Icelandic Centre for Research - Rannís
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network
• Egill Þór Níelsson, Senior Adviser, The Icelandic Centre for Research - Rannís; PhD Candidate, University of Iceland; University of Lapland
• Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, Rector, University of Akureyri, Iceland
• Valur Ingimundarson, Professor of Contemporary History, University of Iceland

SPEAKERS

• Daria Shapovalova, Chair, Scottish Arctic Network, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
• Audrey Morley, President, Network of Arctic Researchers in Ireland, National University of Ireland Galway
• Christina Barnard, Executive Director, ArcticNet, University of Laval, Canada
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

SPEAKERS

• Clara Ganslandt, EU Special Envoy for Arctic Matters and Head of Division Western Europe/Arctic/Regional, European External Action Service, Belgium
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network
• Inga Nyhamar, Chair, Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), Arctic Council
• Tonje Johansen, Advisor, Arctic and Environmental Unit, Saami Council - Sámiráđđi
• Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council
• Hjalti Ómar Ágústsson, Special Advisor, Directorate of Equality, Iceland

Organized by: Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network (IACN); U.S. Department of Energy’s Arctic Energy Office; The National Renewable Energy Lab’s Alaska Center, USA

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SPEAKERS

• Aaron Cooke, Strategic Partnerships Lead, Project Manager and Architect, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Alaska, USA
• Carina Sammeli, Mayor, City of Luleå, Sweden: Green Transition of the Industry Starts Green Transition of the Community Energy and Heating System
• Devlin Fernandes, Executive Director, Gwich’in Council International: The Arctic Remote Energy Networks Academy
• Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council: A Just Energy Transition in the Arctic
• Roman Sidortsov, Associate Professor, Michigan Technological University, USA; Senior Research Fellow in Energy Justice and Transitions, Sussex Energy Group, United Kingdom

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Moderator: Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network (IACN)

SPEAKERS

• Magnús Jóhannesson, Former Director, Arctic Council Secretariat; Chair, Second International Symposium on Plastics in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Region Scientific Steering Committee, Iceland

Soffía Guðmundsdóttir, Executive Secretary, Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Secretariat

• Josephine Nymand, Head of Department, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
• Emily Jaimes Richey-Stavrand, Circular Economy Representative, The Icelandic Youth Environmentalist Association - Ungir Umhverfissinnar
• Anne Katrine Normann, Project Manager, Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
• Tonje Johansen, Adviser, Arctic and Environmental Unit, Saami Council 

Moderator: Pétur Ásgeirsson, Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland

WIRE and IACN continue their Share Your North Webinar Series on Renewable Energy in the Arctic.

The second session in this series will explore the impact of renewable energy projects on biodiversity in the Arctic.

Global warming due to climate change is heavily influencing biodiversity in the Arctic, as ecosystems and wildlife are negatively impacted. This webinar will explore which role renewable energy plays in protecting biodiversity in the Arctic.

More information: https://www.shareyournorth.is/events/the-intersection-of-biodiversity-and-renewable-energy-in-the-arctic-how-do-renewable-energy-projects-impact-biodiversity

WIRE and IACN continue their Share Your North Webinar Series on Renewable Energy in the Arctic.

This first session in the series will explore current approaches and trends in developing skills needed for the Renewable Energy Transition in the Arctic region.

While factors such as access to relevant education and training in remote regions represent challenges for recruiting and retaining talent in the North, there are ways to overcome these obstacles through collaboration and innovation. This webinar will bring together experts from across the Arctic to explore opportunities and highlight ongoing work to strengthen the clean energy sector in the region.

More information: https://www.shareyournorth.is/events/developing-skills-in-the-arctic-renewable-energy-sector

Objective 

To address the paucity and inconsistencies of gender and disaggregated data in the Arctic region. 

Context and focal areas  

During the development of the report on Gender Equality in the Arctic, authors of most chapters identified the paucity of data and the challenges this brings for analysis and comparisons. In the Migration and Mobility chapter, the lack of data that coupled migration, the Arctic, and gender is particularly problematic. Further, too few studies are grounded in feminist, masculinity, intersectional, LGBTQIA2S+, and Indigenous gender perspectives. The chapter on Gender and Environment points to multiple issues with gendered data and emphasises how environment-related gender-disaggregated data is crucial for providing decision makers with the knowledge and capacity to develop well informed policies. They also remind us that gender statistics are more than data disaggregated by sex but rather are data reflecting differences and inequalities in the situation of women and men. The chapter on Empowerment and Fate Control reveals that it is critical to point out that gender equality analysis and indicators suffer from severe data limitations. This is perpetuated by standardised and stereotypical reporting of gender data. They suggest developing gender indicators and indexes to capture gender equality and empowerment processes across all sectors and at all levels of politics and government, economy, and civil society. The chapter on Indigeneity, Gender, Violence, and Reconciliation in the Arctic identifies the challenges with gauging social and economic inequalities, levels of gender violence, and impacts from processes of colonisation.  

This lack of data and persistent gaps in data availability, in addition to a lack of protocols for sharing data, has been flagged in previous reports, such as in the Arctic Human Development Reports and the Arctic Social Indicators reports. This continued lack of gendered and intersectional data, including specific data on Indigenous populations and LGBTQIA2S+, severely impedes efforts to adequately understand the dynamics of gender across the Arctic. Consistent and comparable data is the very foundation for understanding realities and inequalities across regions, countries, sectors, genders, and peoples.  

Outcomes 

• A summary report of the workshop 
• A desktop study on existing data and challenges to gender and sex disaggregated data in the Arctic region. Focus would on one hand be on existing gender / sex / ethnically disaggregated data and – based on that – data needed to fill in existing gaps. Additionally, major challenges to the collection of additional data will be identified.  

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More information: https://arcticgenderequality.network/phase-4

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Workshop, Local2Global: Digital Storytelling (DTS) in circumpolar collaboration for suicide prevention and mental wellness.

Agenda: https://www.unak.is/static/files/pdf-skjol/2022/akureyri-event-schedule-18october2022.pdf

IACN organized and participated in several sessions during the Arctic Circle Assembly 2022.

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Session 1: How changes in Cryosphere and Freshwater affect Iceland Energy production and Tourism  

The 15th Polar Law Symposium (PLS) was held in Reykjavík, Iceland, 12-14 October 2022. The Polar Law Institute and the Center for Arctic Studies at the University of Iceland will be co-hosting the Symposium in partnership with the Arctic Circle. 

An advisory committee is composed of Gudmundur Alfredsson (Stefansson Arctic Institute), Pia Hansson (University of Iceland), Julia Jabour (University of Tasmania), Timo Koivurova (University of Lapland) Akiho Shihata (University of Kobe), and Embla Eir Oddsdottir (Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network). Jonathan Wood, Symposium Manager and PhD fellow at the University of Iceland and MA Polar Law candidate at the University of Akureyri will be heading a planning committee with the members currently consisting of Federica Scarpa, (Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network – IACN) and Snæfríður Grímsdóttir (Centre for Arctic Studies).

More information: https://www.polarlaw.is/en/polar-law-symposium

https://www.arcticcircle.org/forums/arctic-circle-greenland-forum

Women make up over half of the world population, yet they are considerably under-represented in diplomacy worldwide. Gendered analysis of international relations and diplomacy is too often considered secondary, resulting in lack of data and invisibility of gender issues in political, economic and social decision-making spheres Gender in Geopolitics Institute]. Despite considerable improvements over the last few decades in terms of Gender Equality policies and Gender Equality instruments, a general lack of implementation continues to exclude women from the same opportunities offered to men. The UN Women reports that between 1992 and 2019, women were, on average, just 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories in major peace processes worldwide [UN Women: [Facts and figures: Women, peace, and security, 2021]. The same report highlights that none of the ceasefire agreements reached between 2018-2020 included gender provisions or clauses prohibiting sexual violence.   

Against this background, the UN Department of Social Affairs stresses that gender equality in all fields of society is not only a human right, but paramount for achieving security, prosperity, and sustainable development. Specifically for the field of diplomacy a growing body of evidence demonstrates that women play an essential role in maintaining stability and democracy worldwide, that is why international fora for cooperation increasingly engage in more or less structured gender equality processes, aimed at improving the gender balance within their framework. [further, according to UN statistics, when women participate in the peace-making process, the resulting agreement is 35% more likely to last at least 15 years].  

The panelists in this session will discuss why conducting a gendered analysis of diplomacy and international cooperation is important; the benefits of advancing gender equality and better gender balanced participation in foreign affairs.  

Moderator:  

Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network and project leader “Gender Equality in the Arctic”.  

Speakers: 

- Ph.d. student, Sara Olsvig, she was chairman of the Inuit Ataqatigiit 2014-2018 and a member of Parliament from 2011-2015, Greenlands Minister of Social Affairs, Family, Gender Equality and Justice in 2014.  

- Head of Representation and long-term participant in permanent forum and reports to CEDAW, Tove Søvndahl Gant 

- Geir Oddson, Head of Division Climate, Natural Resources and Environment at Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland  

- Atli Már Sigurðsson, Counsellor, Permanent Delegation of Iceland to NATO 

- Qivioq Løvstrøm, Master's degree in Culture and Social History, Chairwoman and member of the Executive Committee (Greenland’s Council for Human Rights)  

- Vivi Noahsen, Master's degree in Culture and Social History  

With this workshop, we hope to foster exchange of expertise, networking, and future collaboration opportunities between the scientific communities of Greenland and Iceland. The workshop will be an exploratory platform that presents research priorities in Greenland and Iceland with a discussion on the possibilities for synergies and collaboration.

The workshop will be focused around three thematic sessions:

1. Climate change and sustainable development;
2. Fisheries and the blue economy; 
3. Geopolitics and security policy studies, and facilitate a dialogue on institutional cooperation.

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Location: Katuaq Minor Hall and Campus Ilimmarfik, Nuuk, Greenland

Organized byGreenland Research Council; Arctic Hub; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources; Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannis);Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network (IACN)as a pre-event to the Arctic Circle Greenland Forum

From 20-26th August, 200 talents aged 18-35 years from 9 countries in the Artic region will come together in Nuuk, Greenland for The Greenland Innovation Lab focusing on gathering young people from across the Arctic and Nordic regions to develop innovative solutions to sustainability challenges that are shared across the region. Specifically, the Innovation Lab will focus on developing innovative solutions within three thematic tracks: Education; Health, including mental health; Biodiversity and climate change. During the week facilitators will guide the participants through different stages of problem framing, ideation, prototyping and testing their SDG solution. On the final days, the talents will get to pitch their solutions to receive prizes at a formal Award Show.  Mary, The Crown Princess of Denmark, will visit the Lab along with leaders from the different Artic countries. More information on the LAB´s programme can be found on the project website. 

Iceland will be represented by 13 talented and inspired individuals.  Selected from 128 applicants, we are pleased to introduce: Haukur Svansson, Ása Sveinsdóttir, Arndís Magnúsdóttir, Carina Burroughs, Esther Jónsdóttir, Božidar Runić, Birgir Baldursson, Ester Bragadottir, Sveinborg Daníelsdóttir, Jessý Jónsdóttir, Andrés Laverde, Magnús Steinsson, and Sydni Anne Long. They each reflect a commitment to sustainability through multiple approaches including health care, education, geoscience, tourism, law, entrepreneurship, psychology, UX design and biogeography. Living all over Iceland they also come from Canada, Colombia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting the growing multi-culturalism in Iceland. 

The Innovation Lab is partly funded by the NORA Programme, funding collaboration projects with partners from Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and coastal Norway.  The project is managed by UNLEASH in Denmark, a non-profit organization with a mission to accelerate positive change toward the UN´s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with partners in Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.  The Icelandic partners are NORTH Consulting, non-profit consultancy in Reykjavik focusing on accelerating the implementation of the SDGs and supporting organizations realizing their potential through entrepreneurial training and research, as well as providing support to innovation funding, creation of education and cultural strategies and youth participation in decision-making, and the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network whose role it is to initiate, encourage and facilitate Icelandic and international cooperation on Arctic issues, including in research, education, innovation and monitoring, amongst public and private organizations, institutions, businesses and bodies involved in Arctic issues.   

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Málþing 24. júní, samþætting heilbrigðis- og velferðarþjónustu, sjálfbær þjónusta, sjálftæðir notendur

MÁLÞING VELTEK í Menningarhúsinu Hofi, Akureyri föstudaginn 24. júní 2022. Heilbrigðis- og velferðartækniklasi Norðurlands (Veltek) mun halda málþing um nýjar nálganir í þjónustu við íbúa. Flutt verða m.a. erindi um stafræn umskipti innan heilbrigðis- og velferðarþjónustu í dreifðum byggðum, samvinnu á norðurslóðum og rannsóknir á þjónustulausnum kynntar.Í tengslum við málþingið munu fyrirtæki kynna þjónustulausnir sínar.

https://www.ssne.is/is/um-ssne/frettir/samthaetting-heilbrigdis-og-velferdarthjonustu-sjalfbaer-thjonusta-sjalftaedir-notendur

Bilateral relations between Iceland and Greenland have been steadily increasing, especially over the last decade as reflected – inter alia - by the establishment of diplomatic missions in Nuuk in 2013 by Iceland, and in Reykjavik in late 2018 by Greenland. Following this line, in 2022, Rannís, The Icelandic Centre for Research, and the Greenland Research Council signed an MoU seeking to strengthen cooperation between the scientific and educational communities in Greenland and Iceland. This session introduces both Iceland and Greenland‘s Arctic Research Strategies and explores synergies and forms of existing and potential Cooperation. The aim is three-folded:

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1. It explores Greenland and Iceland Arctic research strategies and priorities;

2. It outlines how the respective National research council/centre implements Arctic research strategies and priorities;

3. It discusses synergies and areas of current and potential Arctic research cooperation between Iceland and Greenland.

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Speakers:

Tove Søvndahl Gant, Head of Representation, Greenland Representation in Reykjavik

Þorbjörn Jónsson, Consul General, Consulate General of Iceland in Nuuk

Josephine Nymand, PhD, Chair, Greenland Research Council; Head of Department, The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Dept. of Environment and Minerals

Ágúst Ingþórsson, General Director of The Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís)

Rasmus Leander Nielsen, Head, Nasiffik

Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

Maliina Jensen, Secretary, Greenland Research Council

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Moderator: Pétur Ásgeirsson, Arctic Ambassador, Iceland

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More information: https://www.arcticcircle.org/sessions/greenland-and-iceland-arctic-research-strategies-and-cooperation

"Arctic Seminar" organised by the Egmont Institute, Monday 25 April (14:00 - 16:00, Brussels time) 

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Speakers / Panel: 

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• Mrs. Anna Fotyga, MEP - Member of the European Parliament; Rapporteur on EU Arctic Policy.  
• Ambassador Morton Høglund:  Norwegian Arctic Ambassador, Senior Arctic Official.
• Ambassador Rika Ellamaa-Ots: Estonian PSC Ambassador (PSC: Political and Security Committee of the Council of the EU).
• Professor Philippe Huybrechts: Professor of Glaciology and Climatology at the VUB, Brussels Free University, Belgium.
• Mrs. Embla Eir Oddsdottir: Director of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network.
• Professor Arild Moe: Senior Researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Norway.
• M. Leo Peeters: Director for Economic Interests at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

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The Arctic Council has developed into the primary forum for cooperation in the last 25 years, led by the eight Arctic states and the six Indigenous Permanent Participants - a unique feature of the Arctic Council – and providing a space for some 30 odd observers. Although not without criticism the Council and the work of its Working Groups has grown in importance and even though there are arguably flaws and challenges – as with any international entity, or really any entity - the Council remains a vital part of both the dialogue on, and governance of the Arctic region. Its focus on monitoring and assessing environmental and social change and the sustainable development of the region has provided information and data that is vital to future policy making in the region.  

The names of the six working groups speak to the areas of focus the Council has primarily worked with and the policy has always been to not allow certain topics, such as those relating to traditional security concerns, prevent its cooperation in other areas.  

The importance of the working groups should not be underestimated; their role is monitoring and assessment and to provide the information and data necessary for responsible and sustainable development in the region. The international scientific cooperation in addition to engagement with Indigenous communities has produced a body of work that will increasingly provide the basis with which policy development will be supported into the future. This work has vital implications for the well-being of both ecosystems and communities, not least in terms of monitoring rapid climate, environmental and social change and finding ways to respond and adapt to these changes.  

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The Arctic Guardians’ Dialogue conference is established to echo the goals of the Arctic Guardian exercise in Search and Rescue and Maritime Environmental Response within the Arctic. The conference is also built towards cooperation in the Arctic between the Arctic Coast Guard Forum (ACGF) and the EPPR Working Group of the Arctic Council; the integration of Arctic cultures and knowledge in Arctic institutions; the progressive closing of the gender gap in maritime; and the protection of the marine environment in the context of an increasing shipping traffic in the Arctic region.

More information: The Arctic Guardians' Dialogue - Share Your North 

The Arctic is at a crossroads: continue to develop new sustainable technologies or take advantage of the vast fossil fuel reserves that the region contains? The question remains complex as many challenges remain on the path towards sustainability in Arctic energy production. While southern European countries continue to grow their renewable energy production, there is still a prominent reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power - noted by the total renewable energy production across the EU at only 20% in 2019. 

How can Arctic communities implement renewable technologies in remote communities, given the challenging physical and infrastructural barriers? While the case of Iceland´s dominant use of renewable energy sources may be perceived as a model solution, Iceland´s progress is based on its ideal geological location to harness geothermal energy. Similarly, certain Canadian Arctic communities are optimally situated to harness hydroelectric power.  

Can other Northern nations, cities and communities embrace full-scale renewable energy and move away from fossil fuels given the seeming lack of optimal opportunities? This session will explore the possibilities to achieve a fully renewable grid in the region and what technologies and approaches will need to be embraced to make a complete departure from fossil fuels possible.  

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Enabling gender equality by empowering all genders to effectively participate in modern society is one of the most important advances towards global sustainable development, encompassing equal representation in the labor market and political office (Sustainable Development Goal 5). Recent studies on gender equality demonstrate that inequality persists across the countries and spheres of engagement despite an increasing global trend towards women’s empowerment.

This event will highlight the conclusions and recommendations from the recently published Pan-Arctic Report: Gender Equality in the Arctic. Themes will include considerations on gender inequalities and empowerment in governance, economies, and social realities, and insights from Indigenous communities in the context of climate change in the Arctic.

This panel is a part of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) parallel events coordinated by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY), which is a group of New York–based women’s NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations. For more information on the NGO CSW66 Forum, please visit the website of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY).

Welcoming address:

Jörundur Valtýsson, Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations in New York

Moderator:

Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

Speakers:

• Bridget Larocque, Senior Advisor, Arctic Athabaskan Council

• Andrey Petrov, Professor and Director, ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa

• Marya Rozanova-Smith, Research Professor, The George Washington University

• Malgorzata Smieszek, Co-lead “Women of the Arctic'' (WoA); Project Coordinator, UiT Arctic University of Norway

• Hjalti Ómar Ágústsson, Special Advisor, Directorate of Equality, Iceland.

Q&A session.

West Nordic Council Thematic Events 

Industrial sectors – including the energy sector - have traditionally been male dominated and structural inequalities persist as women´s participation in the energy sector continues to be below that of the broader economy. At the same time, the role of greater gender diversity as instrumental for sustainable development, innovation and inclusive solutions is undeniable. The growing renewable sector and the accelerated shift towards sustainable grids will require the inclusion of gender perspectives both in terms of the impacts of energy projects and in terms of gender representation and empowerment. 

Women have provided important contributions in shaping revolutionary and creative policies and frameworks for a smart transition.  

The Arctic continues to be highly dependent on non-renewable energy sources although variations between regions differ significantly. Further transitions toward renewable energy in the Arctic and abroad will require thoughtful policies with strengthened support of both sustainability and diversity. This session will dive into the barriers and opportunities for women to lead the renewable energy transition in the Arctic and abroad. 

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The Canadian Embassy in Iceland and the Icelandic Embassy in Canada, along with the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation and Polar Knowledge, Canada have cooperated on a webinar series on Arctic, Canada, Iceland related themes for a couple of years now, with great success. Themes have included Gender Equality, Indigenous Knowledge & Western Science, Cultural Diversity in the Workplace and Research Cooperation in the Arctic. More information on the Embassy of Iceland to Canada Webpage. 

Educated women in rural areas have trouble finding jobs matching their competence levels. Generally, in rural Arctic regions men have less formal education and predominantly work in primary industries or jobs requiring less formal education. This may contribute to women moving away from rural areas, living in unemployment, or involuntarily becoming stay-at-home moms, instead of becoming part of the workforce and pursuing a career.  How can this be addressed? Is our only option a focus on job creation? Or do initiatives like „work without location“ provide additional options for these women? What can bridge the gap that still exists between men and women in rural areas? Has the Covid-19 pandemic changed our opinion regarding possibilities for work without location? Or should men in rural areas just follow the women, better education and job possibilities in the larger cities? Will Arctic rural areas develop into nature reserve areas? 

More info on the: https://www.shareyournorth.is/events/regional-development-and-food-security-in-the-arctic

Einar Gunnarsson, the chair of SAOs during the Icelandic Arctic Council Chairmanship will visit us here in Akureyri on the 17th of October 2018.

Rosa Degerman visit to Akureyri 

Tuesday 10. October 2017  

On the occasion of the visit of:  

Rosa Degerman, Science and Innovation Officer in British Embassy, Helsinki 

Participants institutions are the following:  

UNAK, IASC, RANNIS, IACN, STEFANSSON ARCTIC INSTITUTE

The Arctic Coast Way is an exciting project which develops a new attraction for the North of Iceland. Tourist routes are an established tool in global tourism to guide visitors along defined roads to specific areas. The overall objective of the Arctic Coast Way is to provide better opportunities for providers to sell their products under an umbrella trademark and thus reach better visibility in the national and international markets. The route is also a tool to distribute visitors to more peripheral areas and, by developing experiences along the route, we want to achieve longer dwelling times in the North and to expand the season. 

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The project is hosted by Markaðsstofa Norðurlands and the steering committee and the project manager run the project. Christiane Stadler took over the position of project manager in November 2016 and her workplace is in Markaðsstofa Norðurlands.

Considering the outcome of the Third International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP III) and the recommendations of the Review Committee, the IASC Executive Committee started a discussion on IASC´s future strategy. Initial thoughts were presented to Council at ASSW 2016 and the following comments and recommendations regarding the development of IASC´s future strategy were made during the subsequent discussion.

Global freshwater is a finite and vulnerable resource, including in Arctic regions where climatic influences are manifesting in the form of melting glaciers, increased flooding and hydrological variability, declines and changes to arctic flora and fauna, and changes in ocean water composition from freshwater inputs. Further, ecosystem changes are as of yet unknown in many regions due to evolving long-term impacts from water resource variability. There lacks a dialogue on the social and environmental implications of changing global freshwater resources with respect to the Arctic, which is necessary to bring to realization the potential questions and stakeholders needed to identify solutions. Collectively, this session proposes to create discourse on the physical and socio-economic bases of future freshwater resources, including groundwater and surface water monitoring and understanding, vulnerability to flora and fauna from climatic and human impacts, the socio-environmental dynamics of water resource resilience, scarcity issues, quality and quantity, social equity, perception, and education. A key component is determining mechanisms for communicating between stakeholders and those individuals with the knowledge about the complexities of arctic freshwater challenges and opporutnities into the future to couch this topic in an interconnected, broader social and policy context.  

Mr. Robert Rich, Executive Director of ARCUS, visited Akureyri from 4 - 6 Otctober 2016 to meet the many Arctic organizations in the Borgir research building along with the University of Akureyri, Akureyri municipality, and the China - Iceland Aurora Observatory with the European Polar Board. 

A gathering of some of Iceland's Arctic cluster's most prominent institutions to visit each other and to establish dialogue.

This symposium was organized in spirit of the Arctic Council's 20th anniversary and hosted within the University of Akureyri. Discussions were lead to consider its past effectiveness and the future which lay ahead. It saw opening statements take place from various ministers within the Icelandic government, as well as from representatives from the various institutions which comprise Iceland's Arctic cluster.

In the last five years China has emerged as a member of the unique club of nations who are powerful at both poles. Polar states are global giants, strong in military, scientific, and economic terms. The concept of a polar great power is relatively unknown in international relations studies. Yet China, a rising power globally, is now widely using this term to sum up its aspirations and symbolise the significance of the polar regions to China’s national interests. Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping first referred to China as a polar great power when he visited Australia in November 2014. China’s focus on becoming a polar great power represents a fundamental re-orientation—a completely new way of imagining the world. China’s signalling that it is poised to enter the ranks of the polar great powers reveals both a deep need for status change in the international system and an awareness of a gap in global geopolitics that China alone has the unique ability to fill. In setting its sights on the polar regions now, China is looking to the mid to long term and planning for its future economic, political, and strategic needs. The Chinese government's stated core national interests in the current era—to maintain China’s social system and state security, to preserve state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the continued stable development of the economy and society—all require access and engagement in the Arctic and Antarctic. China has global interests and is well on the way to becoming a global great power. In order to succeed in this evolution it must be powerful in the polar regions. In this talk Anne-Marie Brady will discuss her latest book, to be published by Cambridge University Press later this year. 

The Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network (IACN) and Polar Knowledge Canada signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to advance and facilitate collaboration in science and technology between Iceland and Canada. The specific areas for collaboration include: shared access to infrastructure resources and complementary expertise; participation of academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector; and exchange and training of science and tech personnel and students.

Eileen and Bernie Strenecky visit Akureyri from 23rd May to 3rd of June 2016 where the two main goals of this were to work with representatives of the Akureyri mayor's office and UNAK to develop 4 "Hundred Dollar Solution" projects being developed by students at Western Kentucky University to have in cooperation with Akureyri. 

The University of Akureyri, Western Kentucky University, and the IACN organized a joint summer course in Akureyri, Iceland from 15 May to 15 June 2016 called "Climate change and socio-economic impacts in the North' where collaboration with climate exerts occurred which included excursions as well as a part of the increased cooperation between the schools.

A film called "Eskimo" was played as a part of a course called Introduction to the Circumpolar World at the University of Akureyri. Dr. Lawrence Millman provided the introduction to the film and followed the movie with a performance of a traditional Cree ritual used to aid Inuit hunters. 

The seventh meeting of the Task Force on Scientific Cooperation (SCTF) was held in Reykjavík, where parties to- and observers of the Arctic Council came together to discuss a renewal of the SCTF mandate.

Visit to Akureyri – Mr. Ambassador, David Balton, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials, Arctic Council US Chairmanship 

Thursday 12.November 2015 from 14:30 -16:00 

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Does continued practice, knowledge and understanding of traditional music promote a sense of belonging and lead to a more viable society? Does our perception of sound and music derive from "cultured listening" over a long period of time and if so, how does that affect our aesthetic preferences and choices, unconscious and/or conscious? The presentations in this session seek answers to these questions while attempting to rediscover and understand the realities as well as (mis)representations of arctic traditional music.

Global freshwater is a finite and vulnerable resource, including in Arctic regions where climatic influences are manifesting in the form of melting glaciers, increased flooding and hydrological variability, and changes in ocean water composition from freshwater inputs. Additionally, these processes impact other regions, such as the Caribbean, in the form of drought, extreme storm events, and the migration of water borne diseases. Ecosystem changes are as of yet unknown in many regions due to evolving long-term impacts from water resource variability. There lacks a dialogue on the environmental implications of changing global freshwater resources with respect to the Arctic, which is necessary to bring to realization the potential questions and stakeholders needed to identify solutions. Collectively, this session proposes to create discourse on the physical and socio-economic bases of future freshwater resources, including groundwater and surface water, vulnerability from climatic and human impacts, the socio-environmental dynamics of water resource resilience, scarcity issues, quality and quantity, equity, perception, and education. A key component is determining mechanisms for communicating between stakeholders to couch this topic in an interconnected, broader social and policy context. 

Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen along with his students from the University of Tromsø came to Borgir in Akureyri to meet an array of Arctic organizations.

The Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University, is proud to announce that GSICS has been designated as one of the participating institutions of the Japanese government’s Arctic Challenge for Sustainability Project (ArCS), a 5-year (2015-20), 30-million-dollar research project, and will be responsible for research on Arctic legal and policy issues, particularly focusing on the Arctic international legal framework and institutions. Akiho SHIBATA, professor of international law, is heading the project at GSICS as the Director of the newly established Polar Cooperation Research Centre (PCRC).

A symposium of experts and local stakeholders to discuss the transformative potential of then-undiscovered sources of precious oil and gas extraction and processing within the region of east Iceland.

In celebration of Arctic Council collaboration and to mark the transition of the Chairmanship of the Council from Canada to the United States, you are invited to join the Rector of the University of Akureyri and the Ambassadors of Canada and the United States for an afternoon of information sharing, learning and discussion of the valuable work that has been achieved over the past few years and the exciting priorities for ongoing cooperation in the years to come.  

Heimsókn Árna Þórs Sigurðssonar Senior Arctic Official til Akureyrar, Þriðjudagur 2. júní kl. 08:15-13:45 

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2 weeks student visit to Akureyri and North Iceland.

The 3rd CNARC (China-Nordic Arctic Research Center) Symposium marked a pivotal gathering in the realm of Arctic research, facilitating collaboration between China and Nordic countries. Esteemed scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders converged to address pressing issues surrounding Arctic sustainability, climate change, and geopolitics. Discussions encompassed diverse topics including environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, gender, and emerging economic opportunities in the region. Through presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants exchanged valuable insights and forged new partnerships to tackle the complex challenges facing the Arctic. The symposium underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific understanding and promoting responsible stewardship of this vital region.

Arctic Science Summit Week 2015 in Toyama, Japan (23–30 April) brought together nearly 700 international scientists, students, policy makers, research managers, Indigenous Peoples and others interested in developing, prioritizing and coordinating plans for future Arctic research. The Conference was organized by the International Arctic Science Committee and the Science Council of Japan, with the support of many other international partners (www.assw2015.org).

Introduction of the "Offshore Oil and Gas Development in the Arctic under International Law Risk and Responsibility" book by

Rachael Lorna Johnstone

An institutional visit from Inga Dora Markussen, Director of West Norden.

An international conference on Search and Rescue. 

A visit from Tromsö based Arctic institutions to Akureyri. Included institutional visits and roundtables.

Visit by Vincent Rigby, AC Canadian Chairmanship, Chair of Saos, Stewart Wheeler, Ambassador of Canada to Iceland, and Icelandic SAO Þorsteinn Ingólfsson.

A meeting of Regional coordinators of the Northern Forum, NF Secretariat, Project coordinators and Business partners. Included a cultural program and open seminar.

Organized by the Icelandic-Arctic Chamber of Commerce, Festa - Icelandic Center for Corporate Social Responsibility and The Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network in cooperation with the Icelandic Joint Committee on Arctic Affairs, the Arctic Services and the Icelandic Search and Rescue Cluster. 

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The global significance of the Arctic region is growing, inter alia as a consequence of climate change, accelerated resource development and prospects for increased economic activity for various industrial sectors. A challenge will be to reconcile new or increased economic activity in the region with targets of environmental and cultural sustainability, calling for a responsible leadership in significant industries including in the extractive industries, tourism, fisheries and shipping.    

The breakout session on Arctic Commercial Opportunities and Corporate Social Responsibility seeks to bring together stakeholders from industry, academia and communities to share their experiences and knowledge and to discuss the tools available for a committment to responsible management and buisness development.  

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The second China-Nordic Arctic Cooperation Symposium was held in Akureyri, Iceland, 2nd-5th of June 2014. It was an international and multi-disciplinary event with the participation of researchers, industry representatives, policy makers and community leaders which presented, debated and discussed research findings and issues relating to growing Nordic-Arctic Asian cooperation. Other important events were also held in conjunction with this symposium, such as the ground-breaking of the China-Iceland Joint Aurora Observatory (CIAO) and the China-Iceland Economic Roundtable.   

An international conference on Gender Equality in the Arctic. A part of Phase I of the SDWG project on Gender Equality. Phase I — Gender Equality in the Arctic (arcticgenderequality.network)

A Carnegie think tank meeting on Arctic Council Leadership Transitions.

An institutional visit from Rick Fehst from Alaska, Aleut Islands. 

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A study abroad group from Western Kentucky University, arriving by the MV Explorer to Akureyri. Included study visits and cultural programs. 

A Chinese business delegation visited Iceland to engage in a dialogue with Icelandic companies concerning China-Icelandic business cooperation.

A roundtable discussion on economic development, including participants from Chinese and Icelandic Businesses. 

A dinner in the honor of the Rector of University of Greenland, Tine Pars. 

A Nordic Prime Ministers´ Meeting held in Akureyri. A dialogue on burning issues in the regions with multi-stakeholder participation. 

Introduction of the regional development strategy and presentation on various funded projects, including the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network. 

Nordic Council Meeting engagement with Arctic institutions in Akureyri.

A symposium looking at the major issues for the relevant authorities in the Arctic when it comes to tourism and transport in the harshest of environments. 

An Institutional visit from the Indian Ambassador to Iceland.

An interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder conference on Arctic issues, including themes of tourism, fisheries, search and rescue, and oil and gas. 

An institutional preparatory meeting for the Northern Forum Regional meeting in Akureyri.

An institutional visit from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iceland, Mr. Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson. 

A farewell dinner for Nansen Professor Natalia Loukacheva.

A seminar on oil and gas organized by the Embassy of Canada to Iceland.

An Icelandic interdisciplinary conference on Arctic affairs in the context of Iceland. The main theme was on how to strengthen participation of Icelandic scientists in international cooperation and policy making about the Arctic. 

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