Session format: 5-minute introductions followed by discussion

The Arctic has become an integral part of global affairs. As images of the dramatic effects of climate change in the region reverberate through world politics, the Arctic Council and other arctic fora provide rare examples of East-West cooperation in tumultuous times. Powerful actors are promoting their interests and involvement in Arctic politics and economic development. How are these economic developments, including the Northern Sea Route, proceeding and what are the potential longer-term diplomatic and governance consequences? With the region’s growing visibility on the world stage,how will these complex regional and global relationships,challenges and opportunities play out in the future?

As the world drifts towards increased confrontation, nationalism and protectionism, will the Arctic also change as a result? Can the Arctic contribute to global well-being while we simultaneously build a prosperous and healthy future for the people of the North? Are indigenous peoples heard and included in crucial processes? And finally – are the Arctic Council and other regional fora working effectively to address these challenges?

Session format: 5-minute introductions followed by discussion

Science is not complete until it is communicated to decision makers, stakeholders, peers and the general public. Scientists are increasingly aware of the importance of communicating crucial facts, and policy and business are looking towards science for answers. At the same time, scientific findings and expert opinions are being questioned and devalued in political arenas around the world. The discussion on the Arctic often manifests itself as a polarised conflict between protection on the one side, and exploitation of natural resources on the other. How may scientific knowledge and facts contribute to a more balanced debate in this picture?

Education is crucial for the future viability of Arctic communities. Arctic states need to invest sufficiently in basic educational infrastructure and technology for their northern communities. Education across the Arctic faces common challenges that differ from those facing southerners. Are transnational Arctic educational initiatives, like the University of the Arctic, a solution? What can we learn from such initiatives? Moreover, traditional knowledge is key in the Arctic. Securing this knowledge for the next generation and creating new ways of transmitting this knowledge are important tasks. To what extent is traditional knowledge included and used in Pan-Arctic cooperation?

Session format: debate

The world is in the middle of three revolutions, one green, one technological and one infrastructural. Between 4 and 6 million people live in the Arctic. Northern communities are diverse societies, with modern urban and remote and sparsely populated areas, and thus face an array of possibilities and challenges. As with other parts of the world, there is great interest in planning for greater sustainability, accessibility, affordability and healthier cities, towns and villages. How may technology and connectivity enhance resilience in arctic communities and promote a green economy? The smart city concept is relevant also in the Arctic. New technologies, digitalisation and enhanced connectivity, as well as modern architecture, have the potential to enable arctic communities to adapt to, and benefit from, ongoing changes. Offering a modern way of life and family-friendly solutions is crucial for attracting young people and competence. How can smart arctic communities adapt to the effects of climate change, the impacts of industrial development and foreign investment on local development and urbanisation? Indigenous peoples are unquestionably hugely impacted by climate change. However, traditional knowledge may serve as a basis for adaptation and sustainable development in the high north. In what ways do indigenous peoples apply modern technology in business development? How can we better connect the Arctic – through space technology, communication systems and the resulting development and exchange of expertise and knowledge?

Session format: 5 minute introductions followed by discussion

Healthy and productive oceans are the foundation for arctic coastal communities. The oceans of the Arctic are changing more rapidly than the global ocean as a whole with pronounced changes in temperatures, stratification, freshwater content and ice cover. Knowledge-based dialogue on governance systems and best practices in order to handle rapid change in Arctic ecosystems is needed at the national level, across borders and in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Marine debris reaches the Arctic from various sources: marine litter breaks down into microplastics and manufactured microplastics enter the environment. What is being done to combat these problems? Several new global initiatives have been taken to address the environmental status and sustainable use of the ocean, in addition to existing agreements and ongoing processes.’ Our Ocean’ and Norway’s international high-level panel on sustainable ocean economy are among these efforts. How are these efforts being coordinated? What has been achieved so far? Ocean-based industries have enormous potential. How do we ensure that the international community works towards economic growth whilst preserving a sound ocean environment? The UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calls for innovation to improve the management of our oceans. Modern technologies and smart solutions are crucial in this picture. How can business help implement these SDGs? What is the role of science in this picture? How may this enhance entrepreneurship through science?

Session format: panel debate

Today, less than 5 percent of global food production comes from the ocean. The Northern, Sub-Arctic Oceans are rich in natural resources and generally well managed – contributing to food security for a growing world population. Favourable natural conditions and environmentally sensitive and sustainable industrial development also contribute to livelihoods in coastal communities. Exports of seafood generate significant revenue for companies operating in the North and Arctic states have demonstrated their ability through successful management of the marine fisheries, based on extensive international cooperation. Aligning sustainability and profitability is the key for continued success in the future. Major technological developments in aquaculture, changes in the geographical distribution of fish stocks and new species emerging in harvestable quantities will change the current landscape. How can ocean management keep pace with such changes, driven by environmental factors and technological innovations? What is required to create a sustainable and competitive seafood industry in remote rural areas based on local raw materials?

Session format: panel debate

The Arctic continental shelf constitutes some of the world’s largest remaining potential areas for oil and gas. Increasing energy demand has been an incentive for innovation and new technology. How will this development continue for a safer arctic petroleum industry? How may arctic petroleum resources be extracted in a sustainable manner not undermining the Paris agreement? What potentials lies for stakeholders operating in infrastructure and capital markets as arctic offshore potentials are being developed?

Development of renewable energy sources calls for substantially increasing access to rare-earth minerals and conventional metals. However, there is not enough knowledge on the commercial prospects for marine mineral mining in the Arctic and in some areas a lack of a regulatory framework. Challenges and possibilities related to subsea mining need to be investigated. Do we have the methodologies and underwater technology to extract minerals from the seabed?

Session format: panel debate

New sailing lanes and transport routes bring opportunities and business growth in the coastal communities. Inaccurate marine mapping, insufficient capacities within search and rescue (SAR), and use of traditional heavy oil as fuel poses challenges for increased maritime traffic in the north. However, international cooperation within SAR, advances within communication, new technology and innovative green solutions like alternative fuel and hybrid technology give hope for a sustainability evolution with low carbon shipping. Communication and connectivity, including satellites, and broadband offer great opportunities. New infrastructure and large data cable projects are already being processed. How can big data, autonomous research vessels and smart censoring secure sailing and other activities along the coast and on the high seas? In the recent few years, there has been a rapid increase in arctic cruise tourism. What are the challenges and opportunities for arctic communities? Do we have the adequate infrastructures in place to ensure sustainability and safe sailing?