Norway takes over as Chair of the Arctic Council
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Loading... - Herrera Victor
- 15 May 2023
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‘We are looking forward to chairing the Arctic Council for the next two years. It is vital that the Arctic Council maintains its role as the most important multilateral forum for addressing issues relating to the Arctic,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
In a digital meeting attended by the eight Arctic States (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the US) and representatives of the six Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, Norway has taken over the Chairship of the Arctic Council. Norway’s Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Mr Morten Høglund, represented the country, and a common statement was issued from the meeting.
Norway has expressed its commitment to continuing the Council's core focus areas, which include addressing climate change, sustainable development, and the well-being of people living in the region. The country's Chairship will prioritize four main areas, namely the oceans, climate and environment, sustainable economic development, and people in the north, with a particular emphasis on Arctic youth and Arctic indigenous peoples.
In February of last year, Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, which led to the suspension of official meetings in the Arctic Council. However, projects not involving the participation of the Russian Federation resumed in June. The Council aims to resume its important work during Norway's period as Chair, and the member states will explore how this can be achieved in practice. While political contact with Russia is not possible, Norway will continue to maintain predictability in its dealings with Russia in the Arctic Council.
For over 25 years, the Arctic Council has played a crucial role in Arctic cooperation and serves as a unique platform for cooperation between Arctic states and Arctic Indigenous Peoples. It is crucial that the Arctic States continue to take responsibility for addressing climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and people in the Arctic. Norway looks forward to strengthening and increasing the visibility of the work carried out by the Council.
