A Cooperative Arctic

Cooperation among Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, and policymakers is essential to the development of a shared vision for a sustainable Arctic. Meaningful partnerships, open science, and science diplomacy are considered crucial to addressing the evolving impacts of climate, environmental, and socio-economic changes in the North—a region where research is logistically difficult and costly. However, current geopolitical tensions and related security concerns undermine our ability to cooperate and share knowledge. Discussions on international collaboration are thus timely and of increased importance, for instance, as the Arctic Council—a high-level intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the North—transitions its chairship from Norway to the Kingdom of Denmark next year. Furthermore, we have recently seen the inauguration of the Polar Dialogue (2024), which aims to increase the diversity of global stakeholders involved in conversations surrounding polar concerns. Also in development is Arctic Pulse, which initiates collaborative activities to address scientific gaps and inform the strategic priorities of the next International Polar Year (2032-2033). It is essential that any cooperation addressing Arctic transformations centre the roles and rights of Indigenous Peoples. This panel invites discussion around the possibilities, challenges, opportunities and necessity for circumpolar collaboration for a sustainable future of the North.

Moderator: Jackie Dawson, University of Ottawa

Panelists:

Susan Kutz, University of Calgary

Courtney Price, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna

Lisa Koperqualuk, Inuit Circumpolar Council

David Hik, Polar Knowledge Canada

Hugues Lantuit, Alfred Wegener Institute