Youth Perspectives on Education and Training in Arctic Communities

This workshop aims to map the current landscape of Arctic youth leadership and explore opportunities to strengthen and complement existing efforts. Open to invited guests and Arctic Change conference delegates, the session will foster collaboration and insight-sharing among stakeholders.

The workshop will begin with introductions by the project proponents, outlining their engagement in youth Arctic leadership initiatives. Participants, including youth, educators, and other stakeholders, will then be invited to share perspectives on existing programs, identify gaps, and discuss opportunities for meaningful action. 

Our vision is to ensure that Arctic youth are central to these discussions, shaping the future of leadership programming based on their experiences and aspirations. By involving youth, educators and other stakeholders from the outset, we aim to co-design a program/project that empowers Arctic youth to develop their leadership potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

We are committed to complementing, not duplicating, existing efforts and welcome collaboration with those already active in this field. Together, we hope to create an impactful initiative that addresses the unique needs of Arctic youth.

Hosted by:

Patti Bruns, Arctic Mayors' Forum

Jennifer Spence, Harvard University

Sheila Downer, University of Newfoundland