The future of Arctic collaboration is at a crossroads. As we look toward 2032 and beyond, it is essential to engage in forward-thinking discussions that go beyond immediate challenges and envision what Arctic diplomacy could become. This was the backdrop for a panel discussion at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, October 2024, available as a recording above.
The event was Co-organized by Academia Europaea Bergen, and moderated by Ole Øvretveit, Manager & Researcher of the Arctic Science Diplomacy Project, University of Bergen & Academia Europaea Bergen. In the panel were Melody Brown Burkins of the Institute of Arctic Studies, Dartmouth College, Lise Øvreås, president of The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Volker Rachold of the German Arctic Office, Alfred Wegener-Institute (AWI), Gunn-Britt Retter, Arctic & Environmental Unit, Saami Council and Henry Burgess, Head of the NERC Arctic Office, British Antarctic Survey; President, International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).
In her introduction, Melody Brown Burkins described how the Arctic Science Diplomacy Project is a group with very diverse perspective, with several group members part of the Arctic Circle Assembly panel. Furthermore, she emphasized how this group will focus less on the immediate future of Arctic Science Diplomacy, but rather look ahead to possible scenarios in the build-up to the 5th International Polar Year 2032-2033.
In the following conversation, a range of topics relating to the future om Arctic Science Diplomacy are discussed.