The 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly - more important than ever

Welcome to 2024 and the new reality. The Arctic has an increasing effect on our daily lives – also in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Nordic Cooperation in the Arctic more important than ever, not least due to the current geopolitical situation and an escalating climate crisis. This is why the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council had a strong presence at Arctic Circle this year, hosting a total of 11 events at the Arctic Circle Assembly and off-venue.

Climate changes and the dispute for the Arctic substratum
First and foremost, there is the escalating climate crisis with Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity changing at great speed, while global pollution significantly affects both ecosystems and the Arctic population.

Some of these changes in the Arctic also affect the rest of the world, which explains the increasing focus on the Arctic in recent years. The melting of the ice sheet in Greenland has led to a rise in the sea level in the rest of the world which affects millions of people around the globe (in 2023 UN estimated that 900 million people were in acute danger because of rising sea levels – and this was in Bangladesh, China, India, and the Netherlands only). 

At the same time, melting and increased precipitation affect the global circulation of sea water. The derived changes in the ocean currents and their temperature have a major influence on the local climate – especially in the Nordic countries – which can lead to frequent fluctuations in the weather.

Another thing is the ongoing dispute on who has the right to the Arctic area and especially to the water, wind, metal, minerals, and other raw materials in the Arctic subsoil. As the ice melts due to climate change, border drawing in the area is an increasing subject of discussion – centered around the countries with coastlines in the Arctic: Norway, Denmark/Greenland, the USA, Canada, and Russia.

The Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly
So, there is no lack of urgent topics of discussion when the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly has already started today at Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland (October 17-19).

Being the largest gathering on Arctic affairs, the purpose of the assembly is – in its own words – to “bring together governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, citizens, and others for a comprehensive and democratic Arctic dialogue”.  

Both the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council will be present with a focus on how Nordic countries can work together to ensure a safe, resilient, and sustainable future in the Arctic Region. The Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council take part in a total of 11 events both on-site – and off-venue.

"The Nordic Council of Ministers has the vision to be the world's most integrated and sustainable region in 2030 so the more activities we have supporting this mission in the Arctic, the better. And the faster the results are created, the better - because it is urgent" says Mikael Carboni Kelk, Team Leader, Nordic Council of Ministers.

Here are four highlighted events.

Event #1: Explore the Chill - Building a Sustainable Energy Future

How can the Arctic region deliver climate-friendly, affordable, and secure energy supplies for its communities while establishing itself as a green energy hub capable of exporting clean energy to other parts of the world? That is the topic on Wednesday October 17th when experts from the Nordic countries, Scotland, and Canada will reflect on best practice cases and prospects from their countries to upscale the supply of green fuels and create mutual energy security and shared strategic advantage. 

Event #2: Bolstering Resilient Food Systems in a Changing Arctic

Building and maintaining resilient food systems is especially relevant in the Nordic Arctic as well as in the remaining circumpolar Arctic, where Indigenous Peoples and local communities are experiencing some of the most profound impacts of climate change. Recent global crises have exposed the vulnerabilities of modern global food systems, shedding light on specific weaknesses within the Arctic region. The aim of the session is to explore the knowledge that is needed to bolster Arctic food systems and to ask how Nordic countries, Arctic communities, and Indigenous Peoples can leverage their expertise and resources to innovate and address challenges in a just and inclusive way. Participants in the panel are key actors from Nordic Cooperation, The World Food Programme, and The Arctic Council.

Event #3: The next Arctic Expedition - Exploring the Ocean Investing Opportunity

The oceans around us are vital to the health of our planet and the well-being of humanity. But the current utilization of our oceans is unsustainable and threatens both marine ecosystems and human livelihoods. According to the UN, an estimated €147 billion per year globally is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water by 2030.

To date, only €21 billion is available – with €16.8 billion coming from domestic and international public sources while €4.2 billion comes from private investors. This leaves a funding gap of €126 billion. This event will discuss how private capital can contribute to closing the critical €126 billion funding gap for a sustainable ocean future. The panelists will also discuss why the Arctic region is a hotbed for sustainable ocean industries and innovation and the experts will give insights on the political and economic steps needed to attract more private capital to the sector.

Event #4: The Arctic Young Chef – finale

The Arctic has a richness in culinary ingredients which is unmatched compared to most parts of the world. This makes the Arctic area a potential culinary hotspot but the key element in making full use of the potential is to encourage and engage the young population and make them interested in the local food scene.

At the Arctic Circle Assembly, the spectators have the opportunity to watch the finale of the competition “The Artic Young Chef” first hand. Four fantastic chefs from Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands and Norway will compete to be the very first winner of Arctic Young Chef.

The Arctic Young Chefs Tournament aims to foster collaboration, celebrate culinary diversity, and promote the use of underutilized ingredients from the North Atlantic region and the rising chefs will compete to highlight their regions rich culinary heritage, creativity, and skills on the international stage.

"We hope that these events can contribute to creating a deeper understanding of the challenges that are particular to the Arctic and the people who live here. And with respect, at the same time create awareness about the opportunities in the area as well – this goes for the green transition etc. The Arctic is rich in both wind, water, metals and minerals. The Nordic Council of Ministers sees great potential in building on the initiatives we have within hydrogen and green transport in the Arctic and the rest of the Nordic region. Both in relation to creating sustainability and security of supply regionally and new business opportunities globally" says Mikael Carboni Kelk, Team Leader, Nordic Council of Ministers.