“We are delighted to lead the Arctic Council for the next two years. It is important that the Arctic Council continues to be the most important international forum for Arctic affairs, says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.
Norway took over the presidency of the Arctic Council today. The takeover took place during a digital meeting attended by eight Arctic states: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the US, and representatives from six indigenous organizations on the Council. Norway was represented by the Norwegian Ambassador to the Arctic, Morten Høglund. At the meeting, councilors agreed on a joint statement.
“Norway will continue to focus on the core tasks of the Arctic Council, such as the effects of climate change, sustainable development and facilitating a good life for people in the region,” says Huitfeldt.
The four main priorities of Norwegian leadership are the sea, climate and environment, sustainable economic development and people in the north. In addition, Norway will pay special attention to Arctic youth and indigenous peoples in the Arctic.
Also read: Finnmarksløpet - the longest dog sled race in the world
After Russia launched a full-scale aggression against Ukraine, in violation of international law, on February 24, 2022, the formal work of the Arctic Council was quickly halted. Work on projects without Russia's participation resumed in June last year.
“Our goal is for the Arctic Council to resume its important work under our leadership. Together with other Member States, we will now explain how this can happen in practice. Political contact with Russia is impossible. However, in the Arctic Council, we will continue to deal with it in an orderly and predictable manner, says the head of the MFA.
For more than 25 years, the Arctic Council has played a leading role in Arctic cooperation
The Council is a unique platform for cooperation between Arctic states and the indigenous peoples of the Arctic.
– It is very important that Arctic countries continue to take responsibility for managing climate change and its impact on ecosystems and people in the Arctic. We look forward to strengthening and highlighting the important work being done every day in the working groups and expert groups within the Arctic Council, says Minister foreign affairs Huitfeldt.
Like us on Facebook and share our post with others. Thank you.
Source: regjeringen, Arctic Council Secretariat
Photo: Diagram of the Arctic Council
Read and learn more: Theft of catalytic converters in Norway
