Arctic Affairs
Arctic Chairmanship in the Arctic Council 2019-2021
Together Towards a Sustainable Arctic
The theme of the Arctic Council Chairmanship program for 2019-2021 reflects Iceland’s commitment to the principle of sustainable development and refers to the necessity of close cooperation between the states and peoples of the region and beyond. Sustainable development and protection of the Arctic environment have been at the core of the Arctic Council’s mandate since its foundation in 1996. With rapid environmental changes underway... - See more...
Arctic Marine Environment
Arctic Council Working Groups have contributed significantly to scientific knowledge and understanding of the Arctic marine environment. The Arctic Council will continue its work on monitoring and assessment, protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, and promotion of sustainable use of marine resources.
Climate and Green Energy Solutions
The impacts of climate change not only make their mark on the environment of the Arctic but also affect the economic and social wellbeing of Arctic communities.
People and Communities of the Arctic
Initiatives that aim to promote the wellbeing of the roughly four million people living in the region will remain central to the Arctic Council’s work.
Stronger Arctic Council
Iceland’s Chairmanship will strive to enhance the constructive cooperation that has always been a key strength of the Arctic Council.
The Icelandic 2019-2021 Chairmanship Programme (pdf)
With sustainable development as an overarching theme, Iceland will highlight four priorities...
About the Arctic Council
The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
Established in 1996, the Arctic Council is composed of eight Member States: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States. In addition, six organizations representing Arctic indigenous peoples have status as Permanent Participants: the Aleut International Association, the Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich’in Council International, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, and the Saami Council. Observer status is open to non-Arctic states and organizations that can contribute to the Council’s work.
The work of the Arctic Council is primarily carried out in its six Working Groups. Their efforts and analysis form the basis for Arctic Council assessments and recommendations. Decisions are taken by consensus among the eight Arctic Council States, with full consultation and involvement of the Permanent Participants. Further information is available on the Arctic Council website, arctic-council.org
The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the 2019-2021 Arctic Council Chairmanship.
SAO Chair: Einar Gunnarsson
SAO for Iceland: Friðrik Jónsson
