The Arctic Circle Assembly is the largest annual international gathering on the Arctic, attended by more than 2000 participants from over 60 countries. This year we invite you to join us for three events ranging from a high-level session on energy security for a resilient Arctic to sessions on zero-emission shipping and Arctic resilience in practice. In addition, you can meet us on 16 October at the Nordic information stand in Harpa. Our sessions are open to all assembly participants.

Zero Emission Shipping – Accelerating the Green Transition in the Arctic

Ferry in Faroe Islands. Photo: Isak Sundin/Unsplash.com.

Ship traffic in the Arctic has risen by 37% over the past decade, increasing concerns over fuel types and environmental impact. This session will highlight ongoing initiatives to foster the transition towards sustainable shipping and explore ways to scale them across the Nordic and circumpolar Arctic.

📅: Friday, 17 October
🕒: 09:40–10:35
📍: Björtuloft, Harpa Fifth Level

Speakers:

  • Jessica Veldstra, Executive Director, Aleut International Association  
  • Jon-Arve Røyset, Senior Adviser, Norwegian Coastal Administration  
  • Julia Hansson, Senior Researcher & Project Manager, IVL, Project Partner, Nordic Roadmap – Future Fuels for Shipping
  • Vilhjálmur D. Jakobsen, Head of Sustainability & ESG, MEST Shipyard  
  • Vanessa Dick, Senior Governance Lead, WWF Global Arctic Programme (moderator)

This event is co-organised by Nordic Energy Research, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Environment and Climate Sector, the Arctic Council Working Groups on Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment and Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response. 

Energy Security for a Resilient Arctic 

Photo: Jamo Images/Adobe Stock.

Energy security is crucial for a resilient Arctic. While approaches vary across the circumpolar North, access to reliable – and sustainable – energy is essential for communities to thrive, meet local societal needs, and support economic growth and competitiveness. This high-level plenary connects ministers and senior representatives to share their visions for an energy-secure Arctic.

📅: Friday, 17 October
🕒: 13:30–14:15
📍: Silfurberg Hall, Harpa second level

Speakers:

  • H.E. Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers 
    [Video message]
  • H.E. Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Minister of/Naalakkersuisoq for Business, Energy, Natural Resources, Justice, and Equality, Greenland
  • H.E. Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate, Iceland 
  • H.E. Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Canada
  • Ms Claude Veron-Reville, Special Envoy for Arctic matters, Head of Division for Western Europe and European External Action Service
  • Ms Patti Bruns, Secretary General of the Arctic Mayors Forum (moderator)

This event is co-organised by Arctic Circle, Nordic Energy Research and the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Arctic Energy Resilience in Practice

Nuuk, Greenland. Photo: steheap/Adobe Stock.

Fossil fuel dependency is pressing in many Arctic communities. This session brings together networks and local leaders to exchange concrete experiences and drive quicker, practical steps toward resilient energy systems.

📅: Friday, 17 October
🕒: 17:05–18:00
📍: Sker, Harpa Ground Floor

Speakers:

  • Camilla Olsen, Chair of the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), Head of Section, the Ministry of Statehood and Foreign Affairs, Greenland
  • Ragnhild Leganger, Lead of the Nordic Network for Net-Zero Islands, Nordic Energy Research
  • Embla Eir Oddsdottir, Iceland’s Head of Delegation to SDWG
  • Robert Cooke, Canadian Lead Arctic Remote Energy Networks Academy (ARENA)
  • Mons Sellevold, Project Manager, Store Norske Energi, Svalbard
  • Klaus Skytte, CEO, Nordic Energy Research (moderator)

This event is co-organised by Nordic Energy Research and the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group. 

Meet Nordic Energy Research at the Nordic information stand

Energy cooperation across the circumpolar North is more important than ever to ensure resilience and sustainability. Building on a long tradition of Nordic collaboration and joint knowledge creation, the Nordics have developed innovative energy solutions that inspire beyond the region.

Visit the Nordic stand to meet Nordic Energy Research and other key Nordic actors. Join us for an informal chat about Nordic energy cooperation, get inspired, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

📅: Thursday, 16 October
🕒: 12:45–19:15
📍: Harpa, second level