Speakers:

• Giorgio Novello, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of Norway and the Republic of Iceland
• Janko Drnovsek, Vice Chair, EURAMET
• Morten Karstoft Rasmussen, Physicist, Danish Technological Institute
• Hannu Sairanen, Research Scientist, MIKES Metrology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
• Fernando Sparasci, Research Engineer, Laboratoire Commun de Métrologie LNE-CNAM
• Marc Le Menn, Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine
• Marcel Babin, Canada Excellence Research Chair, Remote Sensing of Canada New Arctic Frontier, Takuvik Joint CNRS (France) & ULaval (Canada) Laboratory; Chair of the French Arctic Initiative
• Volker Ebert, Professor, Gas Analysis Department Head, PhysikalischTechnische Bundesanstalt

• Vito Vitale, Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (CNR-ISAC)
• Luca Lanza, Principal Researcher, Università di Genova
• Carmen Garcia Izquierdo, Centro Español de Metrología (CEM)
• Ragne Emardson, Research Manager, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden
• Chiara Musacchio, Guest Researcher and Project Management, MeteoMet Project

Chair:

• Andrea Merlone, EURAMET and BIPM CCT Task Group Environment Chairperson, Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica

Speakers:

• Sigmar Guðbjörnsson, CEO, Star-Oddi: Innovative tag to study Humpback Whales.
• Peter Skovgaard Rasch, Director, Collaboration and Innovation, Danish Meteorological Institute: The whale as a ocean science monitoring platform.
• Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir, Head of Education and Science, Lífríki: Tagging humpback whales for gaining novel insight into the oceans.
• Hallur Hallsson, Senior Partner, Project Leader, the Lífríki Foundation: The Lífriki Foundation.

• Peter Hagen, Senior Partner, Director of International Sales and Market Development, Lífriki International: How to bring Lífriki into the international market.
• Tatiana Lyng Pedersen, Game Director, Cape Copenhagen: Creating Kid Scientists.

Moderator:

• Magnús Jónatansson, Senior Partner and Project Leader, Lífriki Marketing

Speakers:

• Gunhild Hoogenson-Gjörv, Professor, University of Tromsø – Norway’s Arctic University: Linkages between Security, Geopolitical and Governance.
• Sandra Maria Rodrigues Balão, Universidade de Lisboa (ISCSP‐CAPP(P&G)/FCT), Portugal: The Arctic Region as an IR Political Actor ‐ a Multidimensional SWOT (Geopolitical Challenges) Analysis for the XXI Century.
• Alexander Sergunin, Professor, St. Petersburg State University, Russia: The Human Security Concept in the Russian Sustainable Development Strategy in the Arctic: Conceptual, Legal and Institutional Aspects.

• Mikhail Rykhtik, Professor, Nizhny Novgorod State University, Russia: MonoCities and the Problem of Human Security in the Russian High North.
• Lassi Heininen, Professor, University of Lapland, Finland: The Nexus of Resources, the Environment, Climate Change and the Military in Further Security of the Arctic.

Chair:

• Heather Exner-Pirot, Strategist, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Join us again in fellowship to connect, share your stories of projects, and discuss our future life in the North. We met last year at Arctic Circle conference and then started the Arctic Rotary Connections facebook page. Let’s get together again, and more Rotarians from all 8 Arctic nations. Life is different in the North. Bring your questions and stories about your club and projects. Let’s build Arctic Rotary Connections! And remember, Rotarians, this counts as a Make-Up!

Chairs:

• Joseph Davis, Vice President, ConsultNorth; Anchorage Rotary Club
• Sandra Medearis, Nome Rotary Club, Nome Alaska
• Elizabeth Shea, Alaska Nanuuq Commission; Chair for the New Generation Committee for Anchorage Downtown Rotary

Speakers:

• Jim Gamble, Researcher, Aleut International Association, USA and Jessica Shadian, Nansen Professor, University of Akureyri: Hybrid Governance in the Arctic: Carving out a Political Space for Coastal Indigenous Communities in Arctic Emergency Preparedness and Response.
• Agnieszka Ason, Researcher, Free University of Berlin: Resilience as a Precondition for Sustainable Arctic Shipping.
• Nicolas Sellheim, Researcher, University of Lapland: Crushing the Rock and Leaving the Hard Place? Seal Hunting as Social Resistance.

• Karen Everett, PhD Candidate, Trent University, Canada: Yukon Exports and the Challenges of National Border Management Programs.
• Cécile Pelaudeix, Associate Professor, Aarhus University, Denmark: China’s Role in the Governance of the Arctic: Towards an Alternative Diplomacy?

Chair:

• Maria Ackrén, Head of Department, University of Greenland, Nuuk 

This breakout session will highlight Newfoundland and Labrador's Arctic Opportunities Initiative and our expertise, infrastructure and industrial capabilities for arctic development.  Come join us forge the path to success through collaboration and partnership.

Speakers:

The Provincial Government’s Arctic Opportunities Initiative (AOI):

• Alastair O'Rielly, Deputy Minister, Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Expertise:

• Glenn Blackwood, Vice President for Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Infrastructure:

• Carey Bonnell, Marine Institute of Memorial University: Sustainable Fisheries Development in the Arctic-Sub-arctic.
• Captain Christopher Hearn, Director, Centre for Marine Simulation, Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Freeman Randell, Executive Director, CARD: C-CORE’s Activities in the Arctic.
• Terry Lindstrom, General Manager, Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering: The National Research Council of Canada:  From Ideas to Reality – Supporting Research and Development in Marine Engineering.
• Doug Trask, Research and Development Corporation: R&D Support for Arctic Technology Development and International Collaboration.

Speakers:

• Alyn Smith, MEP
• John MacDonald, Associate Lecturer, University of Glasgow
• Alasdair and Neil Stephen, Dualchas Architects
• Gemma Lord, Product Designer and Photographer
• Ellis O'Connor, Visual Artist

• Dominic Hinde, Journalist and Writer
• Tom Smith, Director of Architecture, Research and Design Collective, Lateral North

Chair:

• Graham Hogg, Director of Lateral North

They will emphasize that ethical and religious dimensions touch on inner realities, profound common interests of humanity, and concerns for value and meaning which cannot be ignored when seriously considering the present and future challenges in the Arctic and elsewhere on the globe.

They will encourage a holistic approach where science and religion respectfully cooperate in a concerted effort to promote sustainability. While reflecting the wider Arctic and global perspectives of the ecological situation, they assumedly will do so from certain Icelandic perceptions,  drawing upon the great impact that the concurrently beautiful and threatening environment of Iceland has always had on its inhabitants and also much affected their faith and religious sentiments. Around the middle of the session a photo slideshow will run on the screen which portrays the ambiguity of the Icelandic landscape and reflects these existential realities.

Speakers:

• Arnfríður Guðmundsdóttir, Professor, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Iceland: Our Place and Our Responsibilities within God’s Creation.
• Gunnar Kristjánsson, Former Dean, National Church of Iceland: The Ambivalence of Nature in the Religious Culture of Iceland.

• Sigríðar Guðmarsdóttir, Rural Dean in Sør Helgeland, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway: Ecological Ultimate Concern: Climate Change and Theology in the North.
• Sólveig Anna Bóasdóttir, Professor, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Iceland: Possibilities of Agency. Religious Ethics and Environmental Problems.

Photo Slideshow:

• Björn Rúriksson, Geologist, Pilot and Photographer: Contrasts in the Icelandic Environment, Beauty and Challenges.

Moderator:

• Grétar H. Gunnarsson, Consultant at the National Church of Iceland

Chair:

• Gunnþór Þ. Ingason, Specialized minister within the field of Religion and Culture, National Church of Iceland

Speakers:

• Steen Valentin, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School: The role of government in promoting CSR across the Nordics: Lessons for the Arctic.
• Anita Hoffer, Chairman, Transparency International Greenland: Civil society as a driver for corporate responsibility: The case of anticorruption.

Chair:

• Anne Mette Christiansen, Partner, CSR Greenland, Deloitte Sustainability

In this breakout session the focus will be on all these issues, with an emphasis on the possibilities of the West-Nordic Countries Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland to cooperate as Arctic nations in order to further develop and improve Arctic Governance.

Speakers:

• Ágúst Thór Árnason, Director, Polar Law Institute; Adjunct, Faculty of Law, University of Akureyri
• Bárður Larsen, Supervisor and Adjunct in Law, Fróðskaparsetrið

• Federica Scarpa, Project Manager, Arctic Portal
• Mininnguaq Kleist, Director in the Premier’s Office, Greenland: Priorities of the Government of Greenland in the Light of Self-Government.
• Natalia Loukacheva, Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Governance and Law/Associate Professor, University of Northern British Columbia

Chair:

• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

The focus will be on its Nordic cooperation network (NordMAB), its vision and concrete realisations in the following 2 fields: Fostering Northern sense of belonging and Usage of traditional knowledge. The presentation will include a 5 minutes video of the "NordMAB Students on ice" 2015 Arctic expedition (114 youth in Greenland and Canadian arctic) that presents a call for action on Climate Changes, as well as outcomes of the collaboration agreement between Sweden’s Samis and Quebec's Innus. 

Speakers:

• Jean-Philippe L Messier, NordMAB leader and National Chair of Canadian Biosphere Reserves
• Johanna MacTaggart, National MAB coordinator, Sweden
• Tobias Johnson, Chief, Gran Sami village, Sweden
• Raymond Rousselot, Vice-Chief, Pessamit Innu Community, Québec

Speakers:

• Sigríður Kristjánsdóttir, Assistant Professor, Agricultural University of Iceland: Sustainable planning of circumpolar cities.
• Christin Kristoffersen, Mayor of Longyearbyen, Svalbard: Circumpolar cities - Present status and future scenarios.
• Lesil McGuire, Senator in the Alaska State Legislature: Pros and cons of circumpolar cities.

Chair:

• Erla Margrét Gunnarsdóttir, President of the Planning Association in Iceland

Introductory Remarks:

• Tore Hattrem, State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Speakers:

• Harald Steen, Cruise Leader, N-ICE2015; Head of Centre for Ice, Climate andEcosystems, Norwegian Polar Institute: N-ICE2015 cruise mission’schallenges and solutions.
• Mar Fernández-Méndez, Postdoctoral Researcher, Norwegian Polar Institute: Why should algae worry about snowfall: A story about light and darkness from the base of the Arctic marine ecosystem.

• Polona Itkin, Postdoctoral Researcher, Norwegian Polar Institute: Destructive forces in the drift ice: Measuring winter sea ice deformation in the fast drifting sea ice north of Svalbard during N-ICE2015 campaign.

Moderator:

• Harald Steen, Norwegian Polar Institute

Chairs:

• Guy Yeomans, Founder, arcticfutures
• Peter Weiss, Director, University Centre of the Westfjords

The pathways lie between extraction of non-renewable resources and sustainable development approached from global to Arctic perspectives. The session will consider processes of co-design and co-production of knowledge and tools for participatory governance and improved decision-making among different user communities, such as researchers, private companies, civil society, and public decision makers. After five short presentations framing key aspects of the issues, an open discussion among all present will address the issues raised that are relevant for rights- and stakeholders in and beyond the Arctic.

Speakers:

• William Davies, PhD candidate, Sustainability Research Institute, University of Leeds
• Emma Wilson, Associate, Scott Polar Research Institute
• James Van Alstine, Co-Director, Sustainability Research Institute, University of Leeds
• Andreas Herber, Deputy of Sea Ice Physics, Alfred Wegener Institute
• Ralf Brauner, Professor, Jade University for Applied Sciences
• Alexander Gusev, Research Fellow, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies

• Paul Shrivastava, Executive Director, Future Earth, Canada
• Alan Chamberlain, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP; Member of the Board of Directors, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines

Moderator:

• Carolina Cavazos Guerra, Research Fellow, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies

Rapporteur:

• Marianne Pascale Flynn, Research Fellow, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies

Main questions to be discussed in the workshop: What opportunities will the North Atlantic Energy Network provide for business and society development? How can Nuuk achieve an increased international position in the Arctic?

How can Atlantic neighbors as Maine, Canada, Great Britain and Norway, contribute to this region’s development?

Speakers:

• Erla Björk Þorgeirsdóttir, Project Manager, Icelandic National Energy Authority
• Unnur Brá Konráðsdóttir, Member of the Icelandic Parliament
• Inga Dora Markussen, General-Secretary, West Nordic Council

Chairs:

• Nils Arne Johnsen, Arctic Director, Ramboll
• Dana Eidsness, Director, Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO)

Hafið – the Icelandic Center of Excellence for Sustainable Use and Conservation of the Ocean aims to provide a public-private platform for environmental innovation with special focus on the Ocean.

Our project coordination links to policy development and actual implementation by the industry. In the year that has passed since its establishment, several cooperation projects are already in progress while others are being established and funding secured.

Speakers:

• Jón Ágúst Þorsteinsson, Chairman of the Board, Hafið: Opening Speech.
• Svavar Svavarsson, Business Development, HB Grandi: Fisheries and Hafið – the importance of a wide angle approach.
• Gunnar Stefánsson, Professor, University of Iceland: Science and crossborder cooperation.
• Dagur B Eggertsson, Mayor of Reykjavík: Green City – Blue Port: The role of municipalities on the way to sustainability.
• Hrönn Egilsdóttir, PhD Candidate, University of Iceland: Ocean Acidification
• Sigríður Ragna Sverrisdóttir, Project Manager, Hafið: Hafið; A public – private platform for ocean related innovation for the environment. Projects overview.

Speakers:

• Natsuhiko Otsuka, Management Planning Manager, North Japan Port Consultants: Asian NSR Shipping and Trade: A Commercial Feasibility Assessment.
• Elana Wilson Rowe, Senior Research Fellow, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs: Russia and Networking the NSR.
• Liisa Kauppila, PhD Candidate, Grant Researcher, University of Turku, Finland: Arctic Opportunities as a Driver of Regional Integration in Northeast Asia? Chinese Strategies and Visions for Supranational Maritime Cooperation.
• Aki Tonami, Researcher, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, University of Copenhagen: NSR Paradiplomacy: Sub-National Actors in the Arctic.
• Christopher M. Dent, Professor, University of Leeds: The NSR and the Eurasian Energy Dynamic.

Chair:

• Matthias Finger, Professor, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland

By adopting a higher degree of coordination of polar research, infrastructure, and logistics than has existed previously, the European Commission's new "EU-PolarNet" project brings together 22 internationally respected European research institutions, engaging actors on national, European and international levels. This session will bring together relevant Arctic research projects and organisations that exemplify the sharing of knowledge with strong engagement with society. Panelists will discuss the topic "connecting science with society."

Speakers:

• Andrea Tilche, Head of Climate Action and Earth Observation Unit, European Commission: EC statement on its role in Arctic research for society.
• Nicole Biebow, Head of International Cooperation Unit, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (Alfred Wegener Institute); Project Manager, EU-PolarNet: EU-PolarNet aims and planned activities.
• Adam Stepien, PhD Candidate, EU European Arctic Information Centre and Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland: Challenging, rewarding, disappointing and risky – consultations for assessments and policy-making: EUAIC experience.
• Wiesław Ziaja, Vice President, Polish Polar Consortium: Polish Polar Consortium Aims and Activities.

Panelists:

• Karin Lochte, Director, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research Alfred Wegener Institute
• Jeremy Wilkinson, Coordinator of ICE-ARC, British Antarctic Survey
• Paul Holthus, CEO and President, World Ocean Council
• Yves Frenot, Director of the French Polar Institute, IPEV
• Kirsi Latola, Director, UArctic Thematic Networks
• Volker Rachold, Executive Secretary, International Arctic Science Committee

Moderator:

• Renuka Badhe, Executive Secretary of the European Polar Board (EPB)

Speakers:

• Oddur Sigurðsson, Glaciological researcher, Icelandic Meteorological Office: Influence of climate change on glaciers.
• Óli Grétar Blöndal, Executive Vice President, Landsvirkjun: Influence of climate change on hydropower from glacier rivers.
• Óskar Pétur Einarsson, Mechanical Engineer, Verkis: Challenges of hydropower in permafrost.

Chair:

• Sveinn Ingi Ólafsson, Managing Director/CEO, Verkis

The objective of Life Cycle Thinking is sustainable development and continuous improvements in order to reduce e.g. the production and emission of greenhouse gases (Carbon footprint), resource depletion and water footprint as well as improving social and economic performances.

The energy sector, commercial- and residential building sectors, food- and waste sectors are large contributors to global negative environmental impacts, e.g. greenhouse gas emissions.

This breakout session will address the importance of applying Life Cycle Thinking in the above-mentioned sectors in Artic countries and highlight the key issues and approaches in each sector.

Speakers:

• Helga Jóhanna Bjarnadóttir, Director Environment, EFLA Consulting Engineers and Margrét Arnardóttir, Project manager, Landsvirkjun: LCM in the energy and the electricity sector.
• Eva Yngvadóttir, Project Manager, EFLA Consulting Engineers: Environmental assessment of Icelandic aquaculture salmonid products.
• Hrönn Hrafnsdottir, Project Manager, Reykjavík City: On the road to sustainable economy in Reykjavik.
• Jukka Heinonen, Associate Professor, University of Iceland: Life Cycle Thinking in the building sector.

Moderator:

• Hildur B. Hrólfsdóttir, Quality and environmental manager, Landsnet

Speakers:

• Caroline Kennedy, Professor of War Studies, Head of the School of Politics, Philosophy and International Studies, University of Hull: State Security Concerns: Great Powers and the Arctic.
• Michèle Olivier, Reader in Law, University of Hull; Member of the International Law Association’s working group on Non State Actors: Human Security Concerns: Indigenous Securities and Insecurities. 
• James I. Rogers, Fellow of the Centre for Security Studies, Project Director, High North and Arctic Policy, University of Hull: The Militarisation of the Arctic: Analysing the Past, Discussing the Future.
• Rear-Admiral Nicholas Lambert, Chairman of the Scott Polar Research Institute; Master Mariner: Economic and Environmental Security Concerns: Blue Economy and the Arctic.

Chair:

• James I. Rogers

Speakers:

• CDR Blake McBride, ONR Global-Singapore, Associate Director for Meteorology, Physical Oceanography and Arctic Technologies
• Sigurdur Hrafnsson, President of UAS Iceland and Marty Rogers, Director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI)
• Gregory R. Belanger, President, Neptune Ventures
• Ekaterina B. Sokolova, Head of East Arctic Centre; Researcher, Center for Maritime International Studies, Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University, Vladivostok, Russia
• Pavel A. Saliuk, Head of the Laboratory of Lasers Optics and Spectroscopy, V.I. Ilichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Vladivostok, Russia

Chair:

• Commander Blake McBride, ONR Global-Singapore, Associate Director for Meteorology, Physical Oceanography and Arctic Technologies

Speakers:

• Guðrún Ingimundardóttir, Composer and ethnomusicologist, ÞjóðList ehf: Arctic Traditional Music and Cultural Integrity.
• Kimberly Cannady, Lecturer in Ethnomusicology, New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington: Off the Wall and Out of the Archives: Bringing Drumsongs into Everyday Life in Greenland.
• Helga Rut Guðmundsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland: The Icelandic tradition of public participatory group singing
• Rósa Þorsteinsdóttir, Folklorist, The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies: A hollow box and a horsehair string: Attitudes towards musical instruments in Iceland.
• Þorbjörg Daphne Hall, Musicologist and Programme Director, Iceland Academy of Arts: The Icelandic sound?

Chair:

• Guðrún Ingimundardóttir, Composer and ethnomusicologist, ÞjóðList ehf
• Heather Exner-Pirot, Strategist, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Speakers:

• Victoria Herrmann, Ph.D, Scott Polar Research Institute, The Arctic Institute
• Jessica Shadian, Nansen Professor, University of Akureyri
• Jens-Ivar Nergård, Professor, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway
• Thomas Thornton, Director, Associate Professor, Oxford University

Chair:

• Robin Grimes, Chief Scientific Adviser, Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom

This panel examines some of the challenges facing management of living marine resources in the Arctic. It will explore the legal regulation of whaling and the contribution of NAMMCO in this respect; the EU Seal Product Ban and dispute before the WTO in light of ILO Convention 169; and innovative approaches to fisheries catch documentation in the Arctic through real-time catch documentation in which Iceland has the potential to take a pioneering role.

Speakers:

• Richard Caddell, Senior Research Associate and Nippon Foundation Senior Nereus Fellow, Netherlands Institute for Law of the Sea, Utrecht University: Marine Mammal Regulation in the High North: Challenges and Opportunities for NAMMCO.
• Nikolas Sellheim, Doctoral Candidate, University of Lapland: The EU seal regime and the WTO - The elusive claim of morality.

• Laura Nielsen, Associate Professor of Law, University of Copenhagen: The WTO case EU - Seal Products - did everyone overlook the ILO 169 Convention?

"Transparency and dependability of information in fisheries management: room for improvement?"

• Hjalti Ómar Ágústsson, Researcher, Polar Law Institute, University of Akureyri
• Jóhann Ásmundsson, Polar Law Institute, University of Akureyri
• Eva Varheim, Senior Advisor, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries

Chair:

• Romain Chuffart, Polar Law Candidate, University of Akureyri

Speakers:

• Kristinn Schram, Assistant Professor of Ethnology/Director at Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland
• Katla Kjartansdóttir, Researcher, University of Iceland
• Sumarliði Ísleifsson, Researcher, Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland
• Robert Wheelersburg, Fulbright Scholar, Centre for Arctic Policy Studies and Professor of Anthropology, Elizabethtown College

Panel:

• Sigríður Hagalín Björnsdóttir, Anchor, Icelandic TV News
• Kevin McGwin, Journalist, Arctic Journal & Sermitsiaq, Greenland
• Martin Breum, Journalist, Commentator & Author

Chair:

• Jan Boman, Managing Partner, Arctic PR Network and Boman Qujan

Speakers:

• Alyson Azzara, Senior Maritime Advisor, U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System: Direct and Indirect Impacts on the Arctic from International Shipping.
• Laura H. Strickler, Arctic Program Officer, Clean Air Task Force: Global Leadership from the Arctic: The Role of the Arctic Council in Sustainable Shipping – the Case for an Arctic Ban on Heavy Fuel Oil.
• John Buckingham, Chief Mechanical Engineer, BMT Defence Services Ltd.: Fuels, Engines and BC Abatement Technologies: What do we know and what might the options be?
• John Maggs: Beyond BC and the Arctic: Prospects for Reducing Shipping's Climate Impacts: a Policy Perspective.
• Bernice Notenboom, Climate journalist, science writer, documentary maker and professional adventurer: The view from the ground.

"Emissions from International Shipping: Recent Trends and Future Scenarios"

• Global Trends: John Maggs, President, Clean Shipping Coalition; Senior Policy Advisor, Seas At Risk
• Arctic Trends: Alyson Azzara, Senior Maritime Advisor, U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System

Chair:

• Charlotte Inglis, Senior Associate, European Climate Foundation

This session on Sustainable development in Northern Québec aims to exchange views on research and partnership which are conditions required to achieve sustainable development for projects in the circumpolar world, such as the Plan Nord. The session will use a format that combines Quebec and international experts who will present their perspectives on development challenges. It will also provide a forum to reflect on the contribution of circumpolar research to the global efforts for a sustainable earth.

Speakers:

• The Honourable Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec

Part A: Québec Research Experience in the North:

• Maryse Lassonde, Scientific Director of the Québec Nature and Technology Research Fund
• Louis Fortier, Scientific director of ArcticNet, Université Laval: A decade of research by the ArcticNet network of center of excellence.
• Marcel Babin, Director of TAKUVIK Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval and CNRS: Arctic research, partnership, and new perspectives: Sentinel North.
• Nicole Biebow, Head of International Cooperation Unit, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (Alfred Wegener Institute)
• René Therrien, Vice-dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Université Laval, The Institut Nordique du Québec: Bringing research to innovation.

• Lars Lövgren, Kemiska Institutionen Umeå University, Sweden: The circumpolar network of ecotoxicology with mining industry as part of U. of Arctic.

Part B: Building Capacity Through Innovation: Experiences from Québec Organizations in the North:

• Christos Sirros, Agent-General, Québec Government Office in London
• Adamie Delisle Alaku, Vice-président, Renewable Resources, Makivik Corporation: The Makivik Corporation as a demonstration of leadership in the capacity building in the North.
• Gaétan Lantagne, General Manager, Institut de recherche Hydro-Québec: Emerging energy technologies and R&D opportunities for northern areas.

Concluding Remarks:

• Yves Bégin, Vice Rector of Research, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS): New scientific skills needed for Québec Plan Nord, challenges for universities.
• Robert Sauvé, President and CEO, Société du Plan Nord of Québec: The Plan Nord of Québec: challenges for society.

In this session we ask how these informal skills can be activated, acknowledged and utilized. By zooming in on the case of Greenland, we present the cold facts and discuss the present opportunities and barriers focusing on mining, tourism and handicrafts through three perspectives: a government level, the civil society level and the international level.

The session's output will be new concrete partnerships and a catalogue of solutions.

Speakers:

• Frederik Paulsen, Executive Chairman, Ferring Pharmaceuticals
• Kuupik Kleist, former Prime Minister of Greenland: "Who and how many" – an analysis of the Greenlandic case on lack of education and how to turn this barrier into an advantage.
• Representative from the Education Department of Greenland: What are the educational challenges of Greenland today?

Workshop:

• Writing opportunity catalogues – Exploring successful ideas to solve challenges in the Arctic
• Fortescue Metals Group representative: The Newfoundland and the Australian case: How to recognize informal skills and train people with no formal education.
• Gujo Torsteinsson, Educator: an innovative model of training young people with problems.
• Guðrun & Guðrun: "Knitting our way to a better life": A Faroese example of a business model creating jobs for women.

Speakers:

• Karin Lochte, Director, Alfred-Wegener Institute: The Recent Science – The Role of the Arctic in the Earth System.
• Petteri Taalas, Director General, Finnish Meteorological Institute: Weather and Climate Information Services for the Arctic.
• Tero Vauraste, President and CEO, Arctic Shipping
• Michael Kingston, Partner, DWF

Moderator:

• David Eades, BBC World

As part of an effort to spur infrastructure investment in the Arctic and to create a permanent capital vehicle for the region, this roundtable will involve a discussion of the WEF Global Agenda Council on the Arctic and Guggenheim's efforts in creating an Arctic Infrastructure Inventory.

The roundtable will include an open discussion of current infrastructure challenges and opportunities, as well as plans for future infrastructure development from both the private and public sector.

Speakers:

• Diane Hirshberg, Professor of Education and Policy and Director, Center for Alaska Education Policy, University of Alaska Anchorage
• Andrey Petrov, Associate Professor and Director, ARTICenter, University of Northern Iowa, USA
• Kirsi Latola, Director, UArctic Thematic Networks: Capacity building in Arctic communities and universities.
• Kirk Anderson, Memorial University, Canada: Integrating Traditional Knowledge into Education.
• Sylvia Moore, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Education, Labrador Institute of Memorial University: Community-based indigenous teacher Education.
• Laila Nutti, Sámi University College, Norway: Early childhood education.
• Gordon Brower, Whaling Captain, North Slope Borough School District, Alaska: Integration of traditional and scientific knowledge in Barrow.

Chair:

• Auður H Ingólfsdóttir, Assistant Professor, Bifröst University

Circumpolar residents want to be informed, active participants in regional and international affairs affecting them, such as climate change, viability of indigenous languages and culture, health, education, natural resources and economic development.

Up-to-date and daily information shared among circumpolar countries would be beneficial in developing relevant and inclusive public policy and strategies thereby empowering and sustaining arctic residents.

A Circumpolar News and Information Network will also reach a wider audience thereby drawing attention to ongoing issues affecting Inuit and other Arctic residents.

Speakers:

• Aqqaluk Lynge, Head of the Inuit Human Rights Centre (Inuit Circumpolar Council, Greenland); former Chair of ICC; Expert Member at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• Marianne Stenbaek, Professor and Broadcaster, McGill University
• Dalee Sambo Dorough, Associate Professor, University of Alaska, Anchorage; Iñupiat Lawyer; Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• Jerry Giberson, President, JRG Media Consulting
• Kirt Ejesiak, Inuit businessman; Chairperson of Ilitturvik University Society, Iqaluit

Moderator:

• Dalee Sambo Dorough

Speakers:

• Dagfinnur Sveinbjörnsson, CEO, The Arctic Circle
• Jason Polk, Department of Geography and Geology, Western Kentucky University: Freshwater Resources with Regard to a Changing Climate.
• Thorsteinn Thorsteinsson, Glaciologist, Icelandic Met Office: Glaciers and ice caps in the Arctic region: Present status and future scenarios.
• Steingrímur Jónsson, Professor of Physical Oceanography, University of Akureyri: Fate of freshwater in the Arctic Ocean and its climate significance.

• Jón Ólafsson, Senior Scientist, Institute of Freshwater Fisheries: Freshwater Ecosystems in the Arctic.
• Leslie North, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Geology, Western Kentucky University: Problem-solving: Engaging community and stakeholders through effective education and communication.

Chair:

• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

Speakers:

• Sydney Kaufman, Lead on Arctic Renewable Energy, U.S. State Department
• Okalik Eegeesiak, Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council
• Margrét Arnardóttir, Project Manager, Wind Power, Landsvirkjun
• Claudio Cañizares, Professor, University of Waterloo
• Gwen Holdmann, Director, Alaska Center for Energy and Power

Chair:

• Alexander Shestakov, Director, WWF Global Arctic Programme, Canada

Speakers:

• Tom Barry, Executive Secretary, CAFF
• Courtney Price, Arctic Migratory Birds Initiative Coordinator: The Arctic Migratory Birds Initiative: implementing the ABA.
• Martin Sommerkorn, WWF Global Arctic Programme: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Arctic Scoping Study.
• Kári Fannar Lárusson, CAFF Programme Manager: The Arctic Biodiveristy Data Service.
• Nauja Bianco, Senior Advisor, Nordic Council of Ministers: The importance of implementing the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment recommendations from a Nordic Council of Ministers perspective.

Changes in ocean salinity and temperature are altering location and productivity of fisheries. Permafrost soils contain one-third of the global soil carbon. As these soils thaw, they will irreversibly release vast quantities of carbon dioxide and methane with major consequences for global climate.

This session will report on Arctic field studies of the observed changes and their current and future consequences. Such information is critical for decision-making as governments and corporations make plans for accessing fossil fuel, mineral and marine resources as the Arctic emerges from its icy past.

Speakers:

• William Moomaw, Professor, Tufts University: Global Implications of a Warming Arctic.
• Scott Goetz, Deputy Director and Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Research Center: Ecosystem Changes Across the Arctic.
• Larry Hinzman, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks: The role of hydrology and permafrost in Arctic climate feedbacks.
• Max Holmes, Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Research Center: Rivers as Integrators of Arctic Change and Sentinels of Widespread Permafrost Thaw.
• Sue Natali, Assistant Scientist, Woods Hole Research Center: Permafrost, Carbon and Climate Change.

Moderator:

• William Moomaw, Professor, Tufts University

Many megaprojects face an uncertain future, as do the host communities. A booming economy creates a wide range of opportunities, even as it gives rise to challenges such aslack of housing and power imbalances. When a bust replaces the boom, new issues arise. However, discussion about how affected local governments and civil societies might cope with these rapid changes is not yet present in Arctic forums.

In this break-out session, you will meet individuals with first-hand experience of the local opportunities and challenges that follow both booms and busts in Arctic regions. You will also meet politicians who deal with these issues at a national level.

Speakers:

• Frode Bjørgo, Ph.D Student, University of Nordland, Norway: Mind the governance gap! Arctic municipalities and megaprojects.
• Anna Kumpula-Kostet, Chairman of the Social Welfare Board of Pajala, Sweden: The Heyday and the Mayday of Pajala – Northlands rise and fall.

• Caroline Lund, Norwegian Supreme Court attorney: Mining for society or company? Municipal challenges
• Sara Olsvig, Leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit Party; MP, Inatsisartut (Greenlandic Parliament): Small scale - Big impact. The need for alternatives to large-scale projects.
• Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Member of the Icelandic Parliament: Opportunities and risks; how to find the road between?

Chair:

• Bente Aasjord, The Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employees (NUMGE)

Moderator:

• Bård Borch Michalsen, High North Center for Business and Governance

Speakers:

• Paul Arthur Berkman, Professor, University of California Santa Barbara: Balancing National Interests and Common Intersts in the Arctic High Seas.
• Bjarni Már Magnússon, Assistant Professor of Law, Reykjavik University: Iceland’s Reactions to the Declaration Concerning the Prevention of Unregulated High Seas Fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean.
• Alexander N. Vylegzhanin, Professor, Director, International Law Programme, MGIMO University, Russian Federation: Legal Dimensions of Living Resources of the Central Arctic Ocean
• Peter Harrison, Professor Emeritus, Queen's University, Canada: Potential for Commercial Fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean: Issues and Options.

• Lawson W. Brigham, Distinguished Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks: The IMO Polar Code and the Central Arctic Ocean.
  Torsten Thiele, Founder, Global Ocean Trust: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Beyond National Jurisdictions: Options for the High Seas in the Central Arctic Ocean.
• Oran R. Young, Professor Emeritus, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California Santa Barbara: Governing the Central Arctic Ocean.

Speakers:

• Anders Oskal, International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry
• Mikhail Pododaev, Northern Forum
• Halldor Johannsson, Arctic Portal
• Egill Þór Níelsson, PRIC, China

Chair:

• Embla Eir Oddsdottir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

Speakers:

• Rasmus Bertelsen, Professor, University of Tromsø – Norway's Arctic University and Oda Andersen Nyborg, MA Student, University of Tromsø: A Comparative Study of Nordic Arctic Security Policies.
• Gustav Pétursson, PhD Candidate, University of Lapland: A "High North" Policy for NATO in the Arctic?
• Andreas Østhagen, Fellow and PhD Candidate, Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies, Oslo: Norwegian and Canadian Security in the Arctic: A Tale of Two Worlds.
• Marc Lanteigne, Senior Research Fellow, NUPI: Ties that Bind: The Emerging Regional Security Complex in the Arctic.

Chair:

• Raimo Väyrynen, Professor (emeritus), Chair of Board, University of Lapland, Finland

This breakout session will discuss local adaptation strategies and plans, and possibilities for joint efforts to address these challenges on regional, national and international levels. How should regional leaders develop policies regarding the sustainable development of business, infrastructure, local societies, social welfare, and culture?

The Northern Forum is an international organization, which for more than 20 years has united leaders of northern regions to improve quality of life and support sustainable development in the North.

Topics of discussions:

• Interregional Cooperation in the North and Adaptation to Climate Change
• Impacts and Consequences of Climate Change on the Regional Level in the Arctic
• Indigenous Peoples and Globalization in the Arctic
• Arctic Youth: Navigation Towards Sustainability through New Approaches for Addressing Arctic Climate Change and Globalization
• Possible Cooperation of Northern Regions with Arctic Council AACA Project
• Improving the Quality of Life in the North
• Global Changes in Biodiversity and Environment – Local Solutions

Speakers:

• Egor Borisov, President of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Chair of the Northern Forum, Russia
• Eiríkur Björn Björgvinsson, Mayor of Akureyri, Iceland
• Timo Rautajoki, President of the Lapland Chamber of Commerce, Finland
• Lars Kullerud, President of UArctic
• Robert Corell, Principal, Lead of Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, Global Environment and Technology Foundation; Senior Faculty Fellow, Florida International University; Professor II, University of the Arctic (Norway)
• Igor Anatolevich Orlov, Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia

Chairs:

• Vladimir Vasiliev, Minister of Federal Relations and External Affairs of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)
• Halldór Jóhannsson, General Director of Arctic Portal

Speakers:

• Valery Konyshev, Professor, St. Petersburg State University, Russia: Thinking the Unthinkable: A U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System in the Arctic?
• Michael Corgan, Associate Professor, Boston University: A "Great Game" in the Arctic? The US, Russia and Rivalry Extension.
• Maria Lagutina, Professor, St. Petersburg State University, Russia: International Crises' Impact on the Arctic Cooperation: the Case of Ukraine.
• Heather Exner-Pirot, Strategist, University of Saskatchewan: Demystifying the Russian Bear in the Arctic.

Chair:

• Lassi Heininen, Professor, University of Lapland / Thematic Network on Geopolitics and Security

Speakers:

• Tom Barry, Executive Secretary, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group of the Arctic Council: Importance of International Cooperation on MPAs for the protection of Arctic biodiversity.
• Hjalti Hreinsson, Project Manager, Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Group of the Arctic Council: The Arctic Council Framework for a Pan-Arctic Network of Marine Protected Area.
• Martin Sommerkorn, Head of Conservation, WWF Global Arctic Programme: Shaping Arctic Change through Stewardship: The Nexus of Area-based Conservation, Ecosystem-based Management and Sustainable Development.
• Tatiana Saksina, Head of the Polar Programme, Global Marine & Polar Programme International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Key Principles and Approaches in Establishing MPAs and MPA Networks as Seen by IUCN.

• Boris Soloviev, Research Scientist, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences; WWF-Russia: Designing a Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Russian Arctic: First Results and Lessons Learned.
• Sebastien Gadal, Professor of Geography, Geomatic sciences, Urban Studies, Teeitorial Development, University of Aix-Marseill; French representative at the PAME working group

Chair:

• Magnus Johannesson, Director, Arctic Council Secretariat

Speakers:

• Richard Clayton, Chief Maritime Analyst, IHS Maritime and Trade
• Katherine Hardin, Managing Director, Energy Insight Team, IHS Energy
• Lara Setrakian, Founder, Arctic Deeply
• Philipp Hermes, Founding and Managing Partner, BHM Penlaw; Member of the Arctic Bureau of the International Geostrategic Maritime Observatory

Moderator:

• Katherine Hardin, Managing Director, Energy Insight Team, IHS Energy

Speakers:

• Richard Clayton, Chief Maritime Analyst, IHS Maritime and Trade
• Katherine Hardin, Managing Director, Energy Insight Team, IHS Energy
• Lara Setrakian, Founder, Arctic Deeply
• Philipp Hermes, Founding and Managing Partner, BHM Penlaw; Member of the Arctic Bureau of the International Geostrategic Maritime Observatory

Moderator:

• Katherine Hardin, Managing Director, Energy Insight Team, IHS Energy

Clean green energy technologies from Iceland in combination with China's environmental conservation determination are transforming Chinese cities towards a cleaner and healthier future for the benefit of society as a whole, increasing the quality of life not only for the people of China but for the whole world. The two companies have jointly built the world's largest geothermal district heating operation (Sinopec Green Energy Geothermal Co., Ltd.) - both in terms of heated floor area and customers served.

The collaboration and its global relevance will be presented by representatives from Sinopec and Arctic Green Energy Corporation as well as world renowned geothermal experts that have directly contributed to the project's success.

Speakers:

• Stefan Skjaldarson, Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to the People’s Republic of China: The Sino-Icelandic Bilateral Geothermal Cooperation.
• Guðni Axelsson, Director of Geothermal Training, Iceland Geosurvey: Geothermal Technical Collaboration between Iceland and China
• Haukur Harðarson, Chairman and Founder, Arctic Green Energy; Vice –Chairman, Sinopec Green Energy: Low temperature Geothermal in the fight against global warming – Experiences from Iceland and China.
• Zhang Zhaoping, President, Sinopec Star: Sinopec Green Energy – Achievements and Future Vision.

Speakers:

• Tara Sweeney, Chair, Arctic Economic Council
• Svend Hardenberg, Founder and Chairman, Greenland Invest, Greenland: Arctic opportunities and challenges in Greenland.
  Hörður Arnarson, CEO, Landsvirkjun: Energy infrastructure investment in the Arctic.
• Stephen J. Henley, Vice President, Subsea 7 Canada: Newfoundland and Arctic infrastructure developments.
• Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Iceland

Moderator:

• Björn Berg Gunnarson, Director, VÍB Wealth Management

Panelists:

• Jón Bjarnason, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture 2009-2011, Member of Parliament 1999-2013, Iceland
• Okalik Eegeesiak, Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council
• Heiðar Már Guðjónsson, Chairman of the Board, Eykon Energy
• Erik Haaland, Arctic Non-technical Risk, Statoil, Norway
• Guðni A. Jóhannesson, Director General, National Energy Authority/Orkustofnun, Iceland
• William Moomaw, Research Professor, Co-Director, Global Development and Environment Institute, Tufts University; Chief Science Officer, Earthwatch Institute
• Alexander Shestakov, Director, WWF Global Arctic Programme, Canada
• Fran Ulmer, Chair, U.S. Arctic Research Commission and Special Advisor to the U.S. State Department on Arctic Science and Policy
• Tero Vauraste, CEO, Arctia Shipping; Vice Chair, Arctic Economic Council

• Alexander Vylegzhanin, Professor and Director, International Law Programme, Moscow State Institute of International Relations
• David Vincent, Director of Business Development and Renewable Energies, Gaz Metro, Canada
• Jan-Gunnar Winther, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute
• Gunhild Hoogesen Gjørv, Professor, University of Tromsø, Norway

Chair:

• Kathleen Araújo, Assistant Professor, Stony Brook University and Research Affiliate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rapporteur:

• Isabel Barrio, Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Iceland

The latest Arctic Public Opinion Survey will be introduced to identify the most pressing concerns of Arctic peoples. Indigenous approaches are explained and their contribution to non-indigenous environmental governance assessed. Lack of food security and adequate housing in the Canadian Arctic is explored in historic context, indicating major concerns of poverty and extreme poverty that remain to be overcome.

The priorities of the Government of Greenland are assessed in light of Greenland’s unique legal, political, social and economic status. The future of governance of the Arctic Ocean will be discussed and the potential for an Arctic regional seas programme explored.

Speakers:

• Tom Axworthy, President and CEO, the Gordon Foundation: Rethinking the Top of the World: Arctic Public Opinion Survey, Vol. 2.
• Leena Heinamaki, Senior researcher, Northern Institute for Environmental and Minority Law, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland: From Objects of Protection to Subjects of Cooperation: Indigenous Peoples' Role in Safeguarding the Planet Earth.

• Tony Penikett, Former Premier of the Yukon, Mediator and Negotiator: Hunting the Northern Character.
• Mininnguaq Kleist, Director in the Premier's Office, Greenland: Priorities of the Government of Greenland in the Light of Self-Government.
• Suzanne Lalonde, Professor of Law, University of Montreal: Arctic Stewardship: Devising a Regional Mechanism for the Effective Protection of the Arctic Ocean.

Chair:

• Brittany Tardiff, Polar Law Candidate, University of Akureyri

Change, though, can reveal new knowledge to apply to shifting paradigms. The Uummannaq Polar Institute (UPI) was founded at the beginning of the International Polar Year (IPY 2007) with this intent in mind.

Climate change in Uummannaq has wrought significant changes in education curricula of the Children’s Home. Its mission statement elevates traditional ways of hunting and fishing as the primary means for individual development and Arctic survival. Home a stresses social skills as well as arts, crafts, and market economy occupations and professions.

Speakers:

• Ann Andreasen, Director, Uummannaq Polar Institute and Børnehjemmet (Uummannaq Children's Home)
• Jean-Michel Huctin, Anthropologist and Lecturer, CEARC Research Centre, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Co-Founder of the Uummannaq Polar Institute
• William Gasperini, Journalist

• Wilfred E. Richard, Geographer, Photographer, UPI Research Fellow; Research Collaborator, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Arctic Studies Center
• René Kristensen, Social Educator and Project Manager, Børnehjemmet
  Ludvig Hammeken, Director, Agera

Moderator:

• Wilfred Richard, Geographer, UPI Research Fellow; Research Collaborator, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Arctic Studies Center

Performance:

• The Uummannaq Children's Orchestra

The West Nordic Council, a three decades old pan-Arctic inter-parliamentary cooperation forum between Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, provides an example of how parliamentary cooperation can influence national Arctic agenda with recommendations to governments via parliaments. The session will offer insights on how the West Nordic parliaments have cooperated in their region and what impact the Arctic’s transformation will have on their future cooperation.

Speakers:

• Unnur Brá Konráðsdóttir, MP, Member of the Icelandic Parliament; Vice-Chair of the West Nordic Council
• Lars-Emil Johansen, MP, Chair of the Greenlandic Parliament and President of the West Nordic Council

• Dalee Sambo Dorough, Professor at University of Alaska and Chairperson of United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• Kuupik Kleist, Former Premier of Greenland; Member of the Honorary Board of the Arctic Circle

Moderator:

• Jørgen Niclasen, MP, Member of the Faroese Parliament; Member of the West Nordic Council

Speakers:

• Dagfinn Høybråten, Secretary General, Nordic Council of Ministers: Nordic engagement in the Arctic.
• Höskuldur Þórhallsson, President of the Nordic Council; Member of the Icelandic Parliament: A Nordic Council view on Development in the Arctic.
• Joan Nymand Larsen, Senior Scientist and Research Director, Stefansson Arctic Institute, Akureyri, Iceland: Human development trends in the Arctic. How can we achieve innovation, growth and economic development in the Arctic?
• Sigrún Smarádottír, Research Group Leader for Business Development, MATÍS: Bioeconomy in the Arctic.

• Ásmundur Guðjónsson, Director of North Atlantic Cooperation, NORA: Blue bio-economy in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
• A Fashionable Arctic Gunni Hilmarsson, Icelandic Fashion Council: Joining forces for a sustainable fashion future.
• Boas Kristjanson, Designer, KARBON

Moderator:

• Nauja Bianco, Senior Adviser, Nordic Council of Ministers

Climate change has brought a new dimension into international relations and is shaking things up between global powers. Traditional diplomacy is adapting to a century where climate change will by far be the main challenge. While China and the United States are competitors when it comes to defence, the economy or influencing the world, they have common interests on climate change.

By gathering not only G7/G8 countries but also powers such as China or India, the Arctic region has a key role to play in the 21st century

Speakers:

• André Gattolin, MP, Vice-Chair of the European Affairs Committee, Senate of France: Confronting the traditional diplomacy to the climate change imperative: the case of the Arctic.
• Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Member of the Icelandic Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, former Icelandic Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Nordic Cooperation 2009-2013: How do we make Arctic policy making exemplary

• Jørgen Niclasen, Member of the Faroese Parliament; Faroese Minister for Fisheries 1993-2003, Foreign Affairs 2008-2011, Finance 2011-2015; Member of the West Nordic Council: Do national parliaments have a role in Arctic climate diplomacy? The case of the West Nordic Council
• Unnur Brá Konráðsdóttir, Member of the Icelandic Parliament: Do national parliaments have a role in Arctic climate diplomacy? The case of the West Nordic Council
• Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen, Professor, Barents Chair in Politics, University of Tromsø-the Arctic University of Norway: Knowledge in global governance: the case of climate.

Moderator:

• Damien Degeorges, PhD, Consultant, Degeorges Consulting ehf.

Speakers / Panelists:

Introductory Remarks:

• Mary E. Kirk, Director, Office of Academic Exchange Programs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Core US Visiting Scholars / Fellows:

• Rebecca Pincus, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Maritime Studies, Center for Arctic Study and Policy (US Coast Guard Academy); Fulbright-MFA Arctic Scholar: Politics and Power in the Arctic.
• Robert Patrick Wheelersburg, Professor of Anthropology, Elizabethtown College; Fulbright-NSF Arctic research scholar: Modelling Sustainable Natural Resource Use in the Arctic to Aid Policy Formation.
• Jerilynn Jackson, PhD student, University of Oregon; Fulbright-NSF Arctic research fellow: Narrating Glacier loss: Iceland. 

Fulbright Arctic Initiative Lead Scholars:

• Mike Sfraga, Vice Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Professor of Arctic Policy
• Ross Virginia, Director, Institute of Arctic Studies, Myers Professor of Environmental Science, Dartmouth College

Fulbright Arctic Initiative Water Group Scholars:

• Niels Vestergaard, Professor and Chair, Department of Environmental and Business Economics University of Southern Denmark

Fulbright Arctic Initiative Energy Group Scholars:

• Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, Professor of Poltical Science, University of Tromsø
• Bjarni Magnússon, Assistant Professor of Law, Reykjavik University Fulbright Arctic Initiative Health and Infrastructure 

Group Scholars:

• Anne Hansen, Associate Professor, The Danish Center for Environmental Assessment, Aalborg University
• Susan Chatwood, Executive and Scientific Director, Institute for Circumpolar Health Research; Assistant Professor, Dalla Lana School of PublicHealth, University of Toronto
• Gwen Holdmann, Director, Alaska Center for Energy

Chair:

• Belinda Theriault, Executive Director, Iceland-US Fulbright Commission

Artists are often at the forefront of reevaluating and problematizing the imagination of a connected north through imagery and language. They are adept at conveying the observing and conveying the complexity of place and people, at moving away from the black-and-white, to a place where conversation occurs.

The Anchorage Museum's Curated Conversations program draws out this dialogue by gathering diverse voices for critical, cross-disciplinary discussions around issues relevant to northern places and peoples. This panel brings together Alaska Native artists, performers and writers to address the emergence of an Alaskan northern identity through art and literature, and to explore its connection to the global Arctic in relation to the context of science and research.

Panelists:

• Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Alaska Native contemporary artist
• Joan Kane, Alaska Native writer/poet

• Allison Warden, Alaska Native performer/artist 
• Da-ka-xeen Mehner, Alaska Native photographer/sculptor
• Aaron Leggett, Curator

Moderator:

• Julie Decker, Director, Anchorage Museum

Performance:

• Allison Warden, Iñupiaq performance artist and rapper

Speakers:

• Vilhjálmur Egilsson, Rector, Bifröst University: Challenges and opportunities for a small rural university.
• Dagný Arnardóttir, Programme Director, University Centre at the Westfjords: Cool climate, warm welcome, excellent education - The master's program in coastal and marine management in Ísafjörður, NW Iceland.
• Ingólfur Arnarsson, Assistant Professor, Bifröst University: Cooperation between local businesses and universities in rural areas.
• Geirlaug Jóhannsdóttir, Adjunct, Bifröst University: Pilot project about increasing education level in rural northwest Iceland.
• Diana Mastracci, North Slope Borough School District, Barrow, Alaska, with high school students Bradley and Alfred Brower: Integrating Traditional and Scientific knowledge. Barrow, a case study.

Speakers:

• Niels Tanderup-Kristensen, Director, Arctic Cluster of Raw Materials
• Henrik Fenger Jeppesen, CEO, Rambøll Grønland: Perspectives on Greenland -Opportunities and Challenges.
• Nungo Pedersen, Logistical Officer, Xploration Services Greenland: Making Things Possible in Greenland.
• Per Møller-Jensen, International Director, Orbicon: Bringing Arctic Knowledge to the Global Mining Industry.
• Carsten Dahl-Uhrenfeldt, Director, Siemens Greenland: Sustainable Energy Supply for the Mining Industry.
• Hans Peter Hansen, Director, Charter & Freight, Air Greenland: Securing Transportation in Secluded Areas.

Chair:

• Niels Tanderup-Kristensen, Director, Arctic Cluster of Raw Materials

By looking at some examples, topics of this session shall encompass key issues, recent trends and prospects of development of collaboration in the North/the North Atlantic, policies, migration and multi-ethnic relations, resources and existing challenges of development.

Speakers:

• Rune Rafaelsen, Senior Fellow, Barents Secretariat, Kirkenes, Norway: Barents Cooperation: The Regional Perspective.
• Birita i Dali, Candidate of Political Science, University of Copenhagen, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands and Nuuk, Greenland: Faroese-Russian Relations: Opportunities and Challenges.

• H.E.Anton Vasiliev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Iceland: Russia’s Policy in the Arctic and Cooperation with Iceland.
• Konstantin Zaikov, Director, Arctic Center for Strategic Studies, Northern Arctic Federal University, Arkhangelsk, Russia: Multi-ethnic Relations in the Russian Arctic: Prospects of Development.

Chair:

• Natalia Loukacheva, Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Governance and Law / Associate Professor, University of Northern British Columbia

This Panel will highlight Brazil's interests in the Arctic and provide a broad and speculative vision of the benefits of Brazilian cooperation in the Arctic from economic, social and environmental points of view.

Speakers:

• Sergio C. Trindade, President, SE2T International: The Arctic, Antarctic, and global relevance of Brazil.
• Jefferson Simões, Professor, Head, Brazilian National Institute for Cryospheric Sciences, and Enoil de Souza Júnior, M.Sc. Candidate, Polar and Climate Center, Geosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil): Brazilian interests in the Arctic: From environmental sciences to international relations. 

• Ieda Gomes, Director, Energix Strategy Ltd (UK); Senior Adviser, Fundação Getúlio Vargas Energia (Brazil): Brazil, the Arctic, and Energy.
• Carolina Freire, Professor of Animal Physiology, Physiology of Aquatic Animals, Federal University of Paraná: Potential contributions of the Brazilian scientific community to the evaluation of global biodiversity impacts of climate change in the Arctic.

Chair:

• Sergio C. Trindade, President, SE2T International

Speakers:

• Kazuko Shiraishi, Ambassador in charge of Arctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• Takashi Kiyoura, Director, Ocean and Earth Division, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
• Masao Fukasawa, Professor, National Institute of Polar Research/Operating Executive Director, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
• Atsushi Sunami, Professor, Innovation, Science and Technology Policy Program, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

To fulfill the need for more information about potential future conditions of the Arctic, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is in the planning phase of a new international, collaborative, and integrative research project, the "Arctic Futures Initiative".

In order to support decision-making to advance sustainable and plausible futures for the Arctic in different environmental, social, economic and technological contexts, there is a decided need for holistic, integrative assessment cutting across different disciplines and individual countries' strategic interests.

The objective of the session is to present the AFI systems perspective and approach Arctic Circle Assembly participants for Arctic communities' input to share knowledge and understanding among various communities - researchers, policymakers, and businesses. The breakout session will include four presentations representing research, policy, business and native communities, as well as moderated discussion based on the introductory talks.

Delegates will be engaged in an informal discussion on how we can develop an international working group on the future of Arctic seafoods production systems, trade, and seafood value chains in the Arctic that extend to Europe and North America. The session will document the changing nature of seafood systems, current institutional involvements and strengths. The session will work to initiate new networking opportunities for and through existing and new market developments.

Speakers:

• Barry A. Costa-Pierce, Director, Marine Science Center, University of New England: The Emerging North Atlantic Seafood Ecosystem.
• Patrick Arnold, Director of Operations & Business Development, Maine Port Authority: Maine and North Atlantic Seafood Trade.

The abundant supply of low-cost, green, hydro-electric and geothermal power – plus the ability to cool computer servers via the region’s naturally cool ambient air – is transforming the Arctic into one of the world's most sustainable and cost-effective data center regions

In this session we will hear from both Verne Global, the country's largest data center operator, and independent game developer, CCP Games, who utilizes Verne Global’s campus to aid development of their EVE Online game series. Both companies will share their insights on how the data center industry is creating new and sustainable economic opportunities for both Iceland and the Arctic region.

Speakers:

• Dominic Ward, Executive Director, Verne Global
• Hilmar Petursson, CEO of CCP

The ASC, already in its fourth year, creates a virtual network of emerging leaders and experts who are brought together for eight weeks in a series of web-based seminars. The program aims to build a lasting, policy-oriented network of Arctic professionals to strengthen communication between peoples and nations, scientific disciplines, policy areas, and across the science-policy interface to improve governance and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Participating Fellows are early- to mid-career individuals with experience and interest in Arctic governance topics, and are connected through an online network of expert speakers and program alumni. As part of this session, we are proud to invite two of our outstanding Fellows from this year’s ASC program to present their work at the Arctic Circle Assembly.

Speakers:

• Arne Riedel, Director, Arctic Summer College
• Max Gruenig, Director, Arctic Summer College

Arctic Summer Collage Fellows:

• Heather Exner-Pirot, Strategist, University of Saskatchewan: Innovation in the Arctic: Squaring the Circle
• Andreas Kuersten, Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces: The Arctic Digital Divide

Chair:

• Max Gruenig, Director, Arctic Summer College

Speakers:

• Grete Hovelsrud, Professor, University of Nordland, Bodø, Norway
• Charles Vörösmarty, Professor, City University of New York; Director, ASRC Environmental CrossRoads Initiative, New York
• Pär Olausson, Head of Department, Department of Social Sciences and Department of Business, Economics and Law, Mid-Sweden University, Sweden

Chair:

• Matthias Finger, Professor, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne (EPFL); Co-Director of the GlobalArctic project, Lausanne, Switzerland