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.