Reykjavík, Iceland

October 7-9, 2016

Over 2000 participants from more than countries attended the 2016 Arctic Circle Assembly. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, accepted the first Arctic Circle Prize for his role in the negotiations on international climate cooperation during his mandate. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of Scotland gave a keynote presentation about her country's role in the Arctic.

Arctic Circle Prize

Awarded to Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivered a keynote speech during which he discussed the future of international climate action following the Paris Climate Conference (COP21). Accepting the first Arctic Circle Prize, he acknowledged the contributions of international partners and urged global leaders to strengthen their commitments towards the Paris agreement.

Nicola Sturgeon

First Minister of Scotland

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of Scotland gave a keynote speech in which she discussed Scotland's role in the Arctic. Positioning Scotland as the "nearest Arctic" country by geography, the First Minister highlighted the country's advances in renewable energy production, business activities, and contributions to international Arctic science.