Québec Forum
In addition to the annual October Assemblies in Iceland, the Arctic Circle convenes smaller and more specialized forums in other countries. Together with the Government of Québec, the Arctic Circle convened its fourth forum in Québec City on December 11-13, 2016.
The Forum was opened by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland (1996-2016), and Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec. Discussions focused on the sustainable development of northern regions, including Canada, Alaska, Greenland as well as northern areas of Norway and Finland. Québec presented its own approach as implemented in the Plan Nord, and other key players shared their experience and expertise.
The event applied a comparative and interactive approach, and speakers and participants had the opportunity to disseminate knowledge and good practices while promoting the sustainable development of the Arctic and northern regions in general.
Session topics included regional planning and governance, investment and socio-economic development.
Also, a special session was held dealing with the impacts of climate change in the Nordic and Arctic regions.
Among the speakers and participants were ministers and lawmakers, indigenous leaders, and representatives from economic development organizations, investment funds and scientific institutes.
