The Arctic is an arena of global consequence to economic prosperity, geostrategic competition, and climate change. The High North may offer shorter maritime routes between ports in Asia and North America and Northern Europe, and the Arctic region holds significant reserves of minerals, fossil fuels, and fisheries. However, Russia’s deepening militarization and isolation—as well as increasingly dependent relationship with China, which has stated its intentions to participate in Arctic governance—stands to skew regional cooperation. Thus, the work of intergovernmental forums like the Arctic Council, which seeks to promote collaboration between regional stakeholders and Arctic Indigenous peoples on common Arctic issues, has become more critical than ever. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities ahead as we navigate a time of immense uncertainty in the Arctic region.

Moderator

Ronnie Wiessbrod

Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Advisor, Knowledge Universe

Speakers

Rob Gillam

CEO and Chief Investment Officer, McKinley Management, LLC

Rebecca Pincus

Director, Polar Institute, Wilson Center

H.E. Jari Vilén

Ambassador for Barents and Northern Dimension, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland