The Arctic Circle Podcast

In this episode, Hon. Sasakawa Yōhei, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, calls for unity and collective action to tackle the urgent challenges facing the world’s oceans, both in the Arctic and globally, in order to secure peace and prosperity for all of humanity. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue...

In this episode, Hon. Sim Ann, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, returns to the Arctic Circle Assembly to discuss Singapore’s shared future with the Arctic in the face of melting ice and rising sea levels. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an o...

You’re listening to the Arctic Circle Podcast. In today’s episode, we’re diving into how ocean data and analysis are enabling technologies that can support better decision-making across the Arctic - socially, environmentally, and economically. We’ll explore the ocean data value chain, and take a look at both established and emerging use cases, from aquaculture and commercial operations to governme...

In this episode, MP Stephen Doughty, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories, responsible for relations with the Polar regions, reflects on the UK’s engagement in the Arctic amid rising global challenges. The discussion is followed by a Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President o...

In this episode, we invite you to engage in the Polar Dialogue, a new initiative within the Arctic Circle framework aimed at fostering constructive discussions on the Arctic, Antarctic, the Himalaya - Third Pole region, and other ice-covered areas, with a focus on scientific and research cooperation. Our panelists include: H.E. Pascal Lamy: Vice President of the Paris Peace Forum and former Direct...

In this episode, H.E. Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy, outlines the European Union’s commitment to a fair and green transition in the Arctic. She emphasizes the role of renewable energy in advancing energy independence and economic competitiveness, while reaffirming the EU’s dedication to supporting sustainable development in the region, as outlined in the 2021 Arctic Strategy. The follow...

In this episode, we honor Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator from Alaska and Vice Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, as she receives the 2024 Arctic Circle Prize for her leadership in Arctic affairs in the United States and globally. As one of the foremost experts on Arctic policy in the U.S. Congress, she plays a key role in shaping national policies and fostering...

In this episode, Herálvur Joensen, Permanent Secretary of the Faroese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Industry, introduces the Faroe Islands’ New Arctic Policy. He outlines the nation’s vision as an active partner in the Arctic and emphasizes its commitment to international cooperation and engagement in key forums, including the Arctic Council. This speech was originally delivered at the 2...

In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive! Today, four Inuit representatives share their expert insights on economic, social, cultural, and political issues, and how these...

In this episode, H.E. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, discusses UNESCO’s contributions to Arctic issues and dialogue. She highlights how its approach offers a unique perspective and innovative solutions to Arctic challenges, emphasizing the importance of its scientific mandate, the protection of vital sites, and the support of traditional knowledge. The following Q&A with the audie...

In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive! Today, we’re listening to a panel discuss Greenland’s role and perspective in tackling the challenges ahead. The panelists inclu...

In this episode, we reflect on the 20th anniversary of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. This landmark report, created through the collaboration of scientists, experts, and Indigenous representatives, remains to this day the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis of climate change in the Arctic, examining its far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, communities, and the planet as a whole. O...

In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive! Today, we listen to H.E. Múte B. Egede, Prime Minister of Greenland, speaking of the role of Greenland on the world stage. The s...

You’re listening to the Arctic Circle podcast. In this episode, you are invited to join a dialogue about the emerging trade routes connecting Greenland, Canada, and the United States. Listen in as experts unpack the opportunities for economic growth and strengthening of North American ties, but also discuss the challenges at hand. The panelists include: Thomas 'Tyt' Mogensen, CEO of Nali...

In this episode, H.E. Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, addresses the Arctic and global community, calling for bold and urgent action to tackle environmental disruptions, inequality, discrimination, misinformation, and rising conflicts. She underscores Iceland's commitment to becoming a hub of solutions for solving the world’s most pressing challenges. This speech was originally delive...

In this episode, H.E. Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of the People’s Republic of China, outlines China’s priorities in Arctic climate governance. He highlights the importance of scientific research, clean energy and transport development, and the strengthening of economic and scientific cooperation. The address is followed by a Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar G...

In this episode, Maria Varteressian, State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advocates for the irreplaceable role of the Arctic Council in promoting regional cooperation amid climate change and geopolitical tensions, emphasizing its function as the only forum representing the shared interests and concerns of Arctic communities. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024...

In this episode, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, responds to questions from participants at the Arctic Circle Assembly. The Q&A is moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland. This discussion originally took place at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and...

In this episode, we analyze and assess the effectiveness of current legal protection frameworks under international law in safeguarding the rights of Indigenous peoples and the security of Arctic communities, amidst climate change-driven security challenges and growing global interests in the region. Our panelists include:  Pirita Näkkäläjärvi: President of the Sámi Parliament in Finland Kate Mack...

In this episode, Iris Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arctic and Global Resilience, presents the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy, expanding on its core message of stability, common cause, and the importance of collective security in the Arctic. Following her remarks, Iris Ferguson is joined by Sharon Hudson-Dean, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and E...

In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive! Today, we hear from Tara Sweeney, Principal and CEO of Tack-71 Strategies, and Heiðar Guðjónsson, CEO of Ursus Investments, both...

Welcome to this special edition of the Arctic Circle Podcast!  In this episode, we revisit one of our most impactful and thought-provoking discussions from past Assemblies and Forums. Enjoy this insightful throwback as we continue to explore the critical issues shaping the future of the Arctic and our planet. Let’s open the archive! Today, we listen to Indigenous leaders discuss the mandate of Inu...

In this episode, Marcella Panucci, Chief of Cabinet at Italy's Ministry of University and Research, addresses the Arctic community, highlighting Italy’s commitment to the polar regions in the fields of science and research. This speech was originally delivered at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. The Arctic Circle Rome Forum will take place in December 2025. Stay tuned! Arctic Circle is the la...

In this episode, Stefan Rahmstorf, Professor of Physics of the Oceans at Potsdam University, breaks down the science behind the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the main ocean current system in the Atlantic. He explains how global warming is causing the AMOC to slow, the impacts on the climate system, and the potential consequences of crossing its tipping point. Professor Rahmst...

In this episode, Rear Admiral TVN Prasanna, Joint Secretary of the National Security Council Secretariat of the Government of India, joins Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, to discuss India’s connections with the Arctic and the Poles, and to respond to questions from the audience. This discussion originally took place at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assem...