Arctic Circle: Princess Takamado of Japan and U.S. senators among attendees

Over 2,000 participants from nearly 70 countries will take part in the Arctic Circle Assembly, which opens tomorrow, Thursday, at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík and runs through Saturday.

Among the attendees are ministers and leaders from numerous countries, heads of scientific institutions and international companies, as well as representatives of environmental organizations and Arctic indigenous communities. Speakers hail from almost every continent — particularly Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan will deliver the opening address of the Assembly.

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Angus King will assess the political situation in the United States and its impact beyond American borders — especially on cooperation with allies in the Arctic.
Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Greenland’s Minister for Energy, and Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Iceland’s Minister for the Environment, will focus on energy security in the region — an issue that has gained new international significance following the war in Ukraine and Europe’s energy crisis.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, will discuss security and defense issues in light of increasing global tensions and the impact of Russia’s military activity on the alliance’s Arctic strategy. In addition, representatives of the Norwegian government will address how Norway, as a key Arctic nation and energy producer in the North Atlantic, envisions the future of defense in the region.

Arctic Circle Business Forum at Reykjavík Edition

The Arctic Circle Business Forum will take place Thursday and Friday at the Reykjavík Edition Hotel. The forum will focus on business opportunities in the Arctic and the challenges associated with sustainable development. Leaders and entrepreneurs from diverse industries — including construction, energy, space science, mining, artificial intelligence, innovation, shipbuilding, and international trade — will come together to share insights.

Former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir will moderate the Polar Dialogue, where heads of scientific institutions will discuss the major challenges and opportunities in the polar regions, including climate change and international cooperation. Special roundtables will also address security and defense, the future of the Arctic, and the role of science in global collaboration, following the Chatham House Rule.

Art and culture will have a prominent place at the Assembly, with numerous exhibitions throughout Harpa featuring works that reflect the nature, society, and future of life in the Arctic. At the harbor, visitors can explore the French research vessel Tara Polar Station, dedicated to Arctic science and climate research.

The Assembly will conclude with a closing reception hosted by the current Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

The opening ceremony begins tomorrow at 12:45 p.m. in Silfurberg, where Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, will deliver the opening speech, followed by Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir.

Program of the Arctic Circle Assembly