This year, the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) will have a notable presence at the Arctic Circle Conference, held in Reykjavík from October 17-19. This annual event is one of the most important global forums on Arctic issues, bringing together policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and indigenous communities to discuss the future of the Arctic. The Arctic Circle offers insights and fosters collaboration on security, environmental, and economic development challenges in the region.

"The Arctic region, and its various sub-regions, are subject to some specific challenges linked to security tensions, geopolitics and climate change. At the Arctic Circle conference, we have the opportunity to discuss these challenges with key actors from across the globe, and FNI’s research sheds light on how we can navigate these shifts," says Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute.

FNI at the forefront of Arctic discussions

FNI is sending a strong delegation to participate in several key panels and discussions throughout the conference. This presence reflects the institute's leading role in Arctic research, particularly at the intersection of international politics, climate change, and resource management.

Among the FNI researchers attending are:  

Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher and expert on Arctic geopolitics, who will participate in several key panels, including discussions on NATO’s role in the Arctic, the differences between the Bering Sea and Barents Sea security regions, and Svalbard’s geopolitical myths.  

Gørild Heggelund, Research Professor at FNI, contributing to panels on Arctic critical minerals and resource management. Her extensive expertise on China and climate governance provides crucial insights into the growing global interest in the Arctic.  

Arild Moe, Research Professor and one of Norway’s leading experts on Russian resource management and Arctic policy, will address topics such as Japan’s Arctic cooperation and Svalbard’s geopolitical significance.  

Iselin Stensdal, FNI researcher, will join discussions on China’s role in the Arctic, bringing important insights from her research on international climate agreements and China’s climate policy.  

Erdem Lamazhapov, PhD Research Fellow, is sharing his perspectives on Arctic economic development and on Arctic critical minerals. 

Serafima Andreeva, Researcher at FNI, contributes to panels on Arctic governance, focusing on the future of the Arctic Council and the intersections between foreign and security policies and their impact on the economy and communities in the Arctic.

Andreas Raspotnik, Senior Researcher at FNI, contributes to discussions on the EU’s Arctic policy, and on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Arctic. 

Increased focus on the Arctic

FNI researchers will shed light on critical topics such as security in the North, international economic activity, and sustainable solutions for the region. Their participation also underscores the growing significance of the Arctic on the global political agenda.

" FNI plays an important role as a provider of knowledge and in fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry. Our contributions at the conference shape political decisions and research agendas moving forward," Østhagen explains. "As the Arctic continues to receive increased international attention, FNI’s research becomes ever more important in understanding developments in the region."

A global forum for Arctic challenges

Established in 2013, Arctic Circle serves as a platform to promote dialogue on Arctic issues. The conference has evolved into one of the world’s largest forums for Arctic discussions, with participants from over 60 countries. Arctic Circle’s role is particularly relevant in a time of increasing geopolitical and environmental tensions, where cross-border cooperation is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for the region.

With its strong presence at Arctic Circle 2024, FNI is poised to create discussions on the future of the Arctic – from geopolitics and security to climate and resource management.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

09:00 – 09:55 | NATO’S ROLE IN THE ARCTIC: INCREASING & MISUNDERSTOOD  
Organized by: North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN); Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI), Norway  
SPEAKERS  
- Paul Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in the Study of the Canadian North & Professor in the School for the Study of Canada, Trent University: NATO and Canada in the Arctic  
- Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway; Associate Professor, High North Center, Nord University, Norway; Harvard Belfer Center's Arctic Initiative, USA: NATO in the 21st Century Arctic  
- Pauline Baudu, Senior Fellow, Arctic360, Canada: NATO and the Arctic  
- Paal Sigurd Hilde, Professor, Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies  
MODERATOR  
- Gabriella Gricius, PhD Candidate, Colorado State University, USA; Research Fellow, North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network  

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09:00 – 09:55 | NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF THE ARCTIC COUNCIL  
Organized by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway; Arctic Frontiers  
SPEAKERS  
- Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers, Norway  
- Marc Jacobsen, Assistant Professor, Royal Danish Defence College  
- Serafima Andreeva, Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Rolf Rødven, Executive Secretary, AMAP Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program

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09:00 – 09:55 | GETTING IN FRONT OF ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, AND UNREGULATED FISHING IN THE ARCTIC
Organized by: Center for Arctic Study and Policy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; RAND Corporation, USA  
SPEAKERS
- Katherine Anania, Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation, USA  
- Becca Robbins Gisclair, Senior Director, Arctic Programs, Ocean Conservancy, USA  
- Steve MacClean, Managing Director, U.S. Arctic Program, World Wildlife Fund, USA  
- Andreas Raspotnik, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Stefán Ásmundsson, Special Adviser on Ocean Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland

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10:05 – 11:00 | ACHIEVEMENTS OF JAPAN’S ARCTIC COOPERATION  
Organized by: The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan  
SPEAKERS  
- Atsushi Sunami, President, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan  
- Sakiko Hataya, Research Fellow, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan  
- Hiroyuki Enomoto, Project Professor & Vice Director-General, Arctic Observation Center, National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), Japan  
- Natsuhiko Otsuka, Professor, Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University, Japan  
- Arild Moe, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, Assistant Professor, University of Iceland  

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11:20 – 12:15 | CHINA IN THE ARCTIC: GOVERNANCE, ECONOMY AND CHANGING GEOPOLITICS
Organized by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway; Nord University,
Norway
SPEAKERS
- Gørild Heggelund, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Erdem Lamazhapov, PhD Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Iselin Stensdal, Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Deng Beixi, Associate Professor, Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC)  
- Arild Moe, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  

11:20 – 12:15 | NAVIGATING THE NEW ARCTIC: THE ROLE OF NON-ARCTIC STATES IN SHAPING THE FUTURE  
Organized by: EGMONT - Royal Institute for International Relations, Belgium  
SPEAKERS  
- Marie-Anne Coninsx, Senior Associate Fellow, EGMONT - Royal Institute for International Relations, Belgium  
- Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway; Associate Professor, High North Center, Nord University, Norway; Harvard Belfer Center's Arctic Initiative, USA  
- Takewaka Keizo, Ambassador for International Economic Affairs and Arctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan  
- Petteri Vuorimäki, Ambassador Arctic and Antarctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland  
- Claire Buckley, Ambassador of Ireland to Norway and Iceland  
- Franziska Hagedorn, Head of Division, German Federal Foreign Office  
- Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council  

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18:15 – 19:10 | A TRILLION REASONS: VISIONS OF ARCTIC INVESTMENT
Organized by: Bluum Ventures, Canada
SPEAKERS
- Will Lymer, Chief Executive Officer, Bluum Ventures, Canada
- Erdem Lamazhapov, PhD Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen
Institute, Norway
- Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director, Arctic Economic
Council, Norway
- Tiffany Eckert-Maret, President, Yukon First Nation Chamber of
Commerce, Canada

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

08:30 – 09:25 | A 3D APPROACH TO GEOPOLITICS IN THE BARENTS AND BERING SEAS  
Organized by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway; The Arctic Institute – Center for Circumpolar Security Studies, USA; University of Akureyri, Iceland  
SPEAKERS  
- Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Maria Varteressian, Deputy Foreign Minister Norway  
- Mike Sfraga, Chair, U.S. Arctic Research Commission, USA  
- Jennifer Spence, Director, Arctic Initiative, Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School, USA  
- Romain Chuffart, Nansen Professor, University of Akureyri, Iceland  

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08:30 – 09:25 | THE STATUS OF CHINA-NORDIC ARCTIC COOPERATION: REPORT ON THE 9TH CNARC SYMPOSIUM
Organized by: China-Nordic Arctic Research Center (CNARC)
SPEAKERS
- Yang Jian, Vice President & Senior Research Fellow, Shanghai
Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China; Deputy Director,
China-Nordic Arctic Research Center (CNARC): International
Cooperation and Arctic Governance, Current and Future
Perspectives
- Tom Barry, Dean of School, University of Akureyri, Iceland:
Creating, Developing, and Sharing Social and Environmental
Knowledge in the Arctic
-  Arild Moe, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway
- Egill Þor Nielsson, Senior Adviser, Rannís -The Icelandic Centre
for Research: A Decade in the Life of the China-Nordic Arctic
Research Center
- Sanna Kopra, Senior Researcher, Arctic Centre, University of
Lapland, Finland

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09:35 - 10:30 | THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WORLD IN 2024: NEW INPUT FOR THE EU'S ARCTIC POLICY?  
Organized by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
SPEAKERS  
- Andreas Raspotnik, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Romain Chuffart, Nansen Professor, University of Akureyri, Iceland  
- Torsten Kjølby Nielsen, Chief Counsellor for Arctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark  
- Malgorzata Smieszek-Rice, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway  
- Claude Véron-Réville, EU Special Envoy for Arctic Matters  

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SESSIONS
14:50 - 15:45 | ARCTIC CRITICAL MINERALS: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR NORDIC COUNTRIES
Organized by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway
SPEAKERS
- Gørild Heggelund, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute,
Norway
- Patrik Andersson, Analyst, Swedish National China Centre,
Sweden
- Erdem Lamazhapov, PhD Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen
Institute, Norway
- Iselin Stensdal, Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway

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16:00 – 16:55 | SVALBARD AS A GEOPOLITICAL HOTSPOT?  
Organized by: Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway; Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, Germany  
SPEAKERS  
- Pauline Baudu, Senior Fellow, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada  
- Arild Moe, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Tiril Vold Hansen, PhD Candidate, Nord University, Norway  
- Paul Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1), Trent University  
- Larissa Stünkel, Project Coordinator, Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation, Sweden  
- Eda Ayadin, Teaching Fellow, University of London Institute in Paris, France  
MODERATOR  
- Andreas Østhagen, Senior Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  

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18:20 – 19:15 | DIVERSIFIED IN UNITY: OPTIMIZING OBSERVER ENGAGEMENT IN THE ARCTIC COUNCIL
Organized by: Polish Polar Consortium; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Poland
SPEAKERS
- Piotr Rychlik, Former Ambassador of The Republic of Poland In Finland, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Poland
- James Jansen, Senior Arctic Lead & Deputy Head of Polar Regions Department, Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Kingdom
- Jihoon Jeong, Head, Office of Global Cooperation, Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), Republic of Korea
- Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen, Professor of Northern Studies & Barents Chair in Politics, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
- Serafima Andreeva, Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway
- Carlos López Ortiz, Deputy Director-General for Multilateral Economic Relations and Maritime, Air and Terrestrial Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain
 

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

09:00 – 09:55 | FOREIGN & SECURITY POLICY SHIFTS IMPACT ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT, & INDIGENOUS LIFE  
Organized by: Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES); Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
SPEAKERS  
- Christoph Humrich, Assistant Professor, Groningen University, Netherlands  
- Serafima Andreeva, Researcher, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway  
- Tanja Joona, Senior Researcher, Arctic Centre University of Lapland, Finland  
- Jacqueline Götze, Researcher, German Institute of Development and Sustainability  
- Carina Sammeli, Mayor, Municipality of Luleå, Sweden  
- Eirik Larsen, Head of Human Rights Unit, Saami Council Sweden  
- Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland  
MODERATOR  
- Jakob Schwörer, Researcher & Policy Advisor, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Sweden  

See the full Arctic Circle Program here.

Just before the Arctic Circle, CNARC, the China-Nordic Arctic Research Center, will be held in Akureyri, Iceland. CNARC promotes cooperation and research on Arctic issues between China and the Nordic countries. This year, FNI researchers Erdem Lamazhapov and Arild Moe are participating in CNARC, contributing their expertise on climate and energy policy in the Arctic.