2013 ARCTIC Futures Symposium

The annual Arctic Futures Symposium has become an essential venue for promoting ongoing dialogue between Arctic stakeholders

Established in 2010 by the International Polar Foundation to raise public awareness of important developments in the Arctic region, the annual Arctic Futures Symposium has become an essential venue for promoting ongoing dialogue between Arctic stakeholders.

Following three highly successful editions, the 2013 Arctic Futures Symposium takes place in Brussels on 16 and 17 October 2013.

This edition focused on responsible Arctic resource development, safe Arctic shipping, sustainable circumpolar communities, and research to inform policymaking, and provided a valuable occasion to engage with Arctic stakeholders.

The opening statements’ panel was led by Alain Hubert, President of the International Polar Foundation, and composed of 6 high-level speakers who delivered valuable insights on current challenges for the Arctik region:

- Didier Reynders, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister stated that the opportunities and challenges of opening the Arctic, the role of the EU and the need of a multidimensional approach are the three most important issues that have to addressed.

- “The future of the arctic region should be decided globally” recalled Isabelle Durant, Vice-President of the European Parliament.

- “The only acceptable future (for the region) is a sustainable one”. Lowri EVANS, Director General of DG MARE, European Commission declared.

- Gro Gunleiksrud Haatvedt, Senior Vice-President for exploration in Norway for Statoil stated that a stepwise approach is needed to develop the arctic resources is a sustainable manner.

- David Sproule, Canadian Ambassador to Norway recalled the Canadian Arctic Council chairmanship priorities for the Arctic region.

Click here to access the website of the event and live video stream.