From the meeting backgrounder: “The changes underway in the Arctic and Subarctic engendered by global warming will have multiple and complex repercussions on the natural, social and cultural landscapes of the Arctic and sub-Arctic…The objective of the meeting is to comprehensively assess the scientific, social, cultural and educational challenges to be met in order to ensure the region’s sustainable development within a global context.”

UNESCO has organised the meeting with help from Professor Jean Malaurie, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in charge of arctic polar issues. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco has provided his support and will be addressing the participants during the opening of the meeting. UNEP and the Arctic Council are also contributing to the meeting’s deliberations.

UArctic President, Lars Kullerud is a member of the plenary for the meeting and will be speaking on the topic of Education for sustainable development.

UArctic’s Kari Laine, Vice President of Thematic Networks, and Chris Southcott, Chair of Mimir Research Outreach Program, are also participating in this important international meeting.

The key questions that the meeting aims to address are: 

-  Where are the most severe gaps in knowledge and action with respect to the challenge that climate     
change poses for Arctic sustainable development?
-  What needs to be done to ensure a comprehensive, interdisciplinary and multi-actor approach to achieving sustainable development in the Arctic? 
-  What modalities are required for a long-term and sustained approach to addressing sustainable development in the Arctic?

During working groups, meeting participants will focus on four major themes: Oceans, ice and atmosphere; Biodiversity and ecosystem services; Economic development and social transformations; Circumpolar indigenous peoples and intangible heritage


For more information please visit the UNESCO website: UNESCO