By formalizing this step, we strengthen our existing cooperation with UNESCO in areas of concern including life-long learning for all, indigenous knowledge systems and climate change. Our two organizations share many common strategic goals including the overreaching commitment to equitable and sustainable development.

UArctic President Lars Kullerud remarks, “Our partnership with UNESCO provides us with real opportunities to build bridges between UArctic members and activities and other regions of the world that face similar challenges.” The UArctic EALAT Institute of Circumpolar Reindeer Husbandry and the Thematic Network on Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity in Education already have concrete activities with direct links to UNESCO. Under the agreement, we aim to expand this cooperation into other areas, including student mobility, and research analytics.

The agreement is formally established between UNESCO and the University of the Arctic Association ry, UArctic’s registered association in Finland. This partnership is established through the Directives concerning UNESCO’s partnership with non-governmental organization, adopted at its 36th session of its General Conference.