The participants of the UArctic Assembly 2023 started off their day on the campus of Université Laval with registration and a hearty breakfast. This was followed by various pre-meetings for different interest groups and topics, e.g. ICARP IV, Circumpolar Studies, Indigenous films, and the North American Caucus.
During the Meet UArctic Session the UArctic leadership - President, Secretary General, and Vice-Presidents - introduced themselves and their areas of responsibility to the participants.
In the afternoon, sail was set from Pier Chouinard aboard the AML Louis Jolliet. Guests were able to enjoy magnificent views of Old Quebec, the Montmorency Falls, the Île d'Orléans and the Château Frontenac. Luck was on our side, as the weather was perfectly sunny.
Compelling speeches were given by François Gélineau (Université Laval), Erik Furu (Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa), and Patrick Beauchesne (Chief Executive Officer, Société du Plan Nord).
Erik Furu highlighted the cooperation between Norway and Canada and identified the Arctic as a region of strategic importance for Norway. He pointed out that intercultural understanding is needed in the future and that Norway aims to support this by further promoting student mobility.
The Assembly business meetings are to be held in Québec City on May 24-26.
Welcome to the UArctic Assembly 2023!
Please visit the UArctic Assembly event website for more detailed information about the program.