2025 Message from the President
In the 2025 end-of-the-year message, UArctic President Lars Kullerud reflects on the year behind us.
"Dear friends and colleagues,
As we approach the end of 2025, it is time to reflect on the year behind us.
This has been a period marked by profound challenges. The ongoing war in Europe continues to prevent an important part of the Arctic from participating in international collaboration. At the same time, academic institutions, academic freedom, and respect for knowledge are under sustained pressure in many parts of the world. The optimism that followed the Paris Agreement now risks giving way to a sense of climate fatigue.
Yet there is also much to give us hope. UArctic is witnessing a rapid increase in global interest in international academic cooperation. Institutions, researchers, and both public and private funders increasingly recognise the critical value of working together across borders. For the polar regions in particular, we are fortunate to have strong, collaborative-minded organisations committed to safeguarding knowledge, advancing research, and supporting the next generation.
The UArctic Board has reaffirmed our core principles and values as the spine that holds our network together. In a time when knowledge, facts, and shared solutions are under attack, these principles remain stable and unwavering. UArctic will continue to be a recognisable and reliable platform for just, fair, and long-term collaboration in and for the North.
This year has also brought major steps toward establishing the next International Polar Year (IPY). UArctic strongly supports the work of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), the International Science Council (ISC), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to shape the IPY as a global instrument for enhanced scientific cooperation across both polar regions. We are deeply grateful to the University of Alaska for enabling Larry Hinzman to serve as our new Vice-President for the IPY, strengthening our engagement in this vital initiative.
We also experienced deep sorrow with the passing of UArctic Board Member Anne Husebekk last Saturday. Anne joined the Board in 2018 and was a driving force in developing our current Strategic Plan, as well as a determined advocate for its implementation. Her spirit, curiosity, openness to all regardless of status, and unwavering commitment to the Arctic will continue to inspire our work in the years ahead.
With Anne's legacy in mind, and with renewed determination to uphold our shared values, I look forward to an ambitious and meaningful 2026 for UArctic and for the broader Arctic community."
On December 11, 2025
Lars Kullerud, UArctic President