Advancing Arctic Science Diplomacy and Research Collaboration in Uncertain Times
In the Arctic, international science collaboration is both critical for understanding the dramatic environmental changes taking place in the region and a historic source of pride. However, heightened geopolitical tensions have stalled or halted many science- and knowledge-sharing efforts.
At Arctic Circle Assembly, our team organized two dialogues between scientists, policymakers, funders, and Indigenous leaders aimed at identifying pathways to strengthen and secure science diplomacy and science-based decision-making into the future.
On Thursday, Senior Fellow Margaret Williams moderated a session on leveraging scientific expertise for more effective policy in the polar regions, featuring Co-Chair John Holdren along with representatives from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the International Arctic Science Committee, and the Inuit Circumpolar Council. On Friday, Director Jennifer Spence also moderated a discussion on advancing Arctic research cooperation and diplomacy through ICARP IV, a multi-year, community-wide research planning process organized by the International Arctic Science Committee.
In both sessions, panelists emphasized the importance of:
- Playing the long game: Arctic states should recognize the value and power of research cooperation and maintain working-level ties through times of high geopolitical tension, so that cooperation can quickly resume when relations normalize.
- Funding and aligning research cooperation for maximum impact: It is essential for experts and Arctic residents to identify the research priorities that need the most attention, so that national funding bodies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector can fund research that supports shared goals.
- Considering future generations: “When considering our youth…the more I learn, the guiltier I feel. I think my generation has to understand our own failure. We knew. We could have acted. We did not. It’s not about our lives, it's about the lives of our children,” said Finnish Arctic Ambassador Peterri Vuorimaki.
Beyond ACA, our team will continue to explore opportunities for sustaining long-term international science collaboration. Later this year, we will host a workshop exploring the possibility of a “principled, pragmatic” approach to resuming U.S.-Russian cooperation between scientists. Jennifer Spence, as co-chair of the Arctic research cooperation and diplomacy ICARP IV research priority team, will also continue to engage diverse stakeholders in setting a path and a purpose for international Arctic research cooperation in preparation for the International Polar Year 2032.
Read High North News' coverage of "The Future of Polar Science Diplomacy."