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Arctic Circle

Mission Council on Greenland in the Arctic

Greenland is the world's largest island, situated between the Arctic and the Atlantic Oceans. Vast distances, a small population and infrastructural gaps make for substantive challenges. In the past few years, Greenland has received increased international attention. This is brought not only by Greenland's richness of mineral deposits but also steps taken towards gaining independence from Denmark. Greenlanders are embracing this increased interest and global importance while adhering to the principles of sustainable development of its land, resources and people.

The Mission Council on Greenland in the Arctic was launched in June 2021. Its members have in their professional and personal capacities been particularly engaged with various matters concerning Greenland. Under the auspices of Arctic Circle, and through the various Arctic Circle platforms at its disposal, the Mission Council aims to deepen awareness and encourage dialogue on the various issues, opportunities and challenges facing Greenland and its people.

The Mission

Memorandum by co-chairs Sara Olsvig and Össur Skarphéðinsson. Published on August 24, 2021 in conjunction with the launch of the Mission Council.

Members

former Vice Premier and Minister for Social Affairs, Families, Gender Equality and Justice; Current Ph.d. Fellow, University of Greenland
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iceland
Member of Municipal Council at Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Representation, Greenland Representation in Brussels
Deputy minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Business, Trade and Climate, Nuuk
Senior Associate at KAYA, Global Climate Policy Advisory.
Professor of Northern Studies and Barents Chair in Politics at UiT The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø)
Professor of Law at the University of Akureyri
CEO Amaroq Minerals
Director, Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO)
Director, Greenlandic House/North Atlantic House, Odense; Founder and Director, Isuma Consulting
Board Member, Royal Arctic Line, MD Eimskip 2012-2016

VIRTUAL: Greenland in the Arctic

The launch and first VIRTUAL event of the Arctic Circle Mission Council on Greenland in the Arctic was with Pele Broberg, Greenland's newly appointed Minister for Industry, Trade, Foreign Affairs and Climate where he discussed Greenland's Foreign Policy and answered questions from the global audience.

Sessions with Mission Council Members

Emerging Arctic Security Concerns

Greenland and Iceland in the New Arctic: Foreign Minister of Iceland

VIRTUAL: The Report on Greenland and Iceland in the New Arctic

Dialogue with the Chairs of the Mission Councils at the 2021 Arctic Circle Assembly

VIRTUAL: Reaction to the Greenland Report

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