The Arctic Circle Greenland Discussion board will get underway in Nuuk this weekend, and is a vital second to highlight the island’s rising significance on the worldwide stage, says Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Arctic Circle’s chairman.
This yr’s theme is Greenland within the International Arctic: Local weather and Prosperity – Geopolitics and Progress.
“For a very long time, Greenland was off the radar so far as the worldwide group was involved, however that’s modified quickly in recent times,” Grimsson instructed Eye on the Arctic in a cellphone interview.
“With self-government, Greenland has autonomy over many points.They’ve established illustration in Washington and in China. Local weather change has additionally put Greenland in sharp focus, together with its pure sources. The strategic significance of Greenland has additionally grown tremendously in latest a long time due to its location between North America and Europe.”
“For all these causes, we’re very honoured to cooperate with the Authorities of Greenland to host this essential program.”
This convention can be held on the Katuaq, the tradition middle in Nuuk, August 27-29.
Between 300-500 individuals are anticipated.
Significance of Greenland to Canada
Canadians on this system embody Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane, and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok amongst many others together with representatives of Canadian Inuit organizations and lecturers.
Grimsson, additionally Iceland’s former president, says the sturdy Canadian presence alerts the significance of Greenland to northern Canada.
“We’re very honoured to have three premiers come from northern Canada to reveal the solidarity within the Arctic whether or not they’re in Canada, Greenland or elsewhere,” Grimsson stated.
Grimsson stated he additionally believes Canada’s relationship to Greenland will turn into increasingly more essential in coming a long time.
“Canada has two neighbours, Greenland and the US. America will get 99 per cent of the eye however Greenland is turning into of higher and higher significance so I believe it’s extremely important for Canada to comprehend within the twenty first century the essential function of each these neighbours.”
Solely discussion board held twice in the identical place
The Arctic Circle Meeting was established in 2013 and is held in Reykjavik, Iceland each fall. It’s advanced into one of many largest Arctic-themed conferences on this planet.
The subsequent Arctic Circle Meeting can be held in Reykjavik October 13-16.
Arctic Circle has gone on to repeatedly maintain satellite tv for pc boards all year long in areas around the globe.
In addition to Greenland, it’s additionally held such kinds in Japan, Alaska, South Korea and Quebec Metropolis, Canada.
Greenland is the one place an Arctic Circle Discussion board has been held twice.
The subsequent Arctic Circle Discussion board can be held in Abu Dhabi in January 18-19, 2023.
Write to Eilís Quinn at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
Associated tales from across the North:
Canada: Direct flight between Canada and Greenland may strengthen cultural, language ties, CBC Information
Greenland: The US is utilizing a mine in Greenland to counter China, Weblog by Mia Bennett
Russia: Amid struggle, sanctions, Moscow says Russian Arctic delivery will thrive, The Impartial Barents Observer
United Kingdom: Greenland and U.Ok. launch free commerce settlement negotiations, Eye on the Arctic
United States: Putin, Biden speak Northern Sea Route, The Impartial Barents Observer