Containers waiting to be evacuated from Antarctica to South Africa.

Storm conditions at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica in December 2023.

Summary and closing remarks of the 14th Arctic Futures Symposium.SPEAKERMarie-Anne Coninsx (IPF Board Member; Former EU Ambassador at Large for the Arctic; Fellow, Egmont Institute)

The demand for renewable energy is soaring, with technologies rapidly evolving and amplifying its potential. The Arctic is a prime source of hydro, wind, and geothermal energy, offering vast opportunities and territory for industrial off-takers. Explore the political and regulatory framework that shapes this renewable energy landscape, and gain insights from concrete examples of thriving Arctic renewable energy and off taken projects.MODERATORMira Kleist  (Senior Associate, Kaya)SPEAKERS- Sigrid Bjørnhaug Hammar  (Deputy Mayor of Tromsø, Norway)- Emily Holland (Associate Professor, US Naval War College)- Fridtjof F. Unander (Chief Economist, Aker Horizons)- Pigga Keskitalo (Professor of Education, University of Lapland; Adjunct Professor, University of Helsinki; Member, Saami Parliament of Finland)- Tanja Joona (Senior Researcher, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland)

The Arctic, with its abundant natural resources, can play a pivotal role in enabling the EU to achieve its net-zero objectives and reshoring their supply chains in a just and sustainable manner. The EU has the CRM Act to facilitate this transition, but what will reshoring supply chains in the Arctic look like? As green industrial projects gain momentum, discussions in impacted communities about the social license to operate have increased. This panel explores how developers can ensure collaborative progress towards the anticipated transition, emphasising fairness and environmental responsibility.MODERATORMira Kleist (Senior Associate, Kaya)SPEAKERS- Naaja H. Nathanielsen (Minister of Business, Trade, Mineral Resources, Justice and Gender Equality, Greenland)- Kimmo Järvinen (Head of European Governmental Affairs, SSAB)- Riikka Aaltonen (Project Manager, Regional Council of Lapland, Finland)- Karin Nutti Pilflykt (Advisor, Forest Issues, Saami Council EU Unit)- Thomas Lauridsen (Chief Advisor, Ministry of Business, Trade, Mineral Resources, Justice and Gender Equality, Greenland)

This panel looks at challenges youth in the Arctic face, how they are meeting those challenges, and how they are making positive contributions to their communities.MODERATORKrista Perälä (Student and student advocate, University of Lapland)SPEAKERS- Kristian Iversen (Chair of Bodø Youth Council; yoUNG2024)- Naja-Theresia Høegh (Law Student, Member of OCT Youth; Intern at Greenland Representation in Copenhagen)- Jackson Blackwell (Graduate Student, Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs; Advisor, Arctic Encounter)- Vetle Bo Saga (Political Advisor to the Mayor of Tromsø)

The International Polar Foundation and the Trân Family present this year's winners of the 2023 Laurence Trân Arctic Futures Award.MODERATORNicolas Van Hoecke (Managing Director, International Polar Foundation)SPEAKERS- Mads Qvist Frederiksen (Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council)- Brigitte Trân-Loustau (Representative from the Trân Family)- Anja Márjá Nystø Keskitalo  (Advisor EU Unit, Saami Council)- Hanna Moen Reinsnes (Executive Director, Gobmi)- Live Moen Johannessen (Creative Director, Gobmi)

This panel will look at how to develop / attract and keep a skilled Arctic workforce, build healthy Arctic communities, cultivate sustainable businesses, and create a good quality of life that respects the environment and traditional livelihoods.MODERATORSPatti Bruns (Secretary-General, Arctic Mayors Forum)SPEAKERS- Kristen Tanche (Regional Director of Health & Wellness, Dehcho First Nations, Alumni of the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship)- Brynjar Andersen Saus (Project Leader, UiT the Arctic University of Norway)- Bjarni í Liða (Risk Officer, Bank Nordik)- Mirja Vehkaperä (Chair of the City Board, Oulu, Finland; Member, EU Committee of the Regions)- Päivi Ekdahl (Development Director, Regional Council of Lapland)

A keynote speech from Dag Rune Olsen, Rector of UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, opens the second day of the Arctic Futures Symposium.