EU hosts Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue

On 10 and 11 November, the European Commission together with the European External Action Service will host the EU Arctic Forum and the Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue. The event aims to bring together key Arctic players from policy-making, academia, business and science, to assess recent developments in the region and discuss challenges ahead. It will feature a number of high-level speakers including High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, and Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius. The EU Arctic Forum and the Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue follows up on the new Joint Communication for a stronger EU engagement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic, adopted earlier in October. High Representative Borrell said: “Feedback from the people who live and work in Arctic regions is absolutely vital as the EU seeks to strengthen further its Arctic engagement. I look forward to a frank exchange on our updated policy.” Commissioner Sinkevičius added: “The EU Arctic Forum and the Arctic Indigenous Peoples dialogue are an essential part of the EU’s engagement in the Arctic. This year’s iteration will be particularly important as we will be able to discuss with Arctic stakeholders the implementation of the new Arctic Joint Communication.” Panel discussions in the EU Arctic Forum will focus on key topics such as international cooperation, climate change, environmental challenges and sustainable and inclusive economic development. The Forum will also explore new avenues for fostering inclusiveness and youth involvement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic. The event can be followed via webstream.