University of Iceland at the Arctic Circle Assembly

University of Iceland actively participates in the annual Arctic Circle Assembly, both the university’s staff and students. Academics at University of Iceland contribute to the Arctic Circle Assembly program by organising breakout sessions with partner institutions, as well as participating in sessions organised by others. The University of Iceland also enables students to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and participate actively in the dialogue by completing certain courses focused on the Arctic.

University of Iceland at the 2019 Arctic Circle Assembly

This year, PhD students and from various fields will be specially featured at the University of Iceland booth on the second floor in Harpa. Participants at the Arctic Circle Assembly are encouraged to visit the booth and learn about the exciting research being conducted.

Around 100 students from different fields attend the Arctic Circle Assembly

The University of Iceland offers an interdisciplinary Arctic Circle course in connection with the Arctic Circle Assembly, around ninety students participate this year. The course is organised jointly by academics from different fields within the university. The course enables graduate and advanced undergraduate students to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and participate actively in the dialogue. Twelve graduate students in the course Small States and Arctic Governance are attending the conference as well, experiencing Arctic politics first hand.

Several other students attend the Arctic Circle Assembly either by volunteering or simply by their own initiatives.

Sessions organised by and with participants from the University of Iceland

THURSDAY OCTOBER 10

09:00 – 10:00 GREENLAND’S EMERGING FOREIGN POLICY QUESTIONS

Organized by Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland; Political Science, UiT the Arctic University of Norway

Location: Esja, Harpa Fifth Level

SPEAKERS

Rasmus Leander Nielsen, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Science, Economics & Journalism Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland): Punching Above its (De Jure) Weight: The Evolution of Para-Diplomacy in Greenland from the Early 1970s to Today
Mikkel Møller Schøler, Political Advisor, Co-owner, Sikki Consultants, Greenland: Belle of the Ball – The Greenlandic Power Vacuum and Great Power Courting
Mingming Shi, Icelandic Times, University of Iceland: The Role of Extractive Industries in the Shaping of Greenland’s Foreign Policy
Marc Lanteigne, Associate Professor, Political Science (China, East Asia, Polar Region), UiT – The Arctic University of Norway: A Cold Arena: The Widening of Greenland’s Foreign Policy Space and Possible Responses

Moderator: Margrét Cela, Project Manager, Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland

10:15 – 11:45 NORDIC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ARCTIC COOPERATION PROGRAM: ENHANCING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN THE ARCTIC

Organized by Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordregio, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland

Location: Ríma B, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Ágúst Bogason, Junior Research Fellow, Nordregio
Paula Lehtomäki, Secretary General, Nordic Council of Ministers
H.E. Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iceland
Anna Karlsdóttir, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio, Nordic Council of Ministers: The Contribution of the Arctic Cooperation Programme
Dag Avango, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden: Sustainable Communities and the Legacies of Mining in the Nordic Arctic
Lassi Heininen, Research Director, INAR at University of Helsinki: The Global Arctic Handbook: Positioning the Arctic within a Broad Global Context
Tero Mustonen, Professor, Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, University of Eastern Finland: Snow Change Cooperative – Exchanging knowledge: Community Based Monitoring and Exchanges of Indigenous-Local Knowledge on Early Detection of Changes and Cultural Responses to Environmental and Climate Change
Soffía Guðmundsdóttir, Executive Secretary, Protection of Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)
Inspiring Arctic Voices through Youth: Arctic Biodiversity Youth Summit
- Kári Fannar Lárusson, Programme Manager, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Working Group of the Arctic Council
- Pétur Halldórsson, Chair, Icelandic Youth Environmentalist Association (Ungir umhverfissinnar)
- Tasha Elizarde, Vice-Chair, Arctic Youth Network
Summary and Q&A
- Ágúst Bogason, Reseach Fellow, Nordregio
- Vaida Ražaitytė, Nordregio

17:15 – 18:15 CROSSROADS: ACTION NOW – ARCTIC ECONOMY SUSTAINABLY ADD VALUE OR FALL BEHIND

Organized by UiT – The Arctic University of Norway; Maine North Atlantic Institute, University of Southern Maine; Reykjavik University; New England Ocean Cluster; Memorial University; University of Iceland

Location: Akrafjall, Harpa Fourth Level

SPEAKERS

Glenn Cummings, PhD, President, University of Southern Maine, US:
Regulations in the Arctic: A Barrier or a Necessity for Sustainable Development?
Patrick Arnold, CEO, New England Ocean Cluster: Engaging Corporate CEOs with Universities; Bridging the Gap Between Academic Knowledge and Private Sector Practices
Sheila Downer, Strategic Northern Liaison, Office of Public Engagement, Memorial University; Vice President, Finance, Development and Engagement, UArctic: The Sustainable Northern and Coastal Communities Initiative; Engaging Students, Faculty, Public and Private Sector Entities into Sustainable Economic Models
Lára Jóhannsdóttir PhD, Professor, University of Iceland, Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar: Risky business: The Importance of Taking Scales of Risks into Account in an Arctic Economic Context
Rasmus Gjeddsø Bertelsen, Professor and Barents chair, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway: Human Capital and Natural Resources for Sustainable Development in the Arctic
Davíð Thomas, R&D and Quality Manager, Codland: Arctic Economy – the Business Perspective

Moderator: Ari Kristinn Jónsson, PhD, Rector, Reykjavik University

18:30 – 19:30 KNOWLEDGE AND PROSPERITY: BUILDING BRIDGES TO EMPOWER COMMUNITY ACTION

Organized by United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme, Soil Conservation Service of Iceland, Landvernd (Icelandic Environment Association) and Faith and Community

Location: Sæbjörg ICE-SAR Training Vessel

SPEAKERS

Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, Member of the Icelandic Parliament: The Layman’s Aid – The Legacy of Citizen Science in Iceland
Beatrice Dossah, Programme Officer, Environmental Protection Agency Ghana, and United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme, Iceland, and Master’s student at University of Iceland: Improving Research Efficiency – Stakeholder Viewpoints
Jónína Sigríður Þorláksdóttir, Station Manager, Rif Field Station, Northeast-Iceland: Increasing Environmental Sustainability through Partnered Knowledge Management
Pâviâraq Jakobsen, Environmental Consultant, on behalf of receivers of the Nordic Environmental Award 2018; Natural Resource Council of ATTU, West Greenland: Fostering Environmental Governance by Local Empowerment in Knowledge Management (the Democratization of Knowledge)
Linking Science, Religious and Indigenous Communities for Environmental Care
- Gregory E. Hitzhusen, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, The Ohio State University, US
- Jame Schaefer, Associate Professor, Theology, Marquette University, US

Moderator: Halldor Thorgeirsson, Former Senior Director, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

17:00 – 18:30 ARCTIC INNOVATION LAB: 15 IDEAS FOR A BETTER ARCTIC

Organized by Arctic Innovation Lab in partnership with Harvard Kennedy School, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Greenland, University of Iceland and Reykjavík University

Location: Norðurljós, Harpa Second Level

SPEAKERS

Guðbjörg Ríkey Thoroddssen Hauksdóttir, University of Iceland
Gauri Gupta, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
Clark Yuan, Harvard Kennedy School
Emily Fry, Harvard Kennedy School
Alicia Nelson, Harvard School of Public Health
Siddarth Shrikanth, Harvard Kennedy School
Petter Nikolai Rønning, President, The Student Parliament, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Kyong Sa Ri, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Maren Irene Gåre Bakkevoll, UiT – The Arctic University of
Norway
Aviaja Geisler Kristensen, Aalborg University
Jonathan Kamler, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Daniel Barrios Castilla, Reykjavik University
Kevin Dillman, University of Iceland
Renata Bade Barajas, Reykjavik University

Moderator: Brittany Janis, Arctic Initiative Project Coordinator, Harvard Kennedy School of Government Belfer Center

17:00 – 18:30 ARCTIC GLACIERS AND ICE CAPS: RECENT MASS LOSS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO GLOBAL SEA-LEVEL RISE

Organized by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Paul Morin, Director, Polar Geospatial Center, University of Minnesota: ArcticDEM; How the Arctic Leads the Way in Understanding Topographic Change
Martin Sharp, Professor, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Canada: Recent Glacier Mass Loss in Arctic Canada and its Drivers
Barbara Barzycka, PhD candidate, Centre for Polar Studies, University of Silesia, Poland: Melting and Crumbling Arctic – Example of Svalbard’s Glaciers
René Forsberg, Professor, Geodynamics group, DTU-Space, Denmark: Current Changes of the Greenland Ice Sheet as seen from Space and Airborne Campaigns
Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland: Mass Balance of Icelandic Glaciers in the Past and Future Projection

Moderator: Þorsteinn Þorsteinsson, Glaciologist, Icelandic Meteorological Office

17:00 – 18:30 FULBRIGHT IN THE ARCTIC – MEET THE SCIENTISTS

Organized by Fulbright Commission Iceland, in cooperation with the US State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the National Science Foundation

Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level

SPEAKERS

Adam Netzer Zimmer, PhD student, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Fulbright-NSF Arctic research fellow, University of Iceland: Understanding Inequality through Icelandic Anatomical Collections
Nicholas Robinson, PhD student, University of California Davis, Fulbright-NSF Arctic research fellow, University of Iceland: Diversification and Sustainability of Subarctic Agriculture and Food Systems
Greta Wells, PhD candidate, University of Texas Austin, Fulbright-NSF Arctic research fellow, University of Iceland: Reconstructing Glacial Lake Outburst Floods along the Hvítá River and Gullfoss Waterfall
Lauren Fields, Foreign Affairs Specialist, NOAA, Fulbright-MFA Arctic Scholar, University of Akureyri: Fisheries Management: Iceland and the Central Arctic Ocean Agreement
Lára Jóhannsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland, Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar: The Role of Non-Life Insurance Companies in Economic Development in the Arctic
Soili Nysten-Haarala, Professor, University of Lapland, Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar scholar: Comparing Corporate Social Responsibility and Benefit Sharing Schemes of Resource Extracting Industries in the Arctic
Josée Lavoie, Professor, University of Manitoba, Director, Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing: Development of Optimal Models of Contracting in Health in Indigenous Environments
Katie Cueva, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar: Community Health Workers in The Circumpolar North
Gwen Healy Akearok, Co-Founder, Executive and Scientific Director, Quajigiartiit Health Research Center: Health Research Conducted Locally, by Northerners, and with Communities, in a Supportive, Safe, Culturally Responsive, and Ethical Environment
Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen, Senior Researcher, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark & University of Greenland: Understanding Health Among Indigenous Populations in the Arctic
Overview of Fulbright Opportunities in the Arctic
- Belinda Theriault, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission Iceland
- Michael Hawes, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Canada

Moderator: Belinda Theriault, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission
Iceland

17:00 – 18:30 ENHANCED ARCTIC SECURITY COOPERATION

Organized by George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Germany and Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland

Location: Esja, Harpa Fifth Level

SPEAKERS

Marie-Anne Coninsx, Ambassador at Large for the Arctic, European Union: Mutations in the Arctic Political Security Landscape – Observations from the EU
Ólöf Hrefna Kristjánsdóttir, Director International Operations, Defence Directorate, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Iceland in the Arctic, Security Challenges and Regional Cooperation
Vice Admiral (ret) Lutz Feldt, Director, Wise Pen International, Germany: Change of the Military Situation in the Arctic
Professor Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair and Professor, Trent University, Canada: An Important International Crossroads: A Canadian Perspective on the Changing Arctic Defence and Security Environment

MODERATORS

Commander Andreas Hildenbrand, Program Director European Security Seminar North, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
Margrét Cela, Project Manager, Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland

17:00 – 18:30 FAITH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR SDGS IN THE ARCTIC

Organized by Evangelic Lutheran Church of Iceland; Institute on Religion and Reconciliation (IRR); Institute of Theology, University of Iceland; Faith and Community (F&C)

Location: Culture House (Þjóðmenningarhúsið)

SPEAKERS

Mark MacDonald, Indigenous Bishop, Anglican Church in Canada; Chairman, World Council of Churches in North America
Peter Fischer-Møller, Bishop of Roskilde; Member, Executive Committee of the Danish Counsel of Churches; Participant, Working Group on the Green Church in Denmark
Cassandra Carmichael, Executive Director, National Religious Partnership for the Environment, Washington DC, US
Beatrice Dossah, Programme Officer, Environmental Protection Agency Ghana, and United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme, Iceland, and Master’s student at University of Iceland
Jim Antal, Special Advisor on Climate Justice to the General Minister, President, United Church of Christ

Moderator: Arnfríður Guðmundsdóttir, Professor, Member of the Board of the Institute on Religion and Reconciliation

Commentator: Kristján Björnsson, Bishop in Skálholt Diocese, Iceland, Member of the Board of IRR

18:30 – 19:30 CHANGING FRESHWATER RESOURCES: SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Organized by Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network; Icelandic Meteorological Office; Marine & Freshwater Institute; University of Akureyri; and Rif Research Station, International Arctic Science Committee

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Jón S. Ólafsson, Senior Scientist, Marine & Freshwater Research Institute: State of the Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity
Jónína Sigríður Þorláksdóttir, Station Manager, Rif Field Station, Northeast-Iceland
Jill R. Welter, PhD, Program Coordinator and Instructor, Masters Program in Climate Change and Global Sustainability, School for International Training, Graduate Institute, University Centre of the Westfjords, Iceland: Nutrient Transport and Cycling in Arctic Freshwaters: Potential Trajectories and Implications for Food Webs
Skúli Skúlason, Professor, Hólar University College and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History: The Value of Biodiversity in Northern Freshwaters: Implications for Society and Ethics of Nature
Þorvarður Árnason, Director, University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Hornafjörður: Picturing the Climate Crisis: 3D Visualizations of Glacier Recession as a Vehicle for Environmental Communication
Victoria Rose Buschman, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group of the Arctic Council (CAFF); University of Washington:Indigenous Connections to Changing Freshwater Resource
Halldór Björnsson, Climatologist

Moderator: Þorsteinn Þorsteinsson, Glaciologist, Icelandic Meteorological Office

18:30 – 19:30 ARCTIC (IN)SECURITIES: OLD AND NEW

Organized by Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland

Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level

SPEAKERS

Page Wilson, Associate Professor, University of Iceland: Costs, Capabilities and Coordination: NORDEFCO at Ten
Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Associate Professor, International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland: Iceland’s Foreign and Security Policy
Maria Ackrén, Associate Professor, Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland): The Triangle Drama of Pituffik/Thule?
Marc Lanteigne, Associate Professor, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway: The Rule that Disproves the Exception? How the Arctic Became Securitised
Maria Lagutina, Associate Professor, St Petersburg State University: Russia’s Arctic Security Policy

Moderator: Page Wilson, Associate Professor, University of Iceland

18:30 – 19:30 PRESERVING ARCTIC LANGUAGES: A WEST NORDIC PERSPECTIVE

Organized by the West Nordic Council

Location: Esja, Harpa Fifth Level

SPEAKERS

Sigríður Sigurjónsdóttir, Professor of Icelandic Linguistics, University of Iceland
Jóhanna Vigdís Guðmundsdóttir, Director of Almannarómur – Center for Language Technology
H.E. Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Minister for Education, Science and Culture, Iceland

PANEL

Vivian Motzfeldt, President, the West Nordic Council, Member of
Inatsisartut, the Greenlandic Parliament
Henrik Old, Member of the Faroese Parliament; Second Vice President,
West Nordic Council
Guðjón S. Brjánsson, Member of the Icelandic Parliament; First Vice
President, West Nordic Council

Moderator: Sigurður Ólafsson, Secretary General, West Nordic Council

18:30 – 19:30 CROSSROADS: ACTION NOW – ENGAGING THIS GENERATION TO SAVE THE NEXT – ARCTIC EDUCATION

Organized by UiT – The Arctic University of Norway; Maine North Atlantic Institute, University of Southern Maine; Reykjavík University; University of Akureyri; University of Iceland

Location: Akrafjall, Harpa Fourth Level

SPEAKERS

Ari Kristinn Jónsson, PhD, Rector, Reykjavik University: Engaging Graduate Students in Projects to Meet Immediate Economic and Environmental Challenges
Anne Husebekk, Rector, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Chair, Fram Centre Advisory Board: Sustainability for the Next Generation(s) through Research and Education
Judy Tupper, DHEd, Director, Population Healthy and Policy Program, University of Southern Maine: Advancing Academic Collaboration Between Arctic and Non-Arctic Institutions: Facilitators and Challenges
Rafn Helgason, MS Graduate in Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland: The Student Perspective: How to Engage This Generation to Save the Next?

Moderator: Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, Rector, University of Akureyri

20:30 – 21:30 UARCTIC CONGRESS 2020: COMING TO ICELAND

Organized by UArctic, University of Akureyri, Bifröst University, University Centre of the Westfjords, University of Iceland, Reykjavík University, Iceland University of the Arts, Hólar University College, and the Agricultural University of Iceland

Location: Björtuloft, Harpa Fifth Level

SPEAKERS

Lars Kullerud, President, UArctic: Welcome and General Information on UArctic Congress 2020
Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, Rector, University of Akureyri: Welcome from the Host Organizations, and Overview on the UArctic Congress 2020 Program
Kirsi Latola, Research coordinator, Thule Institute, University of Oulu: UArctic Congress 2020 Science Section and Call for Session Proposals

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

08:00 – 09:00 MARINE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES IN THE ARCTIC

Organized by University of Iceland

Location: Ríma B, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Lára Jóhannsdóttir, Professor, Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland: Systemic Risk of Maritime-Related Oil Spills in the Arctic
Catherine Chambers, Director, Coastal and Marine Management, University Centre of the Westfjords: Good Marine Governance: Social Aspects of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Laura Malinauskaite, PhD candidate, Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland: Socio-Cultural Valuation of Ecosystem Services of Whales in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland
David Cook, Post-doctoral Researcher, Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland: Evaluating the Marine EBM of Whale Sanctuaries in the Arctic – The Cases of Faxaflói Bay and Ninginganiq

11:30 – 12:15 LEADERSHIP, ARCTIC GENDER EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

Organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland; the Nordic Council of Ministers; the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network; Icelandic Directorate of Equality; Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland; University of Akureyri

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Hjalti Ómar Ágústsson, Project Coordinator, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network
Sara Olsvig, Head of Programme, UNICEF Denmark: Empowerment of Children and Youth through Promotion of Children’s Rights
Gunn-Britt Retter, Head of Arctic and Environmental Unit, Saami Council
Eva Maria-Svensson, Deputy Head, Department of Law, Gothenburg University
Issát Turi, Saami Reindeer Herder, Kautokeino, Norway
Anastasia Ulturgasheva, Researcher, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation
Network, Stefansson Arctic Institute
Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland

Moderator: Stefán Skjaldarson, Chair, Sustainable Development Working Group, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland

14:35 – 15:15 PLENARY SESSION – ARCTIC TIPPING POINTS

Organized in cooperation with Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Location: Silfurberg, Harpa Second Level

SPEAKERS

Stefan Rahmstorf, Professor, Head of Earth System Analysis, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany
Antje Boetius, Professor, Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany
Halldór Björnsson, Leader of Atmospheric Research, Icelandic Met Office

CHAIR

Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir, Professor, Head of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland

16:30 – 17:30 CROSSROADS: ACTION NOW – ARCTIC POLITICS: DEALING WITH THE URGENCY OF CHANGE

Organized by UiT – The Arctic University of Norway; Maine North Atlantic Institute, University of Southern Maine; University of Iceland; Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Location: Akrafjall, Harpa Fourth Level

SPEAKERS

Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Associate Professor, International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland: The Importance of Gender and Equality in Forming the Arctic Future
Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, Professor, Critical Peace and Conflict Studies, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway: Adapt or Resist – Resilience in Times of Change
Beate Steinveg, PhD student: Arctic conferences: Do They Have an Impact?
Charles Norchi, Benjamin Thompson Professor of Law Director, Center for Oceans and Coastal Law, University of Maine School of Law: Scholars of the Arctic: The Urgency of Actionable Research

Moderator: Glenn Cummings, PhD, President, University of Southern Maine, US

16:30 – 17:30 THE WEST NORDIC REGION AND ARCTIC GOVERNANCE: CELEBRATING THE WEST NORDIC STUDIES PROGRAMME

Organized by University of Akureyri

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Astri Dankertsen, Associate Professor in Sociology, Nord University, Norway: Arctic Studies and Indigenous Perspectives at Nord University: Some Reflections on How to Include Indigenous Perspectives in University Programmes
Pia Hansson, Director, Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland: Arctic Issues– Emerging Opportunities and New Concerns?
Maria Ackrén, Associate Professor in Political Science, Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland): Regional Cooperation in the North Atlantic: The Case of the West-Nordic Council
Hallbera West, Programme Director, West Nordic Studies, University of the Faroe Islands: Political Control of the Development in the Arctic region: The Case of the Faroe Islands
Ragnheiður Elfa Þorsteinsdóttir, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Akureyri, Iceland: Natural Resource Governance and Review of the Icelandic Constitution

16:30 – 17:30 ARCTIC INTERESTS OF THE WEST NORDIC STATES

Organized by the West Nordic Council

Location: Ríma B, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Vivian Motzfeldt, President, the West Nordic Council, Member of Inatsisartut, the Greenlandic Parliament
H.E. Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iceland
Margrét Cela, Project Manager, Centre for Arctic Studies, University of Iceland

PANEL

Vivian Motzfeldt, President, Greenlandic Parliament; President, West Nordic Council
Edva Jacobsen, Member of the West Nordic Council Arctic Group, Member of the Faroese Parliament
Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, Member of the West Nordic Council Arctic Group; Former President, West Nordic Council; Member of the Icelandic Parliament

Moderator: Steen Løgstrup Nielsen, Advisor, West Nordic Council

16:30 – 17:30 DIVERSITY IN UNITY/UNITY IN DIVERSITY – THE NORDIC MODELS

Organized by Thematic Network on Geopolitics and Security, in cooperation with CNARC

Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level

SPEAKERS

Maria Ackrén, Associate Professor in Political Science, Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland)
Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen, Professor, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Þorsteinn Gunnarsson, Senior Adviser, The Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNÍS), Chair, Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON)
Zhang Pei, Deputy Director, Centre for Maritime and Polar Region Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
Egill Thor Nielsson, Doctoral Candidate, University of Lapland and University of Iceland; Senior Adviser, The Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNÍS)

Moderator: Lassi Heininen, Research Director, INAR at University of Helsinki

16:30 – 17:30 THE CRYOSPHERE CHANGE OVER THE THIRD POLE AND ARCTIC

Organized by Third Pole Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Location: Stemma, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Tandong Yao, Third Pole Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yang Daqing, TPE, China: Arctic and Third Pole Large River Hydrological Regimes and Changes
Jing Gao, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China: The Comparable Observation of Water Stable Isotopes in the Third Pole and Arctic
Árný Erla Sveinbjörnsdóttir, University of Iceland: Control of Shallow Convection on Water Isotopes in the North Atlantic
Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, University of Bergen, Norway: Using Water Vapor Isotope Observations to Constrain the Hydrological Cycle in Climate Models

Moderator: Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, University of Bergen, Norway

17:30 – 19:00 VISITATIONS: POLAR BEARS OUT OF PLACE

Organized by Iceland University of the Arts

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Bryndís Snæbjörnsdóttir, PhD, Artist & Professor in Fine Art, Iceland University of the Arts
Mark Wilson, PhD, Artist and Professor in Fine Art, University of Cumbria
Craig Perham, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Alaska
Aaron Leggett, Indigenous Curator of History & Culture, Anchorage Museum: The Cultural History of Polar Bear Narratives in the North Atlantic
Kristinn Schram, PhD, Associate Professor in Folklore, University of Iceland

Moderator: Julie Decker, PhD, Director, Anchorage Museum

University of Iceland at the 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly

This year, PhD students and Post-Docs from various fields will be specially featured at the University of Iceland booth on the second floor in Harpa. Participants at the Arctic Circle Assembly are encouraged to visit the booth and learn about the exciting research being conducted.

Around 100 students from different fields attend the Arctic Circle Assembly

The University of Iceland offers an interdisciplinary Arctic Circle course in connection with the Arctic Circle Assembly, around seventy students participate this year. The course is organised jointly by academics from different fields within the university. The course enables graduate and advanced undergraduate students to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and participate actively in the dialogue. Around fifteen graduate students in the course Small States and Arctic Governance are attending the conference as well, experiencing Arctic politics first hand.

Several other students attend the Arctic Circle Assembly either by volunteering or simply by their own initiatives.

Sessions organised by and with participants from the University of Iceland

Friday October 19

11:15 – 12:15 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS, FRESH WATER & ETHICS

Organized by the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network; the Icelandic Meteorological Office; the Marine and Freshwater Institute; University of Akureyri; and Rif Research Station

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Halldór Björnsson, Head of the Atmospheric Research Group, Icelandic Meteorological Office: Emerging Signs of Climate Change in the Hydrology of Iceland
Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir, Professor, Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland: The Impact of Climate Change on Infrastructure and Fresh Water Resources
Jón Ólafsson, Senior Scientist, Marine and Freshwater Research Institute: Climate-Induced and Anthropogenic Drivers of Biodiversity in Icelandic Freshwaters
Þorvarður Árnason, Director, University of Iceland Research Centre in Hornafjörður: Melting Glaciers Ethical and Aesthetic Impacts
Skúli Skúlason Professor, Hólar University College: The Impacts of Climate Change on Arctic Freshwaters Highlight Serious Ethical Concerns

Chair: Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network & Polar Law Institute

15:30 – 17:00 ARCTIC LEADERSHIP: GENDER AND DIVERSITY IN POLITICS, SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland; the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network; the Icelandic Centre for Gender Equality, University of Akureyri; Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland

Location: Silfurberg A, Harpa Second Level

SPEAKERS

Sarah Cox, Director, Circumpolar Affairs at Department of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Head of Delegation for SDWG, Arctic Council: Perspectives on Arctic Leadership: Curiosity, Storytelling and Mindful Innovation
Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, Nansen Professor, University of Akureyri/Professor Peace and Conflict Studies, UiT The Arctic University of Norway: The Gendered Arctic: Perspectives on Security and Migration
David C. Natcher, Professor, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada: Gender and Climate Change Research in the Arctic
Liza M. Mack, Interim Executive Director, Aleut International Association, Anchorage, Alaska: Unangam Ayagax: Aleut Women in Leadership
Elle Merete Omma, Head of the EU unit at the Saami Council
Kirt Ejesiak, Chairman and CEO of Arctic UAV, Iqaluit, Nunavut: Mapping our Future with Remotely Piloted Systems Combined with Indigenous Traditional Knowledge

Chair: Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Assistant Professor, University of Iceland

15:30 – 17:00 FULBRIGHT IN THE ARCTIC – MEET THE SCIENTISTS: INVITATION TO ENGAGE WITH FULBRIGHT ARCTIC RESEARCH SCIENTISTS AND PROVIDE INPUT INTO THEIR WORK

Organized by the Fulbright Commission Iceland in Cooperation with the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the National Science Foundation

Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level

PANEL

Joe Roman, Research Associate Professor, University of Vermont; Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Scholar, University of Iceland: The Ecological Role of Whales in Transporting Nutrients and Providing Ecosystem Services: Connecting Arctic and Temperate Waters
M Jackson, Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Oregon; Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Scholar, University of Iceland: Geography/In Tangible Ice: Feminist Perspectives of Glacier Change in Southeastern Iceland
Adam Smith, Postdoctoral Scholar, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Scholar, University of Iceland: Using Soundscapes to Evaluate Anthropogenic Noise Exposure and Potential Impacts on Breeding Puffins
Victoria Buschman, PhD student, University of Washington, Fulbright-NSF Arctic research fellow at CAFF: PhD research: Wildlife Conservation and Indigenous Food Security in the Arctic
Grace Cesario, PhD Student, CUNY; Fulbright fellow, Skagafjorður Heritage Museum / Stefánsson Arctic Institute: PhD research:Archaeological Investigation of Wild Resource Use in Northern Iceland
Nathan Reigner, Principal, Recreation & Tourism Science, Fulbright- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arctic Scholar at the University of Akureyri, Tourism Research Centre: Informing and Adapting Nature-based Tourism Management in the Icelandic Periphery at Multiple Scales – A Model for the Arctic Periphery
Mike Sfraga, Fulbright Arctic Initiative (FAI) Co-Lead Scholar; Director of the Polar Initiative, Woodrow Wilson Center: Introduction to the Fulbright Arctic Initiative
Lára Jóhannsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland; Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar: The Role of Non-Life Insurance Companies in Economic Development in the Arctic
Daria Gritsenko, Assistant Professor, University of Helsinki, FAI Scholar: Sustainable Energy Mix for the Arctic Regions
Nicole Kanayurak, Assistant to the Director, North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management; Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar: Virtual Qatnut – Innovative Arctic Food Security through Connectivity

Chair: Belinda Theriault, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission Iceland

15:30 – 17:00 A CHANGING ARCTIC – FORESEEN ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND FEEDBACKS

Organized by the Arctic Futures Initiative, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

Location: Culture House (Þjóðmenningarhúsið) – see map

SPEAKERS

Markku Kulmala, University of Helsinki & PEEX: Land – Atmosphere Interactions to Climate Change
Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir, University of Iceland: Transitionsto Low Carbon Societies Using Dynamic Modelling
Stein Sandven, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center: Exploitation of Open Research Data to Support Arctic Innovation*
Lise Lotte Sörensen, University of Århus: Asses the Impacts and Feedbacks at Various Scales on Ecological and Socio-Economic due to New Economic Activities

Chairs: Lassi Heininen, IIASA & University of Lapland, Hanna Lappalainen, PEEX, University of Helsinki

17:15 – 18:45 EU SPACE PROGRAMMES FOR THE ARCTIC

Organized by the European Commission

Location: Silfurberg B, Harpa Second Level

SPEAKERS

Philippe Brunet, European Commission Director of ‘Space policy,Copernicus and Defence’: EU Space Activities in the Domain of Earth Observation, Satellite Communication, and Space Situational Awareness.
Matthias Petschke, European Commission Director of ‘EU Satellite navigation Programmes’: The EU Satellite Navigation Programmes Galileo and Egnos.
Craig Donlon, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, the Netherlands: Implementing the Integrated EU Arctic Policy: Measurement Evidence from Copernicus Satellites today and tomorrow
Ingibjörg Jónsdóttir, Associate Professor, University of Iceland: Environmental Monitoring in the Arctic using SENTINEL Imagery from Copernicus
Éric Laliberté, Director General, Space Utilization, Canadian Space Agency: Canadian Space for the Arctic

PANEL

Heidar Gudjonsson, Managing Director, Ursus Investments; AEC Vice Chair; Chairman, Icelandic-Arctic Chamber of Commerce
Tomi Kivenjuuri, Member of the Arctic Coast Guard Forum
Jannie Staffansson, Advisor, Arctic and Environment Unit, Saami Council
Matilde Brandt Kreiner, Danish Meteorological Institute
Representative of Space Norway*

Moderator: Marie-Anne Coninsx, EEAS, Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs of the European Union

17:15 – 18:45 NRF YOUNG RESEARCHERS’ SESSION: GLOBAL CHANGE IN THE ARCTIC AT A REGIONAL LEVEL

Organized by the Northern Research Forum (NRF) at the University of Akureyri and Rannís – the Icelandic Centre for Research

Location: Skarðsheiði, Harpa Third Level

SPEAKERS

Stanislav Ksenofontov, Fellow, International Arctic Science Committee: Vulnerability of the Social-Ecological Systems of Arctic Yakutia in the Context of Global Change
Lara Wilhelmine Hoffmann, PhD Candidate, University of Akureyri: Migration and Creative Work: The Example of Iceland
Egill Thor Nielsson, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Lapland and University of Iceland; Executive Secretary, CNARC; Visiting Scholar, Polar Research Institute of China and SIIS: China-Nordic Arctic Relations: A Comparative Approach
Tukumminnguaq Nykjær Olsen, Graduate Student, University of Greenland: A Youth Perspective on Global Change in Rural Greenland

Moderator: Amy Wiita, Subsistence Resource Specialist, Alaska Department of Fish & Game; Senior Interdisciplinary Research Scientist, Cinza Research LLC

20:00 – 21:00 STRENGTHENING THE COOPERATION BETWEEN ARCTIC AND NONARCTIC COUNTRIES

Organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung; Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Iceland; in partnership with the Ecologic Institute

Location: Flói, Harpa Ground Level

INTRODUCTION

Elina Klive, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Nordic Countries Project, Riga, Latvia, offices (KAS)
Herbert Beck, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Iceland

SPEAKERS

Pia Hansson, Director, Institute of International Affairs and Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland: A Small State Perspective on Arctic Cooperation
Mikkel Runge Olesen, Senior Researcher Foreign Policy, Danish Institute for Foreign Studies: The Kingdom of Denmark in the Arctic
Andreas Raspotnik, Senior Researcher, High North Center, Nord University, Bodø & Senior Fellow, The Arctic Institute, Washington
Kathrin Stephen, Scientific Project Leader, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) Potsdam; Senior Fellow, The Arctic Institute

Chair: R. Andreas Kraemer, Founder & Director Emeritus of Ecologic Institute in Berlin; Chairman of Ecologic Institute US

Saturday October 20

11:30 – 12:30 LESSONS FROM HOME: BUILDING ARCTIC IDENTITIES IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Organized by the Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland

Location: Viðey, Harpa Second Level

SPEAKERS

Marc Lanteigne, Senior Lecturer in Security Studies, Massey University Auckland: Switzerland’s Observer Status in the Arctic Council: Building Blocks for a Polar Identity
Mingming Shi, Project Manager, Icelandic Times; Graduate Student, University of Iceland: Geography isn’t Everything: Singapore’s Intelligent Diplomacy in the Arctic
Baldur Thorhallsson, Professor in Political Science & Jean Monnet Chair in European Studies, University of Iceland: Iceland and its Arctic Identity

Chair: Pia Hansson, Director, Institute of International Affairs and Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland

16:15 – 17:45 ARCTIC INNOVATION LAB: 15 IDEAS FOR A BETTER ARCTIC

Organized by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavík University; University of Greenland; the Fletcher School at Tufts University; University of Iceland

Location: Norðurljós, Harpa Second Level

REMARKS

Halla Hrund Logadóttir, Co-Founder and Director, Arctic Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School; Co-curator, World Economic Forum’s Arctic Transformation Map

SPEAKERS

Students from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Univeristy of Greenland
Senjuti Mallick, The Fletcher School at Tufts University: Law of the Commons and Preservation of Arctic Biodiversity
Renata Stefanie Bade Barajas, Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavik University: Wind-Sourced Power Reserves: A Roadmap to Sustainability in the Arctic
Sydney Le Cras, Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavik University: Waste to Food: A Solution for Tackling Persistent Pollutants and Food Scarcity
Stuart Daniel James, University of Iceland: Energy Prospects Beyond Oil: Harnessing Arctic Renewables
Ágústa Gunnarsdóttir, University of Iceland: Community Greenhouse Moderator: Mehek Sethi, Research Assistant and Student Organizer at the Arctic Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

16:45 – 17:45 HOPE IN A CHANGING ARCTIC AND GLOBAL CLIMATE: RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF THE GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE GREAT ARCTIC MELT

Organized by Research Institute of Theology at the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Iceland; Stofnun Sigurbjörns Einarssonar, The Icelandic Institute for Religion and Reconciliation.

Location: Kaldalón, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Sólveig Anna Bóasdóttir, Professor of Theological Ethics, University of Iceland: Hope in a Changing Climate
Sigríður Guðmarsdóttir, Associate Professor, Faculty of Theology, Diaconia and Leadership Studies, VID Specialized University, Tromsø, Norway: The Wind Blows Where It Wills: Negotiating Reindeers, Windmills and the Holy Spirit in the Arctic.
Hilda P. Koster, Associate Professor, Faculty of Religion, Faculty of Women’s and Gender Studies, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA: Trafficked Lands and Fractured Bodies: Climate Justice, Oil and Native Women in the Dakotas.
Arnfríður Guðmundsdóttir, Professor, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Iceland: How climate change is changing the lives of women and why we need to know about it.

Chair: Bogi Ágústsson, Reporter and Broadcaster; Chair of Stofnun Sigurbjörns Einarssonar, The Icelandic Institute for Religion and Reconciliation.

18:00 – 19:30 SCOTLAND AND THE ARCTIC: ENCOUNTERS AND REPRESENTATIONS IN LITERATURE AND ART

Organized by the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages, University of Iceland

Location: Culture House (Þjóðmenningarhúsið) – see map

SPEAKERS

Ingibjörg Ágústsdóttir, Senior Lecturer in Literature, University of Iceland: Arctic Encounters in Scottish Literature
Monica Germanà, Senior Lecturer, University of Westminster: Sublime Mindscapes: Mythologised Other Places and the Creative Imagination in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Lizanne Henderson, Senior Lecturer in History, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow: Nineteenth Century Scottish Polar Explorers and their Observations of the Natural World
Jane Rushton, Independent Artist: The Draw of the Arctic for Contemporary Scottish Artists: Inspirations and Incentives.

11:00 – 12:00 BIOTIC INDICATORS OF THE ARCTIC ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

Organized by the Polish Polar Consortium, Institute of Geography and Regional Development at University of Wroclaw, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management at Jagiellonian University

Location: Ríma A, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Stéphane Boudreau, Professor, Université Laval, Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Québec, Canada: Impacts of Climate Change on the Dynamics of Terrestrial Ecosystems in Nunavik (Subarctic Québec)
Influence of Extreme Climatic Conditions on Growth Rings of Low Arctic Shrubs

○ Magdalena Opała-Owczarek, PhD, University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Climatology, Sosnowiec, Poland

○ Piotr Owczarek, Associate Professor, University of Wroclaw, Institute of Geography and Regional Development, Wroclaw, Poland

Ingibjörg Svala Jónsdóttir, Professor, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland: Vegetation and Ecosystem Responses to Climate Warming in the High Arctic
Wiesław Ziaja, Professor, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland: Increase in Biodiversity after Glacial Recession in the SE Spitsbergen Coast
Bogdan Zagajewski, Associate Professor, Department of Geoinformatics, Cartography and Remote Sensing, University of Warsaw, Poland: Spectral Properties of Selected High-Arctic Plants

CHAIRS:• Piotr Owczarek, Professor, Institute of Geography and Regional Development, University of Wroclaw, Poland & Wiesław Ziaja, Vice-President, Polish Polar Consortium; Professor, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

11:00 – 12:00 HUMAN MOBILITY IN ARCTIC REGIONS: THE CASE OF NORTHERN ICELAND

Organized by the University of Akureyri

Location: Ríma B, Harpa Ground Level

SPEAKERS

Markus Meckl, Professor, University of Akureyri: Immigration in Northern Iceland
Unnur Dís Skaptadóttir, Professor of Anthropology, University of Iceland: Migrants, Work and Belonging in Iceland
Bergsveinn Þórsson, Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Oslo: When Matter Becomes a Monster: On Mobility of Material in the Anthropocene

11:00 – 12:00 THE VALUE OF ARCTIC MARINE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Organized by the University of Iceland; University of Vermont; NorwegianUniversity of Life Sciences

Location: Esja, Harpa Fifth Level

SPEAKERS

Tom Barry, Executive Secretary, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Working Group of the Arctic Council: Arctic Ecosystem Services
Laura Malinauskaite, PhD Candidate, University of Iceland: Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services of Whales in Faxaflói Bay
Ståle Navrud, Professor, Norwegian University of Life Sciences: Valuing Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Services in Arctic Areas for Policy Use.
David Cook, Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Iceland: Classifying and Valuing Ecosystem Services Sourced from Whales
Joe Roman, Research Associate Professor, University of Vermont; Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Scholar, University of Iceland: Assessing Regulation and Supporting Services Derived from Whales

University of Iceland at the 2017 Arctic Circle Assembly

This year, scientists from UI’s Research Centres around Iceland will be specially featured at the University of Iceland display booth on the second floor in Harpa. Participants at the Arctic Circle Assembly are encouraged to visit the booth and learn about the exciting research being conducted.

Around 100 students from different fields attend the Arctic Circle Assembly

The University of Iceland offers an interdisciplinary Arctic Circle course in connection with the Arctic Circle Assembly, around eighty students participate this year. The course is organised jointly by academics from different fields within the university. The course enables graduate and advanced undergraduate students to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and participate actively in the dialogue. Around twenty graduate students in the course Small States and Arctic Governance are attending the conference as well, experiencing Arctic politics first hand.

Several other students attend the Arctic Circle Assembly either by volunteering or simply by their own initiatives.

Breakout sessions organised by University of Iceland

Arctic Project Development: Testing the Law? Legal Challenges of Large Infrastructure Projects – The Example of the Finnafjord Port
Organized by the University of Iceland Faculty of Law and bremenports GmbH & Co. KG
Location: Esja, Fifth Level
Saturday, October 14th 2017, 11:20-12:20

Aðalheiður Jóhannsdóttir, Professor of Law, Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Iceland: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, from a general Point of View and/or in the Specific Context of Greenfield port Development Projects
Friðrik Árni Friðriksson Hirst, Co-Director of the Arctic Law Institute, University of Iceland, and Attorney at Juris: General Provisions of the Harbour Act no. 61/2003 and their Application to Large-Scale Greenfield Port Development Projects. What Issues Does the Harbour Act Pose With Regard to Private Ownership and Financing of Ports, Including Bankability?
Lars Stemmler, bremenports GmbH & Co. KG, Head of International Projects: Use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for the Provision and Financing of Complex Infrastructure Development Projects – Possible Legal and Political Implications
James E. Pass, Guggenheim Partners LLC, Senior Managing Director, Municipal and Infrastructure Sector Manager and Portfolio Manager: Legal Requirements From an Project Developer ́s Point of View, in Particular Concessioning – Case Study Finnafjord

Chair: Robert Howe, Managing Director, bremenports GmbH & Co. KG

Arctic Climate Predictions: Pathways to Resilient, Sustainable Societies (ARCPATH)
Organised by Stefansson Arctic Institute, the University of Iceland, and the University of Bergen
Location: Ríma A, Ground Level
Saturday, October 14th 2017, 17:30-19:00

Astrid Ogilvie, Senior Scientist, Stefansson Arctic Institute and INSTAAR: Introduction to the ARCPATH and GREENICE Projects: Arctic Climate and Environmental Change and Human Eco-Dynamics
Noel Keenlyside, Professor, Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen: Global and Arctic Climate Predictions
Níels Einarsson, Director, Stefansson Arctic Institute: Sea Change in North Atlantic Arctic Coastal Communities
Marianne Rasmussen, Director, the University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Húsavík: Climate, Cetaceans and Tourism
Leslie King, Professor and Director, Canadian Centre for Environmental Education, Royal Roads University: Interdisciplinary Projects: The Challenge of Synthesis
Elizabeth Ogilvie, University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh College of Art: Out of Ice: Sea Ice and Northern Communities

Chair: Brynhildur Daviðsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland

Results from a New Climate Change Impact Assessment for Iceland
Organized by Icelandic Meteorological Office, University of Iceland, Agricultural University of Iceland, Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Icelandic Institute of Natural History
Location: Ríma B, Ground Level
Saturday, October 14th 2017, 12:45-13:45

Halldór Björnsson, Group Leader of Weather and Climate Research, Icelandic Meteorological Office: Climate Change In Iceland
Jón Ólafsson, Professor Emeritus, University of Iceland: Rapid Ocean Acidification in Icelandic Waters
Ólafur S. Ástþórsson, Marine and Freshwater Research Institute: Changes in Marine Ecosystems Around Iceland
Trausti Baldursson, Director of Ecology and Consultancy Department, Icelandic Institute of Natural History: Changes Terrestrial Flora and Fauna
Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland: Societal Impacts of Climate Change in Iceland

Contemporary Issues of Gender in the Arctic
Organized by the Northern Research Forum, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network and the Centre for Arctic Policy Studies at the University of Iceland
Location: Norðurljós, Second Level
Sunday, October 15th 2017, 11:20-12:20

Kristín Ástgeirsdóttir, Director, Centre for Gender Equality Iceland: Gender Equality in the Arctic – Diversity is Key
Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Adjunct Lecturer, University of Iceland: Full and Substantive Gender Equality – How to Get Away from Symbolic Representation and Counting Heads
Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, Nansen Professor, UNAK/Professor, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway: The Role of Trust In Human Security In The Arctic: A Gender-Based Analysis
Henri Myrttinen, the Head of Gender, International Alert, Peacebuilding Organisation, London: Gender Champions and Feminist Foreign Policies: Bringing in Critical Masculinities Perspectives into Gender Policy in the Arctic Region

Chair: Gunn-Britt Retter, Head of Arctic and Environmental Unit of the Saami Council

The Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for the Arctic
Organized by the Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland
Location: Akrafjall, Fourth Level
Sunday, October 15th 2017, 12:45-13:45

Marc Lanteigne, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS) at Massy University, Auckland, New Zealand: China’s Belt and Road and the Role of the Arctic
Egill Þór Níelsson, Executive Secretary, CNARC and Visiting Scholar, PRIC: An Ice Silk Road from China to the Nordics
Mingming Shi, Masters Student, University of Iceland: China’s Economic Diplomacy in Greenland: an Issue for Denmark?
Chip Comins, Chairman & CEO AREI, American Renewable Energy Institute, Founder AREDAY: Building a Green Bridge with China: Bridging the Divide
Daniel Fung, Chairman of United Nations Peace and Development Foundation: From Competition to Collaboration

Chair: Pia Hansson, Director, Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland

Arctic Innovation Lab: 12 Ideas for a Better Arctic
Organized by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavík University, University of Greenland, the Fletcher School at Tufts University and the University of Iceland
Location: Norðurljós, Second Level
Friday, October 13th 2017, 16:25-17:55

INTRODUCTION

John Holdren, Teresa and John Heinz Professor of Environmental Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and former Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Halla Hrund Logadóttir, Fellow and Co-Founder, Arctic Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

PRESENTATIONS

Gabrielle Scrimshaw, MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Indigenous Led Arctic Tourism
Mauricio Latapi, PhD Candidate, University of Iceland: Does Iceland Dream of Electric Shipping?
Morgan Brown, MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Identity and Adaptation: Food Production and Climate Change
Vanessa DiDomenico, MALD Candidate, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University: Navigating Vessels Through Compliance
Evelyn Gunawan, MSc Candidate, Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavik University: Iceland as a Blank Slate to Develop Zero Waste Arctic Communities
Charlotte McEwen, MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Using Drones to Support Remote Arctic Communities
Martina Muller, MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Protecting Marine Biodiversity through Subnational Action
Tukumminnguaq Nykjær Olsen, MA Candidate, University of Greenland: Innovation is About Inclusion: Lets Make the Arctic Inclusive
Anja Kathrin Rueß, MSc Candidate, Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavik University: Democracy on Ice – Towards Deliberative Decision-making in the Arctic
Meredith Davis Tavera, MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Knowing Your Value: Successfully Negotiating for the Interests of Arctic Communities
Ziad Reslan, MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Digital Jobs, Not Handouts!
Ryan Uljua, MALD Candidate, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University: An Arctic Investment Index

Chair: Cole Wheeler, MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

University of Iceland at the 2016 Arctic Circle Assembly

Over 100 students from different fields attend the Arctic Circle Assembly

The University of Iceland offers an interdisciplinary Arctic Circle course in connection with the Arctic Circle Assembly, around ninety students participate this year. The course is organised jointly by academics from different fields within the university. The course enables graduate and advanced undergraduate students to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and participate actively in the dialogue. Around twenty graduate students in the course Small States and Arctic Governance are attending the conference as well, experiencing Arctic politics first hand.

Several other students attend the Arctic Circle Assembly either by volunteering or simply by their own initiatives.

Breakout sessions organised by University of Iceland

Arctic Innovation Lab: 12 Ideas for a Better Arctic
Organised by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in collaboration with the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavík University, the University of Greenland, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and the University of Iceland
Location: Norðurljós, Harpa Second Level
Friday, October 7th 2016, 15:30–17:00

Come and hear twelve ideas about how to do things better in the Arctic and vote for your favourite one. In this session, twelve talents from five universities will present their ideas in a short pitch, which will be followed by roundtable discussions where the audience will get to participate. Ideas cover a wide range of issues including risk medication, science diplomacy, naval security and renewable energy technologies.

Speakers

Cole Wheeler, M.P.P. Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Carbon-Negative Manufacturing.
Caroline Galvan, M.P.A. Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Global Risks, Building Resilience: A Pathway for the Arctic.
Ulunnguaq Markussen, Student, University of Greenland: Who is a Greenlander Without the Traditional Culture?
Jennifer Helfrich, Roy Family Student Fellow, M.P.P. Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Creating a Narrative: Communicating Arctic Issues.
Shauna Theel, M.P.P. Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Electric Car Shares in Iceland: An Opportunity for Early Adoption.
Rahul Srinivasan, M.P.P. Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Exporting Renewable Energy from the Arctic.
Alexander Moses, Graduate Student, Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavík University: Tackling Logistics, Environment and Sustainability in Arctic Community Energy Systems.
Earl Potter, M.P.A. Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: The Coast Guard and the Emerging Arctic.
Riley S. Newman, MSc Candidate, Iceland School of Energy, Reykjavík University: Addressing the Importance of Building Human Capacity in Remote Communities to Ensure the Sustainability of Remote Energy Networks.
David Cook, PhD Candidate, Lecturer in Environmental Economics; University of Iceland: Managing risk in the High North – the case for an Arctic Treaty
Molly Douglas, M.A.L.D. Student, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University: A Partnership for Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Development in the Arctic.
Dennis Schroeder, MPA Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Creating Common Grounds – Science Diplomacy in the Arctic.

Moderator

Halla Hrund Logadóttir, Louis Bacon Environmental Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Blue Growth in the Arctic; How to Move Forward
Organised by the University of Iceland, Oslo University and the Stockholm Resilience Centre
Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level
Friday, October 7th 2016, 17:00–18:30

International governance of aquatic resource use is increasingly facilitated around a novel term and concept – ‘blue growth’. The FAO defines blue growth as: “as economic growth and social development emanating from living resources of the oceans and inland waters and from related activities in the coastal zones, which minimise environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and unsustainable use of living aquatic resources.” An international and interdisciplinary team of researchers is currently exploring various perspectives linked to this concept and this session will bring together a series of talks that all focus on better understanding the definition, dynamics, and mechanisms of blue growth in the context of the Arctic. Specifically, the session will i) clarifying what blue growth is ii) characterise some of the dynamics and mechanics of blue growth and iii) and describe its significance to current ocean governance. The session will end with a panel discussion.

Speakers

Anne Marie Eikeset CEES, University of Oslo: Green Growth Based on Marine Resources: an Introduction to the GreenMAR Project
Thorsten Blenckner, Stockholm Resilience Center: Blue Growth in the context of Arctic Resilience.
Susa Niiranen, Stockholm Resilience Center: Global Connectivity and Cross-Scale Interactions Create Uncertainty for Blue Growth of Arctic Fisheries
Matilda Valman, Post-doctoral Researcher, Stockholm Resilience Center: A sea of many colours. Comparing ideas and practices of Blue growth
Brynhildur Davidsdottir, Professor Environment and Natural Resources, University of Iceland: Governance strategy for Blue Growth; Challenges and Opportunities – the Road Forward

Chair

Nils Christian Stenseth, Professor CEES University of Oslo.

Arctic Societies of Well-being
Organised by the University of Iceland
Location: Esja, Harpa Fifth Level
Saturday, October 8th 2016, 14:30–15:30

In this session, suggested sustainable well-being indicators that have been proposed will be presented. Light will be cast on on natural resource exploitation and opportunities for young people having hope for the future. During the 20th century, gross domestic product (GDP) became the key parameter to distinguish successful countries from unsuccessful ones, determining global economic policies and also status. This has led us to the global warming predicament we are in now. There is therefore a need to foster a development model focusing on human and ecological wellbeing, rather than narrowly defined economic output. Facilitated discussion will be run on the importance a new development paradigm, where the wellbeing of people and the environment of the Arctic are at the forefront. The outcome of the discussion will be summarised and sent out to the participants, so that they can use the knowledge gained back home in their communities.

Facilitators

Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir, Professor of Sustainability Science, University of Iceland
Alan AtKisson, President & CEO, AtKisson Group, Sweden

Arctic University Cities
Organised by the Centre for Arctic Policy Studies (CAPS) at University of Iceland and UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø
Location: Ríma A, Harpa First Level
Saturday, October 8th 2016, 14:30–15:30

Cities play a crucial role in fighting climate change given the fact that urban activity accounts for around 80% of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In order to meet commitments made by city leaders during and after the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP), various non-state actors need to be brought together in a sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices to develop and implement innovative solutions, with representatives from the authorities, academia and business. In this perspective, Arctic university cities make an interesting case as they are often isolated, dependent on natural resources and particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

Speakers

Mara Kimmel, Senior Fellow at the Institute of the North, Alaska
Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen, Professor of Northern Studies and Barents Chair in Politics, University of Tromsø, the Arctic University of Norway (UiT)

Panelists

Anne Husbekk, Rector at University of Tromsø, the Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
Dagur B. Eggertsson, Mayor, City of Reykjavík
Guðbjörg Linda Rafnsdóttir, Pro-Rector of Science, University of Iceland
Daði Már Kristófersson, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, University of Iceland
Hege Kallbekken, MA student in Political Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Moderator

Margrét Cela, Project Manager, Centre for Arctic Policy Studies, University of Iceland

Arctic Ocean Oil and Gas Exploration and Legal Liability
Organised by the University of Iceland and the University of Akureyri
Location: Akrafjall, Harpa Fourth Level
Saturday, October 8th 2016, 14:30–15:30

Drilling for hydrocarbons in the Arctic carries significant environmental risks. Small States such as Iceland or a future independent Greenland that license hazardous activities such as offshore hydrocarbon activities are unlikely to be in a position to make full reparation in the event of a major environmental disaster. This panel focus on i) how could such states make reparation in such cases in the context with limitations and impact on human rights ii) Design considerations for a liability regime reviewing Canada’s new regime in light of these considerations and iii) Insurance perspective on Arctic Ocean Oil and Gas exploration projects.

Chair

Aðalheiður Jóhannsdóttir, Professor of Law and Head of the Faculty of Law, University of Iceland

Speakers

Rachael Lorna Johnstone, Professor of Law at University of Akureyri: Hazardous Activities, Small States and the Risk of Reparation
Nigel Bankes, Professor of Law at the University of Calgary: Design Considerations for a Liability and Financial Assurance Regime: Canada
Lára Jóhannsdóttir, Assistant Professor, Environment and Natural Resources. University of Iceland: Insurance perspective on Arctic Ocean Oil and Gas exploration projects

What’s going on in the North Atlantic?
Organized by the University of Iceland, Icelandic Met Office, PIK
Location: Björtuloft, Harpa Fifth Level
Saturday, October 8th 2016, 17:15–18:45

In recent summaries of global temperature changes (such as in the IPCC WG1 report from 2013) the North Atlantic between Newfoundland and Ireland is one of the few regions on the globe that has defied the warming trend, and even cooled. In recent years, a region of colder than usual temperatures has appeared there every winter, and often persisted throughout the summer. This phenomena has been referred to as the North Atlantic Cold Pool. What is going on? Oceanic conditions in this region are kept warm by the North Atlantic Current, an extension of the Gulf Stream, that brings warm waters towards Europe. The region is also a meeting place of water masses because there is a cold ocean current flowing from Greenland and the Labrador sea that encounters the warmer waters east of the Canada coast. To a certain extent the surface conditions in the North Atlantic are determined by the interaction of these warm and cold-water masses, but their dynamics is also influenced by the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation that has long been implicated in climate variability in the region. To complicate matters even further, conditions in the atmosphere, such as the frequency of cold air outbreaks from the North American continent during winter may also influence the local surface conditions of the ocean. Due to the number of different factors that influence the oceanic climate in the region explaining the appearance of the Cold Pool is not trivial. Some studies show that the Cold Pool may be the result of a slowing down of the circulation that brings warm waters into the region, but more work is needed to understand the variability (natural as well as anthropogenic) of the region. This workshop brings together scientists to discuss the origin and consequences of the Cold Pool.

Speakers

Halldór Björnsson, Head of atmospheric research group, Icelandic Met Office: “The North Atlantic Cold Pool. A short biography”
Stefan Rahmstorf, Head of Earth System Analysis, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; Professor Potsdam University: Evidence for a significant slowdown of the North Atlantic overturning circulation
Ingibjörg Jónsdottir, Associate Professor University of Iceland: The impact of the north Atlantic Cold Pool

Panelists

Steingrímur Jónsson, Professor of Oceanography, University of Akureyri
Héðinn Valdimarsson, Senior Research Scientist, the Marine Research Institute, Reykjavik

Chair

Oddur Sigurðsson, Geologist, Icelandic Met Office

Climate Refugees, Diaspora and Tourism in the North Atlantic Gateway to the Arctic
Organized by the Northgate network and the Centre for Arctic Policy Studies (CAPS) at the University of Iceland
Location: Ríma B, Harpa First Level
Sunday, October 9th 2016, 16:30–18:30

The effects of climate change include unforeseen, and hitherto underrepresented, changes in human mobility within and into the Arctic through tourism, industries and migration. These factors create new challenges to governance and the well-being of local communities, as well as enhance the danger of over-exploiting the sensitive vegetation and animal life of Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. This panel will discuss dimensions of these emerging challenges such as adapting infrastructure and the legal environment to increased mobility, the ambiguous status of climate refugees, local views on cohabiting with tourists and the attraction of Arctic and ‘green tourism’ in many middle class populations of the world, including Asia. Discussions will focus on the West-Nordic/North Atlantic context and the Northgate network’s goals of providing policy-relevant knowledge and creating a communication platform between academics, policy makers and local communities.

Speakers

Kristinn Schram, Assistant Professor in Ethnology, University of Iceland: The Northgate Network: Sociocultural Aspects of Climate Change.
Lau Øfjord Blaxekjær, Assistant Professor and Programme Director, University of the Faroe Islands: How Can West Nordic Diplomacy Respond to the Pressures from Climate Change, Migration, and New Business Opportunities?
Erna Kristín Blöndal, Director, Nordic Institute for Migration: Fleeing Because of Climate Change – Environmental Factors and Migration.
Guðrún Þóra Gunnarsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Tourism Research Centre: Sharing Space with Tourism.
Marc Lanteigne, Senior Research Fellow, NUPI: Suitcase Diplomacy: Soft Power and Asian Tourism in the Arctic.

Chair

Kristinn Schram, Assistant Professor in Ethnology, University of Iceland; Academic Coordinator, Northgate

Arctic Circle Assembly 2015 Student Briefings
The University of Iceland offers and interdisciplinary Arctic course in connection with the annual Arctic Circle Assembly. The course is organized jointly by academics from different fields within the university. This is the second year the course enabled students to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and participate actively in the dialogue.

Students wrote analytic essays of excellent quality, as well as short briefings on the most interesting topics dealt with at the assembly. Some of the best briefings are featured at the Centre for Arctic Policy Studies (CAPS).