Arctic Forum Foundation

Arctic Frontiers celebrates its 5th anniversary and marks the occasion by addressing the role of research for sustainable development of the Arctic. The EU-ARCTIC-Forum will represent the position of the EU on the Arctic and contribute to the conference.

Over the last five years Arctic Frontiers has developed to become a highly significant arena for discussions of Arctic issues. True to its mandate and name, Arctic Frontiers endeavours to facilitate dialogue and partnerships across sectors, generations and borders. Selected speakers from the Arctic and non Arctic countries are invited to present their perspectives on the future of the High North, followed by discussions on how upcoming challenges in the Arctic may be addressed to ensure sustainable development.

The fifth Arctic Frontiers conference takes place in Tromsø, Norway, 23 – 28 January 2011. The two first days of the conference are devoted to policy presentations and discussions, followed by the Arctic Frontiers science section

The conference theme of 2011 is Arctic Tipping Points, and will address the concept of tipping points as it applies to social, economic and ecological systems. Additional focus will be on how research can promote sustainable development and resource management in the High North.

In Brussels, one might appreciate to discover that the title of the next year’s conference stems from the ongoing EU FP7 project Arctic Tipping Points (ATP), and the science section of the Arctic Frontiers conference is in fact organized in cooperation between the ATP project and the ARCTOS network.

The opening speech of next year’s conference will be given by Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre. “Arctic Frontiers is an important international event aimed at fostering open and independent dialogue on sustainable development in the Arctic”, Gahr Støre states in a commentary on the Arctic Frontiers webpage.

Other confirmed speakers for the policy part of the conference include: Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Pertti Torstila (Finland); Rear Admiral, and Oceanographer of the US Navy, Dave Titley; Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Lisbeth Berg-Hansen (Norway); Former chair of the Arctic Council’s Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, Robert W. Corell (US); Inuit Circumpolar Council/Greenland, Aqqaluk Lynge; and Professor in Marine Ecology, Carlos Duarte (Spain).

From Lomonosov to Nansen – and beyond

Arctic Frontiers 2011 is acting as organizer and main venue when Russia and Norway join forces and to celebrate the international dimension of science. In 2011 Russia is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the multitalented Russian scientist and writer, Michail Lomonosov, “the father of Russian science”. In Norway 2011 will be celebrated as the Nansen – Amundsen Year, marking the 150th anniversary of the Norwegian scientist, diplomat and Nobel laureate, Fridtjof Nansen, and the 100th anniversary of the first Antarctic expedition to reach the South Pole, lead by the Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen. On this occasion Russia and Norway join forces to promote and celebrate the international dimension of science, arranging a joint exhibition and seminar on international research cooperation titled “From Lomonosov to Nansen – and beyond”. Opening of both events will take place in Tromsø, on the opening night of Arctic Frontiers, Sunday 23 January 2011.

Learn more about the Arctic Frontiers, visit www.arcticfrontiers.com