The Arctic is a region of increasing importance. High-level participants such as Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Finland’s Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and Norway’s Foreign Minister Børge Brende will therefore all address the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø.
Read more about Norway's Arctic priorities in this interview with Foreign Minister Brende.
The Arctic is key to understanding and managing climate change, and its natural resources offer major opportunities for business development and value creation. The conference aims to contribute to and create momentum for the climate negotiations leading up to the United Nations Climate Conference in Paris in December 2015.
Norway has a key position in the Arctic. We have managed our abundant resources for generations and have built up a knowledge base that can be of benefit both within the region and internationally.
Respect for the Law of the Sea and international cooperation are crucial to promoting stability and predictability in the north. Norway has a tradition of responsible marine resource management at the national level and has been at the forefront of efforts to put in place international regulations in this area.
North Norway is thriving thanks in part due to successful government efforts and private sector investments, but mostly due to the efforts of the population of North Norway itself. The Norwegian government aims to make North Norway one of the country’s key regions in terms of value creation and sustainability.
In the time ahead, the government will prioritise the following five areas in its High North-policy: international cooperation, the development of a knowledge-based business sector, knowledge development, infrastructure and emergency preparedness and environmental protection.
The Norwegian government has recently presented a report on its Arctic priorities. This report will be launched internationally at the Arctic Frontiers conference.
Relevant links:
Arctic Frontiers homepage: http://www.arcticfrontiers.com/
Norway’s Arctic Policy
Norway's Arctic Policy (illustrated overview)
Interview with Norway’s Foreign Minister Børge Brende (PDF)