In 1996, the Arctic Council was established as a high-level intergovernmental forum to promote cooperation between the eight Arctic States and Arctic Indigenous Peoples. For 30 years the Arctic Council has developed into a key platform addressing social and environmental issues with the prosperity and well-being of Arctic inhabitants at the center.   

Participating as Permanent Participants alongside the States, Indigenous Peoples’ voices and knowledge has shaped decisions in the Arctic Council since the very beginning. This panel highlights how Traditional Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and people-to-people cooperation have strengthened Arctic governance, informed scientific assessments, and connected communities across borders for three decades.  

Key actors in the Arctic Council will reflect on past achievements and future priorities, addressing current issues and the role of Indigenous Peoples in a period characterized by significant geopolitical challenges. 

• Why is the Arctic Council important to Arctic Indigenous Peoples, and why is their participation essential to the Council?
• What are the greatest achievements of this unique cooperation structure?
• What must the Arctic Council do to stay relevant in the future?   

Panel will be announced soon.