Registrations Now Open for Arctic Futures Symposium 2013

Registrations are now open for the Arctic Futures Symposium, which takes place on October 16 and 17 in Brussels.  Organised by the International Polar Foundation, Arctic development will top the agenda at this multidisciplinary event, which will see Arctic stakeholders discuss safe Arctic shipping, sustainable circumpolar communities, and the research needed to inform policymaking.

Brussels’ premier gathering on Arctic issues brings together stakeholders such as Arctic residents, researchers, industry representatives and politicians for frank and lively discussions on the issues facing the region. The programme for the 2013 edition of Arctic Futures corresponds with Canada’s priorities during its chairmanship of the Arctic Council, which began following the Kiruna Ministerial in May of this year under the theme “development for the people of the North”.

Speakers include Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Belgium’s deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders. Hannu Halinen, Finland’s  Ambassador to the Arctic Council, will discuss his country’s plan to lead the way towards a sustainable Arctic, while Konrad Steffen (Director, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research) will speak about the melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet – and how it affects global sea levels. President of the Canadian Climate Forum, Gordon McBean will address the need to close the divide between the scientific community and policymakers on climate issues, while Agneta Fransson of the Norwegian Polar Institute will look at Arctic Ocean acidification and its impacts on marine ecosystems.

Arctic Futures will address Arctic Council priorities during sessions focusing on the following topics:

• The priorities and concerns of Arctic Council nations and other Arctic stakeholders
• Natural and social science research on the Arctic's environment and communities to inform policymaking
• The Arctic’s resources and the sustainable development of Northern economies
• Trends and future scenarios for Arctic marine transport

 For more information, including details for registration, full speaker list and programme, please visit www.arcticfutures.org