Strong Turnout for Arctic Futures Symposium and Arctic Shorts

The 14th edition of the Arctic Futures Symposium held in Brussels' EU Quarter on November 28th - 29th attracted more than 190 in-person participants from many different parts of the world.

This year's edition offered a comprehensive view of the Arctic's society, interests, and challenges. Distinguished speakers from Arctic countries and the EU Institutions discussed crucial matters affecting all Arctic stakeholders.

Topics covered key issues such as managing the challenges of a changing Arctic, opportunities for cooperation in the Arctic under the current geopolitical circumstances, Arctic security issues, issues affecting Artic youth and Arctic communities, critical raw materials and securing supply chains, and implementing a just green transition in the region.

On the morning of the second day of the symposium, the IPF and the Trân Fmaily awarded the second annual Laurence Trân Arcctic Futures Award to clothing enterprise Gobmi, which was foudned by Saami sisters who rediscovered their indigneous heritage.

The event was live-streamed, attracting several hundred viewers. Recordings of panel discussions are available on the IPF YouTube Channel for those who missed it.

In tandem with the symposium, the 5th Arctic Shorts Film Evening, which took place on Monday, November 27th at Bozar Centre for Fine Arts in the centre of Brussels, drew more than 400 attendees. Nine films showcased the Arctic's rich narratives, making the evening a remarkable success.

The International Polar Foundation would like to thank all partners and constributors that made this year's symposium possible.

With the successful conclusion of this year's edition, anticipation already builds for the next symposium, promising another engaging exploration of Arctic issues and narratives!