Mark Pritchard addresses Arctic Forum, Berlin, 8 May 2024BERLIN, 9 May 2024 - OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Special Representative on the Arctic and High North Rt. Hon. Mark Pritchard (United Kingdom) took part in the Arctic Circle Forum titled “The Arctic at Crossroads: Science - Climate - Policy - Europe” held on 7-8 May in Berlin. Organized by the Arctic Circle jointly with the German Arctic Office, the Forum brought together more than 300 participants to discuss a myriad of topics, including various aspects of security, latest scientific and research findings, environmental concerns, and evolving policies pertinent to the Arctic and High North.
Over the two days of the Forum, scientists, students, and decision makers engaged in 30 sessions sharing concerns and discussing security challenges and threats, listening to the voices of indigenous communities, examining research priorities and prospects of international co-operation. Discussions have centered on the region’s environmental, economic, and geopolitical significance. With global interest surging due to its abundant resources and emerging shipping routes, the Arctic has become a focal point for policy shifts. Across different sessions, policymakers and researchers emphasized that the Arctic faces complex challenges driven by climate change and geopolitical tensions, including militarization and environmental concerns.
Following the address of Prince Albert II of Monaco, during the session on the consequences of geopolitics on the Arctic, the Special Representative regretted that no interaction is taking place due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing however the potential for constructive dialogue in the post-war period, stressing the need for respect of international law. Special Representative Pritchard emphasized the critical need to promote scientific co-operation and sustainable practices to safeguard the Arctic’s future. He proposed leveraging the OSCE PA’s platform for dialogue, contingent upon readiness and adherence to international law.
Mark Pritchard and Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson in BerlinDuring the debate, he further emphasized the essential role of political will as a starting point for constructive engagement and underlined that policies should be informed by scientific research, ensuring that decisions are evidence-based and grounded in the latest understanding of relevant issues. Fellow panellists noted that there is a need for better long-term strategy to preserving and defending the Arctic, highlighting the intricate nature of hybrid threats.
On the margins of the Forum, Special Representative Pritchard exchange views with scientists and had a meeting with the Chairman of Arctic Circle Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson to discuss the UK engagement in the Arctic and the upcoming activities and priorities of the Arctic Circle.
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