WASHINGTON, March 14 2025 – OSCE PA Special Representative on the Arctic and High North, Rt. Hon. Mark Pritchard (MP, United Kingdom) has held high-level discussions this week with senior White House National Security officials, a member of President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet, and with senior members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as at the State Department and leading think tanks, on a wide range of Arctic and High North matters.
In his meetings, Special Representative Pritchard raised Arctic security, emerging geopolitical threats, climate change, and regional co-operation and stability.
“I am grateful to the White House, US Congress, and State Department for their ongoing recognition of the importance of the Arctic and High North, not only for US security and interests, but also other Arctic nations and regional allies,” the Special Representative said. “It is right that any discussions around any future changes to US Arctic policies fully include and engage other Arctic nations.”
The high-level meetings underscored the OSCE PA’s shared commitment to protecting Arctic security, balancing the need to protect the environment with enhanced energy security, shared economic interests, and regional co-operation, as well as ensuring that indigenous communities are at the centre of regional policies.
With the Arctic emerging as a critical geopolitical frontier, the discussions in Washington focused on enhancing security, advancing military preparedness, strengthening international co-operation, and fostering sustainable development. The meetings also addressed the linkage between the war in Ukraine and its impact on Arctic co-operation, highlighting the need for stronger investments in Arctic regions.
Throughout the engagements, the OSCE PA Special Representative reinforced the importance of an approach that prioritizes environmental protection and diplomatic engagement over geopolitical tensions. Special Representative Pritchard emphasized the importance of strengthening US Arctic diplomacy and encouraged the early appointment of a new US Arctic Ambassador.
The meetings concluded with a shared understanding that while the Arctic presents economic opportunities, it also demands responsible governance and international collaboration to ensure long-term stability and sustainability.
Additionally, MP Pritchard made the case for the new US Administration to work “alongside strong friends and allies Denmark and Canada” and other Arctic Council and OSCE PA members, to ensure stability and mutual security.
This visit marked the Special Representative’s third official engagement within his mandate, reinforcing dialogue with key stakeholders on Arctic issues. Rt. Hon. Pritchard reaffirmed the OSCE PA’s commitment to Arctic security, resilience, and sustainable development, underlining that the organization is committed to fostering dialogue, preventing conflicts, and promoting sustainable policies in the Arctic region.
For more information on the work of the Special Representative, please click here.
