Bryndis Haraldsdottir chairs the meeting from Reykhavik, Iceland.COPENHAGEN / REYKJAVIK, 18 February 2022 – Upon the initiative of Special Representative on Arctic Issues Bryndis Haraldsdottir, OSCE PA Delegations from Arctic countries held an online meeting this afternoon to discuss policy priorities in the High North region and how to best address them, including within the Assembly’s framework.

Representatives of all eight Arctic countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States) took part in the meeting, which was also attended by OSCE PA President Margareta Cederfelt, and emphasized the severe challenges the region is facing, especially due to the effects of the climate crisis, which are amplified at higher latitudes. Among issues raised, parliamentarians focused on the impact of climate change on the life of Arctic indigenous communities and on the economy of the region. They reiterated the need for strong legislative action towards mitigation policies and resilience building.

Special Representative Haraldsdottir underlined that environmental security is a top political priority: “The threats our societies in the Arctic are facing are critical, but threats can be turned into opportunities if we co-operate together, free from other political agendas. We need to invest in sustainable development – this is the key word – to save our planet and at the same time pursue the needed economic development.”

Participants discussed the possibility of a resolution on Arctic issues to be presented at the upcoming Annual Session in Birmingham, United Kingdom, as well as other potential PA activities. PA Members reiterated in the meeting that the Arctic is and must remain an area of peace, security and co-operation, and that such model for co-operation should serve as a best practice also in the OSCE PA.