Meetings in Tromsø to explore new direction for Finland’s Arctic policy

The Arctic region underwent a fundamental shift after Russia launched its war of aggression in Ukraine, putting Finland’s Arctic policy in an unprecedented situation. As part of its work to build a new Arctic policy, Finland is organising an event under the header ‘Changes in the Arctic – how do they affect Finland’s Arctic policy?’ on 31 January at the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, Norway.

State Secretary Henrik Haapajärvi, who will give the opening address at the event, highlights the great importance of Arctic policy for Finland as follows:
 
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has wide-ranging, long-term consequences for Finland’s security environment, including in the Arctic region, which we have tried to keep as free from tensions as possible. Climate change and biodiversity, sustainable development and the rights of Indigenous peoples will continue to be high priorities in Finland’s Arctic policy going forward.”
 
A live webcast and a recording of the event will be available on the Arctic Frontiers website.
 
A the event, State Secretary Haapajärvi and State Secretary Johanna Sumuvuori will meet with representatives of the governments of countries in the Arctic region and participate in a roundtable discussion with Arctic researchers.
 
On 30 January, the Arctic Advisory Board will hold a meeting in Tromsø to discuss Finnish-Norwegian Arctic cooperation in the new situation.
 
The Prime Minister’s Office is responsible for coordinating Arctic policy in Finland and has appointed an Arctic Advisory Board and a working group of officials responsible for Arctic policy to carry out this work. The Arctic Advisory Board brings together the key Finnish stakeholders involved in activities in the Arctic.
 
This year, Arctic Frontiers will take place from 30 January to 2 February 2023. The conference is the second-largest annual Arctic event in the world.
 
Inquiries: Senior Specialist, Secretary General of the Arctic Advisory Board Nina Brander, +358 295 160 347, Prime Minister’s Office