Arctic policies discussed at government evening session
(Translation. Originally published in Finnish on 10 October 2012)
The government evening session met on Wednesday 10 October to discuss the Government's Arctic policy and the revision of Finland's Strategy for the Arctic Region. The Arctic region is a focus of increasing economic and political interest. Climate change and increased exploitation of natural resources increase environmental risks in the region. On the other hand, the Arctic region offers significant opportunities for Finland. The Government will advocate the use of Finnish expertise in the Arctic region and base its policies on this expertise.
In the reviewed Strategy, the government policies will be grouped under four priorities: Finland is an Arctic country; Finland has Arctic expertise; Finland respects the principle of sustainable development and environmental considerations; and Finland is committed to international cooperation in Arctic issues. The priorities will be deepened through four themes: 1) education and research, 2) unleashing new business opportunities in the Arctic region, 3) the environment and comprehensive security, and 4) international cooperation.
- Finland is an Arctic country. Our climate, nature, geography, history and experiences have shaped our Arctic identity. Finland is an Arctic nation; one third of all people living in the area north of the 60th parallel are Finnish. The position of the Sami as Europe's only indigenous people will be taken into consideration and their participation in the handling of affairs affecting their status as indigenous people will be ensured. Operational conditions in Finland's northern parts must remain stable and safe.
- Finland has Arctic expertise. The Arctic region is facing significant changes. Finland has expertise and know-how that can be drawn upon in efforts to understand, adapt to and make use of the ongoing changes. It is particularly important to maintain and develop related expertise and research. Finland aims to become a model of Arctic expertise.
- Finland respects the principle of sustainable development and environmental considerations. Themes related to the global impacts of climate change, sustainable use of natural resources in the Arctic region, and identification of environmental considerations in all Arctic activities lie at the heart of our Arctic policy.
- International Arctic co-operation. It is in Finland’s interest to strengthen our Arctic position, widen international cooperation and maintain stability in the Arctic region.
In line with the Government Programme, the government evening session decided in its May meeting that it will define its Arctic priorities by autumn 2012 and revise Finland's Strategy for the Arctic Region by April 2013 under the Advisory Board on Arctic Affairs. Each ministry has appointed officials responsible for Arctic issues. This network is chaired by Hannu Halinen, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs. Permanent Secretaries from key ministries and State Secretary Olli-Pekka Heinonen from the Prime Minister's Office have directed the work.
Inquiries: Further information: Olli-Pekka Heinonen, State Secretary, Prime Minister's Office, tel. +358 9 1602 2006 and Hannu Halinen, Ambassador, Arctic Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 40 178 2053.