Interview with Bergdís Ellertsdóttir, Iceland’s Senior Arctic Official

What is your background, and how do you feel it has prepared you for your role as a Senior Arctic Official?

I have extensive experience in the Icelandic Foreign Service, where I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of issues including trade, development cooperation, bilateral relations and Nordic cooperation. My background has provided me with a solid foundation for the diplomatic responsibilities of a Senior Arctic Official. Prior to assuming this role, I served as Iceland's Ambassador to the Unites States where I collaborated with the U.S. Government on Arctic issues. This experience was invaluable in preparing me for the role of SAO.

I feel deeply honored to have been entrusted with this role by my Foreign Minister, as I have always felt a strong connection to the Arctic. The Arctic is so many things – it is international, it is regional, but it is also internal, given the significant number of people in Iceland engaged in Arctic-related work. Iceland has a growing Arctic community, particularly in Akureyri, which hosts two of the Arctic Council Working Groups, the University of Akureyri must be mentioned as well as the growing Arctic science community. This vibrancy, with its many dimensions and dynamic developments, makes the Arctic an especially exciting and rewarding focus.

What elements of your work with the Arctic Council are you most looking forward to?

Iceland’s Foreign Minister has emphasized the Arctic’s importance within Iceland’s foreign policy highlighting the crucial role of the Arctic Council in this context. However, the work of the Council has been severely impacted by the geopolitical context we have lived in for over two years. It is Iceland's view that despite these challenges, it is essential that the Council remains relevant to the people of the Arctic and continues to address the region’s pressing issues and challenges. We therefore support the continuation of scientific cooperation in areas deemed essential to sustainability in the region, while official meetings of the Council remain paused.

Security and defense concerns have understandably taken center stage on the Arctic agenda. Looking at the challenges ahead, the most imminent threat to the lives and livelihood of the people in the Arctic remains the climate crisis and other challenges that the Arctic Council’s Working Groups are striving to address. It is therefore crucial that the Working Groups return to a sense of normalcy, as their work is essential in developing solutions to the diverse and pressing issues we are faced with in the Arctic. I look forward to working with both the current and incoming Chairships of the Arctic Council. Norway has done an excellent job during its Chairship, introducing several impactful initiatives, such as the high-level COP29 side event on the cryosphere and the emphasis on youth engagement, including the upcoming Arctic Youth Conference in January 2025. We are also closely following the priorities of the Kingdom of Denmark as they prepare for their Chairship, and I look forward to fostering strong cooperation with them as well. Additionally, I am eager to visit Tromsø, meet the Arctic Council Secretariat, and connect with the dedicated individuals working there.

What is your most memorable Arctic experience?

My first visit to Greenland many years ago was to Ilulissat, a place that left a lasting impression on me. With my roots in Ísafjörður, Iceland – so close to Greenland – I have always felt a deep connection to the region. The breathtaking beauty, rich culture and remarkable resilience of the people in Illulissat were unforgettable. I vividly recall the image of an elderly woman sitting by the ocean, skillfully working on a seal skin – a moment that remains etched in my memory. Whenever I think about the Arctic, that visit to Ilulissat comes to mind.

I feel incredibly fortunate and privileged to work on the Arctic, as I have always been drawn to the north. While we Icelanders often crave the sun – even during our brief summers – I find the north invigorating, despite the cold and darkness. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to places like Utqiagvik in Alaska, Iqaluit in Canada, and Svalbard. In every visit, I've been deeply impressed by the resilience, culture, and strength of the local communities. The spirit of the Arctic and its people continues to inspire me.