Full speed towards a transition as the Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council meets with Indigenous Permanent Participant Organizations

The meeting began with a conversation between the SAOC and Permanent Participant youth delegates that took part in the Norwegian Chairship’s inaugural Arctic Youth Conference from 24-26 January. During its Chairship, Norway set out to make youth a cross-cutting priority. These efforts culminated in the Arctic Youth Conference, an event co-developed by a Chairship Youth Committee, which provided a platform for young people to address challenges and opportunities in the Arctic. The Permanent Participant youth shared their takeaways from the conference and perspectives on the way forward for youth engagement in the Arctic Council.

As Norway heads into the final months of its Chairship, the SAOC invited Arctic Council Working Group representatives to present and discuss their ongoing work, including the products and deliverables they plan to finalize and highlight as part of the 14^th meeting of the Arctic Council, as well as draft workplans for the 2025-2027 Chairship period. This was followed by updates from Norway on its Chairship program implementation and progress leading into the 14^th meeting of the Arctic Council, where the Chairship will transfer from Norway to the Kingdom of Denmark.

Norway invited the Kingdom of Denmark to share an update on preparations for its incoming Chairship and to engage in a dialogue with the Permanent Participants on priorities and focus areas.

Permanent Participants then provided an update on their priorities and activities, followed by discussions with both Norway and the Kingdom of Denmark.

This meeting marks the fourth time during its term that Norway met with all Permanent Participants. During its Chairship, Norway has prioritized strengthening cooperation with the Permanent Participants, highlighting the importance of their active participation and contributions on all levels of cooperation in the Arctic Council.