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(In the Photo from Left to Right: Brigadier General Daniel Rivière, Commander JTFN, H.E. Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland, Ben Hendriksen, Mayor of Yellowknife, H.E. Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Auðbjörg Halldórsdóttir, Ambassador of Iceland, Jon-Age Oyslebo, Deputy Head of Mission for the Norwegian Embassy, and Peter Clarkson, Mayor of Inuvik.)

 

NORDIC AMBASSADORS SEMINAR EXPLORES NORTHERN RESILIENCE, ARCTIC SECURITY, AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

January 22, 2026 | Yellowknife, NT

The City of Yellowknife hosted Ambassadors from the Nordic countries on January 21 for a half-day seminar focused on strengthening collaboration across the circumpolar region. The event brought together territorial, municipal, and Indigenous and federal partners to discuss shared northern priorities and opportunities for deeper cooperation.

The seminar featured three thematic panel discussions:

(1)    Whole‑of‑Society Approaches to Resilience
Participants explored how governments, communities, media, and local organizations can strengthen social and climate resilience, support informed public dialogue, and contribute to a vibrant and sustainable future for northern residents.

(2)    Economic Resilience & Arctic Livelihoods
This session examined emerging economic opportunities in the North, including skills development, innovation, community-driven economic growth, and the role of northern institutions and Indigenous-owned enterprises in building long-term resilience.

(3)    Security in the Arctic at a Time of Geopolitical Power Competition
The final panel discussed evolving security dynamics in the circumpolar region, community preparedness, and the importance of coordinated efforts among governments, defence partners, and northern communities to support safety, sovereignty, and stability.

The event highlighted the strong relationships between Nordic nations and Northern Canada and underscored the importance of international cooperation to address climate change, economic development, security, and community well-being across the Arctic.