25 April 2015: The ninth Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council, which marked the end of Canada’s Arctic Council chairmanship (2013-2015) and the start of the US chairmanship (2015-2017), brought together ministers of the eight Arctic States and leaders of the six Permanent Participant organizations of the Arctic Council. Ministers adopted the 2015 Iqaluit Declaration, which highlights the accomplishments of the past two years and sets the stage for the upcoming US chairmanship.

During Canada’s chairmanship, which was themed ‘Development for the People of the North,’ the Council advanced economic and social development and environmental protection in the Arctic through action-oriented projects and programmes, including on mental wellness, traditional knowledge (TK) and oil pollution prevention to improve the lives of Arctic residents. A key achievement of Canada’s chairmanship was the creation of the Arctic Economic Council (AEC). Other priority deliverables during Canada’s chairmanship approved by Ministers in Iqaluit include: a Framework Plan for Cooperation on Prevention of Oil Pollution from Petroleum and Maritime Activities in the Marine Areas of the Arctic; the Framework for Action on Enhanced Black Carbon and Methane Emissions Reductions; and a collection of examples from across the region showcasing how traditional ways of life can continue to support healthy Arctic communities today and into the future.

The theme of the US chairmanship is ‘One Arctic: Shared Opportunities, Challenges and Responsibilities.’ In the next two years, the Arctic Council will focus on: addressing the impacts of climate change; supporting Arctic Ocean safety, security and stewardship; and improving economic and living conditions in Arctic communities. John Kerry, US Secretary of State and the new Chair of the Arctic Council, emphasized that “the United States, other nations, indigenous peoples and Arctic communities must join together to ensure responsible stewardship of this incredible region.” The Council also established two new task forces: the Task Force on Arctic Marine Cooperation; and the Task Force on Telecommunications Infrastructure in the Arctic.

The ninth Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council took place in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, from 24-25 April 2015. [Arctic Council Press Release: Welcome to the Ninth Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting] [Arctic Council Press Release: Arctic Council Renews Commitment to Arctic Economic and Social Development and Environmental Protection] [2015 Iqaluit Declaration] [IISD RS Story on Senior Arctic Officials’ Meeting] [UNECE Press Release]