1 December 2017: Representatives from Arctic States discussed the role of the SDGs in increasing economic development in the Arctic region during a high-level conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants focused on identifying opportunities to ensure the Arctic region is on a path towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Arctic Economic Council organized the ‘Sustainable Development Goals in the Arctic: Local and Global Perspectives’ conference, which brought together representatives from Arctic states, the Arctic business community, the UN, the EU and other stakeholders. Denmark’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs hosted the high-level conference as part of the implementation of the Danish government’s Foreign and Security Policy Strategy 2017-2018.

Participants recognized sustainable economic growth as a key challenge for the Arctic region, and discussed opportunities for increasing employment, boosting innovation and infrastructure projects, and promoting tourism and export. Discussions also reflected on how the Arctic can contribute to global achievement of the SDGs, recognizing that Arctic peoples and societies show a high degree of adaptability, resilience and innovation in a challenging environment and climate.

Denmark called for a focus on attracting more investments to the Arctic, and on the SDGs as a catalyst for Arctic development.

Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen underscored the importance of attracting more investments to the Arctic, including Greenland, to promote sustainable economic development. He explained that that the Government of Denmark, together with Greenland, wants to “send a strong signal that there is a need for an increased economic focus in the Arctic cooperation,” including through a focus on the SDGs as a catalyst for Arctic development.

The Conference convened in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 1 December 2017. [Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release] [Arctic Economic Council Press Release] [Conference Website]