Arctic Circle Assembly Begins In Iceland Today

Iceland begins hosting international leaders and dignitaries today as the annual Arctic Circle Assembly kicks off at Harpa.

The opening seminar includes speeches from Prince Albert of Monaco, President and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund, Carter Roberts, a special Russian envoy on behalf of President Putin, as well as a speech by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

French President Francois Hollande will also be flying in to deliver a keynote speech later today.

The assembly, which has become the largest of its kind, will feature seminars covering a number of issues regarding the future of the Arctic such as security, the rights of indigenous people, arctic resources, tourism and the effects of climate change.

Over 1800 guests from more than 50 nations are expected to attend the seminar which will last all weekend.

Arctic Circle, founded by president Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson in 2013 is designed to increase participation in Arctic dialogue and strengthen the international focus on the future of the Arctic.

You can find the full Arctic Circle Assembly programme here.