At the 14th Meeting of the Arctic Council, held virtually on 12 May 2025, the eight Arctic States and six Indigenous Permanent Participants gathered to mark a key transition: the conclusion of Norway’s 2023–2025 Chairship and the beginning of the Kingdom of Denmark’s 2025–2027 Chairship. The meeting concluded with the release of a joint Romssa-Tromsø Statement, reaffirming the Council’s enduring role in fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the Arctic.

In the statement, Arctic States and Permanent Participants emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration through the Arctic Council, highlighting the Council’s nearly three-decade legacy as the preeminent forum for circumpolar cooperation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the region’s environmental, social, and human challenges, with the wellbeing of Arctic communities—and particularly Indigenous Peoples—at the center of its mission.

“In a challenging time for Arctic cooperation, I am pleased that the Arctic Council remains united,” said Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and outgoing Chair of the Arctic Council. “During the Norwegian Chairship, we emphasized the consequences of climate change, the importance of Indigenous involvement in decision-making, and international collaboration on shared environmental challenges.”

Heads of Delegation for Norway, the Kingdom of Denmark, Inuit Circumpolar Council and the Saami Council attended in person. From left to right: Torsten Kjølby Nielsen, Senior Arctic Official for the Kingdom of Denmark; Sara Olsvig, Chair of Inuit Circumpolar Council; Kenneth Høegh, new Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials; Morten Høglund, outgoing Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials: Solveig Rossebø, Senior Arctic Official for Norway; Per Olof Nutti, President of Saami Council; Gunvør Balle, Deputy Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials
© Minetta Westerlund / Arctic Council Secretariat
Norway’s Chairship: Restoring Dialogue and Scientific Work

Norway assumed Chairship in May 2023 during a pause in official Arctic Council meetings. A key milestone during its term was securing agreement to resume scientific work through written procedure in August 2023, followed by the gradual return of virtual Working Group meetings in early 2024.

Norway’s four Chairship priorities were:

  • The Oceans

  • Climate and Environment

  • Sustainable Economic Development

  • People in the North

Youth engagement and Indigenous Peoples were emphasised as cross-cutting themes throughout its initiatives.

Denmark Looks Ahead to 2025–2027

The incoming Chairship, led by the Kingdom of Denmark, will focus on five overarching priorities:

  • Indigenous Peoples and Communities in the Arctic

  • Sustainable Economic Development and Energy Transition Solutions

  • Oceans

  • Arctic Climate Change

  • Biodiversity

“We have an overall ambition of being an inclusive Chairship and to bring the work of the Arctic Council close to its citizens,” said Vivian Motzfeldt, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Research for Greenland and incoming Chair. “First and foremost, for the benefit of the Peoples of the Arctic.”

Meeting Highlights and Arctic Council Work

The 14th Meeting was held virtually with participation from all eight Arctic States, six Permanent Participants, the Council’s six Working Groups, and accredited Observers. The Heads of Delegation for Norway, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, and the Saami Council attended in person in Romssa–Tromsø, Norway.

As part of the meeting, the Council welcomed recent outputs and new work plans from its Working Groups, covering a broad range of topics—from environmental change and biodiversity to sustainable development and emergency preparedness.

All public deliverables, including the full Romssa-Tromsø Statement, are available on the Arctic Council website.

 

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a recognised Observer to the Arctic Council and has been actively engaged in supporting its goals through academic cooperation and research. UArctic was itself initiated through the Arctic Council, reflecting the Council’s commitment to inclusive, cross-border collaboration on education and knowledge-sharing in the North.