30 June, 2021
RAUSI highlighted the recent Arctic Council meeting during which the Chair’s appointment rotated from Iceland to the Russian Federation. The official Arctic Council statement noted that “The incoming Chairmanship of the Russian Federation will continue to support many ongoing activities of the Council’s Working Groups and other subsidiary bodies, while introducing a number of new projects and initiatives. Sustainable development will be the main overarching priority of the Russian Chairmanship, with the human dimension, the environment and sustainable economic growth as key areas.[1]
Of interest to RAUSI members will be the details found in the Russian Federation priorities listed in their document here: Russia’s Chairmanship Priorities for the Arctic Council 2021-2023. It is interesting to note that this document highlights the fact that “The increasing positive potential of the Arctic must be used to ensure prosperity and progress for all polar residents and to promote scientific, educational and cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.”[2] With climate change reducing the levels of Arctic sea ice and allowing for easier access, we should expect to see significant and increasing activity throughout the region. As a key member of the Arctic Council, Canada will need to be fully engaged in the development of many of these initiatives.
The incoming Russian Chair has set an ambitious agenda for the Arctic Council. He intends to overlap the official meeting schedule with thematic events and international collaboration. The detailed plan for the Russian Chairmanship can be found here: Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2021-2023 Programme.
RAUSI members will note that Russia has visibly increased their civilian and military activities in the Arctic; an example of which is seen in the rebuilding of military infrastructure (BBC video available on the RAUSI YouTube Channel). When combined with their Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, their Arctic related activities and influence are significant. RAUSI will continue to monitor this topic with a view to ensuring that members remain up to date as this subject evolves.
[1] Arctic Council. 20 May, 2021. Arctic Council - Arctic Council Foreign Ministers sign the Reykjavik Declaration, adopt the Council’s first Strategic Plan and pass the Chairmanship from Iceland to the Russian Federation (arctic-council.org).
[2] Arctic Council. 20 May 2021. Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2021-2023 Programme (arctic-council.org).