26 March 2025 | 8:30 - 10:00 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: Glen Miller Ballroom - UMC 208
Organisers: Zia Madani (UArctic Thematic Network on Science Diplomacy; and University of Tsukuba, Japan); Hajime Kimura (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Japan); Jihoon Jeong (Korean Polar Research Institute, Republic of Korea)
Session Description:
This panel, within the context of Arctic Research Planning for the Next Decade, including the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP-IV) Summit, seeks to identify the means, frameworks, and mechanisms available that can be utilized to facilitate effective Arctic research cooperation and science diplomacy among Arctic and non-Arctic actors (e.g. governments, rightsholders, researchers, NGOs, etc.). Given the current geopolitical challenges, rapid climate and Earth system changes, evolving dynamics of Arctic governance, and existing barriers to cooperation, this session will explore innovative solutions and strategies.
Convened by a sub-theme group of the Research Priority Team (RPT)-4 on Arctic Research Cooperation and Diplomacy, this session will also look beyond the status quo to the opportunities provided by the 5th International Polar Year (IPY) in 2032-2033, emphasizing its global relevance and transdisciplinary dimensions. IPY-5 is an opportunity to enhance international Arctic cooperation, particularly in the scope of pan-Arctic scientific endeavors.
Our panel aims to identify “tools” that can enhance research cooperation and sustain the diplomatic role of research in maintaining the Arctic region as a peaceful and collaborative space. We invite Indigenous knowledge holders, researchers from various disciplines, policymakers, early career researchers (ECRs), and other interested individuals to join us for a productive discussion. The goal is to pave the way for a collaborative and respectful approach to Arctic research and science diplomacy, looking at Arctic policies of the Arctic states and Non-Arctic states as well as Indigenous perspectives, ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders are upheld in this unique and rapidly changing environment.
Panelists of this session will reflect on the following questions:
- What are the barriers to Arctic research cooperation and science diplomacy, as well as potential enabling factors for Arctic research cooperation and diplomacy today?
- What kinds of existing “tools” effectively enhance international scientific cooperation in the Arctic, how well are they functioning, and how can they be best utilized?
- What diplomatic “tools” are available to enhance research cooperation and prevent conflicts in the Arctic?
- What legal frameworks harmonize national interests and sovereignty with science cooperation across borders, contributing to a more sustainable Arctic?
- How might we best leverage IPY 5 to advance research cooperation and diplomacy in the Arctic?