2027
Information/
Disinformation
BIG PICTURE SESSIONS
The Arctic is in the global spotlight, and an increased number of players want a seat at the table to influence the future of the region. This amplified attention brings new opportunities for collaboration – and new challenges to the Arctic dialogue.
We live in a world where disinformation and distrust of science is widespread. It is more important than ever to facilitate knowledge-based conversations between science, policy, communities and businesses in the Arctic. At a critical time for the region, it is important that the discussions reflect the reality of the people that live there and that leading Arctic voices come together to share their perspectives.
A critical discussion demands both respect towards different opinions and the courage to speak clearly when it matters. These are precisely the types of conversations we have at Arctic Frontiers – where information wins over disinformation, and where we work together for a thriving Arctic.
The Arctic of the future is determined by the decisions of today – and the information on which we base our decisions today matters.
Arctic State of Affairs
Opening Session
It has been another year of profound geopolitical change. Amidst new international challenges and transitions in power, the Arctic is facing unprecedented attention.
The implementation of Arctic policies and strategies among power players could have far-reaching consequences for the Arctic, international engagement and local communities. How is growing European and global interest transforming Arctic policy? How are the new actors engaging, and how can all parties involved cooperate to ensure sustainable, stable and mutually beneficial collaboration?
This opening session focuses on the current state of Arctic affairs, and how shifting dynamics across the globe are impacting the region.
The Stories We Are Told
The Arctic is now an information battleground, with new tools being employed to influence narratives. Disinformation takes many forms. These are often united by conscious attempts to weaken adversaries and sowing distrust through deliberately spreading false or misleading information. The well-documented use of disinformation as a grey-zone tactic blurs the boundaries between cold and hot conflicts.
At the same time, information is being suppressed. While scientific knowledge is needed more than ever to understand environmental challenges and mitigate the effects of planetary crises, science risks being deprioritized.
This session will explore information and disinformation in the Arctic, and discuss how we can navigate the noise and lower the temperature.
Securitized Resilience
Arctic nations are ramping up their investments in preparedness and security. Communities across the region are facing threats which require new approaches. New advances in communication and a changing geopolitical landscape have brought with them new forms of grey-zone conflict.
Planetary and man-made threats can threaten important infrastructure and weaken the security of Northern communities. This highlights the need for preparedness – but do state-level priorities align with the needs of the North?
This session will explore new security challenges in the Arctic, and how these tie into the building of resilient communities.
Critical Needs, Critical Considerations
The Arctic contains major access points to critical resources and minerals – many of which are needed to facilitate the green transition and strategic autonomy. Responsible Arctic development can generate infrastructure investments, local jobs and other benefits.
Remoteness, limited access to skilled workforces, and fluctuating global markets are some of the challenges faced by extractive industries in the Arctic. Sustainable and just development demands consultation of local communities and Indigenous perspectives.
This session will provide a focused discussion to address the demand for critical minerals, and the social and environmental impacts of their extraction.
Testing the Waters
Shipping is crucial to Russian efforts to export Arctic gas and fund the state budget.
The Western response, primarily via sanctions, has contributed to major changes in Arctic and global shipping, including the emergence of the shadow fleet. The reach of sanctions is expected to grow: 2027 should be the year Europe fully weans itself from Russian gas, with major maritime implications.
Use of Northern Sea Route for export traffic has also increased, amid changing global dynamics and calculations.
This session will unpack what this all means for shipping in the Arctic.
Attracting Innovation
For a thriving and secure Arctic, which is attractive to coming generations, there is a continuous need for sustainable economic development.
Can innovations within circular and blue economies help develop a new economic paradigm in the North? How can we facilitate entrepreneurship in the North that fosters these new opportunities? And what are the unique conditions that make the Arctic appealing?
This session will address the needs and responsibilities of Arctic businesses, and invite discussion on how to unlock new opportunities in the region.
