Ávarp Bjarna Benediktssonar forsætisráðherra á Arctic Circle - 17. október 2024

Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly, Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, former President of Iceland, Excellencies, distinguished guests,

It is a great honour for me to open the Arctic Circle Assembly here in Harpa, an event that has become a permanent feature on the international stage. The Arctic Circle manifests the high interest in the region and the complex, cross-sectorial approaches we need to apply in this context. It is quite remarkable – phenomenal even – how this event has grown both organically and exponentially in depth and scope.

This Assembly draws on the profound expertise and insights from you; the hundreds of scientists, policy-makers, researchers and practitioners that make the Arctic Circle what it is: Namely, the foremost platform to discuss the way forward for the Arctic in a sober and well-informed way. Allow me to extend my gratitude to the Chairman for his tireless efforts in elevating our focus on the challenges and opportunities of the Arctic.

I will not mince my words. We are standing at important crossroads, possibly the most important one that my generation has been faced with. Acute geopolitical tensions and a proliferation of uncertainties in international relations. We are witnessing a gradual weakening of multilateralism. The very organisations and treaties that safeguard our primary obligation to ensure safety of our people are being seriously tested. This was self-evident during last month’s opening of the UN General Assembly.

We see a worrying down-ward spiral of trust in international cooperation being undermined. Given the complex challenges before us we urgently need to rebuild this trust.

This brings me to the Arctic and the role all of us play in charting the course forward. Contrary to common views, the Arctic is not an isolated and static place, serenely cut out from the rest of the world. The economic and political history of the Arctic has always been linked to broader geopolitical trends. These very forces that I referred to earlier are playing out in the Arctic region which gives us a reason to pause and contemplate on the way ahead.

For years we have witnessed an incremental growth in cooperation and peace in the Arctic. It has sprung out of needs and we have countless examples of organic, ingenious, cross-border collaboration between inhabitants and public and private entities. Right here in Harpa this week we have numerous examples. We have seen smart solutions being utilised towards intrinsic day-to-day challenges which are in many ways defined by the enormity and harshness of the region.

Simultaneously, a new dynamism has manifested itself as we watch Putin’s Russia gradually take on a more aggressive approach to international law and the rule-based order, seeking to destabilise and erode international multilateralism. This is culminating in Russia’s brutal war of aggression against our friends in Ukraine.

Let us face a few facts:

Russia will probably not change its course in the immediate future.

The strategic importance of the North Atlantic and the Arctic has been on the rise. This is not least due to Russia’s military build-up in the Arctic and subsequent military capabilities and activities.

Due to continued warming, an ice-free Arctic Ocean is expected to become a reality soon. In fact, it is expected to be covered by less than 15 percent sea ice in the summer months, even by the mid-2030s.

Due to this development, sea routes and resources in the Arctic will be more accessible soon with an exponential increase in economic activity.

All of this calls for measured actions with the interests of the Region at heart. And this scenario begs the question, how will Iceland, an Arctic Council member state, respond to these challenges? Our national Arctic and Security policies underline our commitment to maintaining peace and low tension in the Arctic.

If there is one guiding light for our foreign policy, it is adherence to the values and principles reflected in the UN charter and international law. For a small country it is paramount that we are guarded against the mighty taking what they want – which is the worldview being promoted by the Russian regime and other non-democratic states.

In essence, we cannot allow ourselves a selective approach to the principles of international law and sovereignty.

So, how can we safeguard stability, peace, and development in the Arctic?

Let me share with you few points that are of a particular importance as we try to adapt our cooperation and policy to a new security environment.

First, let me repeat, we must safeguard and promote international law and respect for sovereignty. In my view, this sets limitations to cooperation with Russia. International law is international law, also in the Arctic.

Second, the seven Arctic states must continue to shape policy regarding Arctic security. Here is of utmost importance that we cooperate and work closely with the key stakeholders and the international community. We must continue to ensure long-term sustainable development, prosperity and security for the people in the Arctic region.

Third, in an unruly world we rely on partners and allies. Iceland is in a fortunate position cooperating closely with key regional partners, the Nordic family, the seven Arctic states, all of which have been stepping up their cooperation. Our NATO membership and the bilateral defence agreement with the USA continue to be the key pillars of our security and defence.

The state of world affairs has also resulted in us needing to step up to the plate, strengthen resilience, and step up our contribution to NATO’s activities. This includes increased host nation support for NATO and allies' operating in the North-Atlantic, not least those focusing on Anti-submarine warfare. It is our responsibility to remain vigilant.

These are sobering realities which need to be tackled with a heavy dose of responsibility and pragmatism, grounded in the values that we, democratic nations, are destined to uphold. Whether we like it or not, the Arctic is fast becoming a theatre for global competition and militarisation and it is up to us to carve out the parameters within which we want the region to develop.

The Arctic will remain a delicate area that requires meaningful international cooperation. Climate change continues to be an existential threat, resulting in rising sea levels, ocean acidification, thawing permafrost, forest fires, threats to biodiversity and the list goes on. Future generations look towards the Arctic states to play by the rules and rebuild trust. That is the task ahead.

This brings me back to this Assembly hall. The knowledge, expertise and accumulated wisdom assembled here is unrivalled in terms of the Arctic. The way in which the Arctic Circle has grown out of the need for an open and frank dialogue and common approaches to challenges, gives us, the policy-makers, a strong sense of certainty that reason and international collaboration will prevail.

In much the same way as Governments must continue to be bold and look beyond their national interests, we, the Arctic nations must have the bold outlook to act fast and decisively to show the way ahead. We need to assume responsibility, ensure the security of our people and diligently work towards rebuilding trust in multilateralism and the rule of law. There is too much at stake for inaction and complacency.

Finally, allow me again to thank the organisers for the opportunity to address this distinguished assembly. I wish you great success in all your important work, and first and foremost – a great time in Iceland!

Thank you.