Youth Together for Arctic Futures project kicks off at Arctic Frontiers conference

On Jan. 30, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30 CET, Youth Together for Arctic Futures will launch at the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, Norway. A networking event will celebrate this launch, providing a platform for Arctic and Arctic-interested youth to connect with decision-makers and engage in discussions about common priorities. 

Youth Together for Arctic Futures is a transformative four-year project, fostering youth-led initiatives and dialogues, both locally and internationally, to address the profound impact of climate change and environmental degradation.

Youth involvement is crucial, and this project seeks to equip them with the skills, opportunities, and connections needed to advocate for sustainable policies.

The project aligns its Arctic Youth Dialogue with EU flagship events on the Arctic, ensuring a holistic approach. The initiative envisions creating active citizens and decision-makers for a sustainable Arctic, with a focus on the inclusion of women and Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic region.

Speakers at the event include:

• Vicki Lee Wallgren, Director of the WWF Global Arctic Programme
• Clara Ganslandt, EU Special Envoy for Arctic Matters at the European External Action Service
• Irène Mingasson at the Service for Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI), European Commission
• Miguel Roncero, International Relations Officer at DG MARE, European Commission
• Asisaun Toovak, Mayor of Utqiaġvik, Alaska
• Morten Høglund, Arctic Ambassador for Norway and Senior Arctic Official of the Arctic Council

Read more about the project.

Youth project on the agenda at the Arctic Mayors Forum

The Youth Together for Arctic Futures project will also be featured at the Arctic Mayors Forum held during the Arctic Frontiers Conference on the evening of January 30th. Vicki Lee Wallgren, WWF Global Arctic Programme Director, will attend and present the project.

Vicki Lee Wallgren says, “We are excited to work together with Arctic and European youth and with our partner organizations. ‘Together’ is a key word for the project – only together can we shape policies that will truly safeguard Arctic ecosystems and livelihoods.”

Youth project team members will mentor at The Arctic Frontiers Student Forum

Members of the WWF Global Arctic Programme’s project team are set to play a role as mentors at the Arctic Frontiers Student Forum 2024. This unique gathering unites students from Northern Norwegian and Northern Finnish universities in Tromsø, Norway, fostering capacity building and networking opportunities within the Arctic youth community.

Throughout the program week, participants will engage in cross-cultural exchanges, shaping their visions for the future of the Arctic while honing valuable skills.

The WWF Global Arctic Programme’s team members will guide and inspire these future leaders, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the development of innovative solutions for the challenges facing the Arctic region.

 

The Youth Together for Arctic Futures project is funded by the European Union. This article is co-funded by the European Union and is the sole responsibility of the WWF Global Arctic Programme and partners. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.