The Arctic Economic Council works to ensure that development in the Arctic takes place on local terms – with businesses as the driving force.
The global interest for the Arctic is growing, at the same time as geopolitical tensions are increasing. A current initiative has been prepared under the auspices of the Arctic Economic Council, where Greenland currently holds the presidency. The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) works to ensure that development in the region is also shaped from within – by those who live and operate in the Arctic.
AEC brings together companies across the region with a focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing and sustainable economic development on Arctic terms. According to the organization, business cooperation is essential at a time when diplomatic tracks can be challenged.
– The Arctic is not just an area of geopolitical interest, it is a place where people live and do business every day. It obliges us to ensure that development takes place based on local needs and competences, and helps to build bridges, says Aviaaja Knudsen, head of the Arctic Economic Council.
Special conditions in the Arctic
Running a business in the Arctic entails special conditions with long distances, a harsh climate and limited infrastructure. On the other hand, the region holds significant opportunities in areas such as fishing, energy, raw materials and tourism.
For more than ten years, AEC has worked for better framework conditions for Arctic companies and participates in international processes such as the EU’s Arctic strategy and the development of maritime rules in the UN maritime organization IMO. At the same time, the organization works for better access to capital and stronger conditions for entrepreneurs.
The Arctic is home to around four million people, which makes cooperation across national borders necessary. Experiences from, for example, tourism in Northern Norway, Finland, Canada and Iceland can be used in Greenland, just as knowledge in mining can be shared across the region.
– We are increasingly experiencing that Greenland and the rest of the Arctic are being listened to. It gives us a real opportunity to influence the development, but it requires that we stand together and actively bring the perspectives of the business world into play, says Aviaaja Knudsen.
According to the AEC, the interaction between them and business has great potential for linking political priorities with local knowledge and experience.
The Arctic Economic Council informs that it is possible to hear more about their work and the possibilities for cooperation, as well as the opportunity to meet the chairman, Aviaaja Knudsen, at Future Greenland in Katuaq on the 19th-20th. May.
