In addition to the annual October Assemblies in Iceland, the Arctic Circle convenes smaller and more specialized forums in other countries. Together with the Government of Québec, the Arctic Circle will convene its next forum in Québec City.
The Forum will be opened by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland, and Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec. Discussions will focus on the sustainable development of northern regions, including Alaska, Greenland as well as northern areas of Norway and Sweden. Québec will present its own approach as implemented in the Plan Nord, and will ask other key players to share their experience and expertise in this area.
The event will apply a comparative and interactive approach, and will give speakers and participants an opportunity to help disseminate knowledge and good practices while promoting the sustainable development of the Arctic and northern regions in general.
Session topics will include regional planning and governance, investment and socio-economic development.
Also, a special session dealing with the impacts of climate change in the Nordic and Arctic regions will be held.
Among the speakers and participants will be ministers and lawmakers, indigenous leaders, and representatives from economic development organizations, investment funds and scientific institutes.