Successful Seminar on Search and Rescue in the Arctic at UNAK
Last week, an open seminar on search and rescue (SAR) and changing security dynamics in the Arctic was held at the University of Akureyri, focusing on responsibility, surveillance, and security in the Arctic, and the civil–military interface.
The event was jointly organized by Varðberg, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, the University of Akureyri, the Icelandic Coast Guard, and the Ministry of Justice. In addition to the audience gathered in the University of Akureyri’s hall, almost 400 viewers joined the event through a livestream.
Address by the Minister of Justice
Davíð Stefánsson, Chairman of Varðberg, opened the event, and was followed by Minister of Justice Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir. In her address, the minister highlighted the importance of the Icelandic Coast Guard, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
This was followed by a comprehensive programme in which the rapidly evolving landscape of search and rescue in the Arctic due to increased traffic, a changing security environment, and new technologies was in the spotlight. Experts discussed capability, coordination, and responsibility in Arctic search and rescue with attention to technological developments, new shipping routes, international cooperation, and the evolving security environment in the region, and how Iceland and partner states can ensure safety in one of the world’s most challenging regions.
Contributions by a Diverse Range of Experts
Speakers included Auðunn F. Kristinsson from the Icelandic Coast Guard; Guðbrandur Örn Arnarsson of the Operations Division at ICE-SAR (the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue); Þorlákur Einarsson, Advisor at the Directorate for International Affairs and Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Hrafnkell V. Gíslason, CEO of the Electronic Communications Office of Iceland. Antonio Rolla, Project Officer at the European Commission; Tore Hongset, Search and Rescue Coordination Manager at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre for Northern Norway; and Kathye Nghiema, Director General of Response for the Canadian Coast Guard, delivered presentations via video.
The programme concluded with closing remarks from Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network. Friðrik Þórsson, Project Manager at the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, moderated the event.
Reception Aboard Þór, the Flagship Vessel of the Icelandic Coast Guard
Following the seminar, participants were invited to a reception aboard Þór, the flagship vessel of the Icelandic Coast Guard, at the Port of Akureyri. Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, Rector of the University of Akureyri, addressed the reception, after which guests were offered refreshments and a guided tour of the vessel.
