Stefansson Arctic Institute at the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026

Representatives from the Stefansson Arctic Institute participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly, held from 8–10 October, alongside a large delegation of researchers and experts from the Arctic knowledge hub based on the University of Akureyri campus.

Held annually in Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, the Assembly is one of the largest international forums for dialogue on Arctic affairs. The event attracts participants from government, academia, industry, civil society organizations, and Indigenous peoples’ organizations from across the Arctic. This year, more than 2000 participants from around the world gathered in Harpa to discuss issues facing the region through over 200 sessions, panel discussions, and roundtables.

Eventful Days in Reykjavík

From the Stefansson Arctic Institute, Romain Chuffart, among other contributions, delivered a presentation on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) from the perspective of international law and participated in discussions about Iceland-Japan relations. Joan Nymand Larsen presented in sessions on inequality and tourism in the Arctic, Jón Haukur discussed Arctic communities social sustainability, and Karl Karlsson presented on governance through the lens of the One Health approach.

In addition to the formal programme, numerous side events, meetings, and receptions took place throughout the Assembly. To name a few, representatives from SAI attended an event hosted by the Arctic Council, celebrating 30 years of cooperation with music and refreshments; visited an icebreaker docked in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour; visited the Greenland Representation in Iceland; and participated in the closing reception hosted by the Governor of Alaska, which featured an outstanding performance by Pamyua, a Yup'ik-Inuit musical group from Anchorage in Alaska.