Arctic Connections: EPRC hosts conference on Arctic regional cooperation networks

On behalf of the Scottish Government, EPRC hosted a major international conference "Arctic Connections", focussing on regional cooperation networks in and around the Arctic. The event, on 10 & 11 June at Glasgow's famous Lighthouse venue, brought together policy makers, academics and practitioners of territorial cooperation in the Arctic region. Organised and chaired by EPRC's John Bachtler, Arno van der Zwet and Irene McMaster, the conference opened with speeches by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal University of Strathclyde, Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, and Line Fusdahl, Chair Troms Regional Council. Conference papers prepared by EPRC, workshop discussions, and presentations went on to focus on the key role of regional cooperation in developing economic opportunities in the region that are environmentally and culturally sustainable. Speakers, including Hannu Halinen (Finland's Arctic Ambassador), Arve Skjerpen (Norwegian Government), and José Palma Andreas (Director at DG Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission) emphasised the strategic importance of the region, the complex and rapidly changing environments across the area, and the value of collaboration in regional cooperation. The conference was the culmination of an initiative launched by the Norwegian Government. It provided a broad platform for knowledge exchange, sharing of best practice and development of new ideas. Crucially, it explored practical solutions to promoting collaboration in relation to regional cooperation in the Arctic, covering: new strategic and policy approaches to regional-level Arctic cooperation; the role of the 'near' Arctic in territorial cooperation activities with Arctic partners; and mechanisms to support collaborative approach to Arctic territorial cooperation. Please find the Arctic Connections website http://www.arcticconnections.eu