The Arctic Council Strategic Plan is adopted in recognition of the Arctic Council’s 25th anniversary at the Council’s 12th Ministerial Meeting. It reflects the shared values and joint aspirations of the Arctic States and the Permanent Participants, to advance sustainable development, environmental protection, and good governance in the Arctic.
Strategic Vision for the Arctic and the Arctic Council in 2030
In 2030 we envision the Arctic to remain a region of peace, stability and constructive cooperation, that is a vibrant, prosperous, sustainable and secure home for all its inhabitants, including Indigenous Peoples, and where their rights and wellbeing are respected. The Arctic will be a region where it is firmly established that healthy ecosystems and habitats are of critical importance and the uniqueness and fragility of the Arctic environment is respected by all in the region and beyond. All people in the Arctic will have ample pathways for sustainable social and economic development while respecting the environment. Conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the Arctic, that respect the rights and cultures of all Arctic inhabitants, will contribute to resilient societies. The particular vulnerability of the Arctic to the rapid warming of the region will continue to be widely acknowledged globally and be a critical driver for the Council’s activities. Furthermore, Arctic States continue to make the voice of the Arctic heard at multilateral fora that address climate issues, drawing attention to and urging the international community to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Arctic Council will remain the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation as it continues to advance knowledge, understanding, and action on issues of critical importance to the region, and continue to support the strong legal framework that applies to the region. The Council will contribute effectively to social and economic development, climate change mitigation and adaptation towards low emission societies, and environmental protection throughout the Arctic. The Arctic Council will have further developed its working methods and structures including the cooperation with observers and other partners, to respond to new realities, opportunities and increased international attention to its work.