The Arctic Circle Podcast

What does it mean to be at the geographic and geopolitical crossroads of Europe, North America, and the Arctic? And what role do the Faroe Islands envision playing in the Arctic and the world?Joining the conversation is Aksel Vilhelmson Johannesen, Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands. His remarks are followed by an open Q&A with the audience, moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What is Finland’s vision for a peaceful, stable, and sustainable Arctic amid the current geopolitical and strategic tensions in the region? And how is Finland working to integrate Arctic perspectives into Europe’s and NATO’s collective security, defense, and deterrence strategies?Joining the conversation is Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Her remarks are followed by an open Q&A with the audience moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What role does Iceland have to play in Arctic security and stability? And how is the country addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the region?Joining the conversation is Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister, Iceland. This Q&A with audience is moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What is Canada’s approach and policy in the Arctic, and how important are partnerships in advancing these priorities?Joining the conversation is Hon. Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs & Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. Her speech is followed by an open Q&A with the audience moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This speech was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What is the role and importance of space in and for the Arctic? How are the Arctic and space sectors connected, and what opportunities does the growth of the space industry present for the region?Joining the conversation are:Nettie La Belle-Hamer, Deputy Director for Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, USATroels Sandreid, President of Andøya SpaceportPippa Malmgren, CEO and Founder of Geopolitica Institute; and Strategic Advisor at C10 Labs, USAMartin Skedsmo, Key Account Manager at KSAT - Kongsberg Satellite ServicesJosef Wiedemann, Sales Director at ISAR Aerospace, GermanyModerating was Daniel Leeb, Executive Mission Director of the Iceland Space Agency and Managing Director of Iceland Research Institute of Space Science.This Session was recorded live at the Arctic Circle Business Forum, held October 16th to 17th, during the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, in Reykjavík, Iceland.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What are Greenland’s vision and priorities in the Arctic and the world? And how is the government addressing opportunities and challenges in the region?Joining the conversation are:Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and ResearchNaaja H. Nathanielsen, Greenland’s Minister for Business, Energy, Natural Resources, Justice and EqualityNivi Olsen, Greenland’s Minister for Education, Culture, Sports and ChurchModerating is Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What are Denmark’s vision and priorities in the Arctic? And how is the country addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the region?Joining the conversation is Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark. His remarks are followed by an open Q&A with Jonas Bering Liisberg, State Secretary for European Affairs and the Arctic of Denmark, and moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

How is the Arctic Council functioning in today’s geopolitical context? And what is the blueprint under the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship for 2025–2027?Joining the conversation are:Kenneth Høegh, Arctic Ambassador, Kingdom of Denmark; Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials, Arctic CouncilGunn-Britt Retter, Head of Arctic and Environmental Unit, Saami CouncilModerating is Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland 2017–2024; Chair, Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What opportunities and challenges does mining in Greenland present, and how can the interests of local communities, industry, and the environment be balanced?Joining the conversation are:Sara Olsvig, International Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC); Head of Delegation to the Arctic CouncilNaja Dyrendom Graugaard, Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen, DenmarkNauja Bianco, Member of the Board of Directors, Greenland Resources Inc., Canada; Director, Isuma Consulting, GreenlandNick Bæk Heilmann, Senior Associate, Kaya PartnersEdward Westropp, Head of Business Development and Corporate Affairs, Amaroq MineralsModerating is Damien Degeorges, Director of Degeorges Consulting.This Session was recorded live at the Arctic Circle Business Forum, held October 16th to 17th, during the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, in Reykjavík, Iceland.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

What are NATO’s strategic priorities in the Arctic, and how is the Alliance responding to evolving security challenges in the region?Joining the conversation is Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee. His remarks are followed by an open Q&A with the audience moderated by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This Session was recorded live at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 16th to 18th.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org