The Arctic Circle Podcast

In this episode, we look at the importance of global cooperation in responding to the challenges facing the Arctic. As the region transforms, questions of sustainability, governance, and shared responsibility are becoming central to its future and to the global community.Moderating the Session was Sameer Patil, Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy, and Technology at the Observer Research Foundation.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we continue our series on the Arctic and the Hindu-Kush Himalaya — this time turning from science to policy and action. What do recent findings mean for decision-making? And how can the concept of a cryosphere corridor guide interregional collaboration between these two vital regions?Moderating the session was Santosh Kumar Rauniyar, Project Advisor at the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we begin a two-part series on the links between the Arctic and the Hindu-Kush Himalaya. We start with the science: how research in these two regions, together described as a cryosphere corridor, reveals shared challenges of melting ice, water security, and climate change.This episode is introduced by H.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue and former Prime Minister of Iceland.Moderating the session was Mohd. Farooq Azam, Senior Cryosphere Specialist and Intervention Manager for Cryosphere Intervention at ICIMOD.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we look up to the Arctic sky. Connectivity has always been a challenge in the North: for shipping routes, for scientific research, and for the daily lives of Arctic communities. Now, with new ground stations being built in the region, opportunities are opening for advanced Earth observation, for monitoring geomagnetic activity, and with it, new implications for international law in the regulation of outer space.Moderating the session was Chaitanya Giri, Fellow at the Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology at the Observer Research Foundation.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we explore the growing involvement of the Global South in Arctic research and why it matters. This session discusses the possibility of creating a Global Arctic Science Policy Initiative as a collaborative research network linking scientific institutions, universities, and think tanks from both the Global North and South. The goal: to strengthen shared understanding and joint research efforts in the face of global climate challenges.Moderating the session was Ramcharan Vijayaraghavan, Executive Committee Member at Polar Educators International.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

Safi Hassan Rizvi, an advisor to India's National Disaster Management Authority, discusses glacial management strategies in the Himalayas and their connection to Arctic conditions. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri offers insights into the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Nordic region. Pia Elizabeth Hanneson highlights maritime security from an Icelandic perspective, while Ahil Paul Nielsen explores historical and innovative developments shaping the blue economy. They emphasize collaboration between India and Nordic countries to tackle climate challenges and leverage new economic opportunities in the Arctic.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the United Arab Emirates’ new polar program.As global interest in the Arctic continues to grow, countries beyond the region, including those in the Middle East and South Asia, are stepping up investments in polar science, climate research, and international cooperation.To explore this emerging landscape, the conversation brought together:Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, United Arab EmiratesJan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development, UiT The Arctic University of NorwayThamban Meloth, Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), IndiaWassim Said, Advisor to the UAE Presidential Court and member of the Emirates Polar Program Steering CommitteeModerating the Session was Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue and former Prime Minister of Iceland.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we continue our look at the changing Arctic, this time from the perspectives of Arctic and European states.The region is undergoing rapid transformation. While this brings challenges for Arctic communities, it also raises broader questions: about international cooperation, environmental responsibility, and the Arctic’s growing geopolitical and scientific importance.As large parts of the Arctic Ocean open, the region is emerging as a new frontier: economically, scientifically, and politically. So, what does the future of the Arctic look like?This conversation brought together:Petteri Vuorimäki: Arctic Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of FinlandPiotr Rychlik: Ambassador for Arctic and Antarctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PolandAgostino Pinna: Special Envoy for the Arctic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of ItalyModerating the Session was Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we look at the Arctic from the perspective of Asia. As the Arctic changes, it’s becoming a space of global concern, not only for the Arctic states, but also for countries around the world.The region is emerging as a new frontier: economically, scientifically, and politically. And with that, new questions are arising around how Arctic and non-Arctic states can work together.So, what does the future of the Arctic look like? This conversation brings together voices from across Asia:Byung-ha Chung, Ambassador for Polar Affairs, Republic of KoreaSam Tan Chin Siong, Special Envoy for Arctic Affairs, SingaporeRear Admiral TVN Prasanna, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of IndiaModerating the Session was Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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

In this episode, we turn to Arctic biodiversity and planetary health. How have plants, animals, and people adapted to life in the North? And what can those adaptations teach us about resilience in a rapidly changing world?This conversation brings together diverse perspectives: from human physiology and hydrology to ecology and Indigenous health research. You will learn about the plasticity of biological systems and the critical role the Arctic plays in understanding both environmental changes and global health.This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.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