The Arctic Circle Podcast

In this episode, we turn our attention to how Nordic countries and India are engaging with the questions of blue economy and maritime security in the context of the Arctic and beyond.

As Arctic waters open and interest in ocean resources grows, new challenges and opportunities are emerging around sustainable development, marine governance, and strategic cooperation.

Moderating the session was Maria Elizabeth Joseph, Assistant Director of the Ananta Centre.  

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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org

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 Emirates
• Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
• Thamban Meloth, Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), India
• Wassim Said, Advisor to the UAE Presidential Court and member of the Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee

Moderating 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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
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 Finland
• Piotr Rychlik: Ambassador for Arctic and Antarctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland
• Agostino Pinna: Special Envoy for the Arctic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy

Moderating 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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
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 Korea
• Sam Tan Chin Siong, Special Envoy for Arctic Affairs, Singapore
• Rear Admiral TVN Prasanna, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Moderating 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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org

In this episode, H.E. Kalistat Lund, then Greenland’s Minister of Agriculture, Self-Sufficiency, Energy, and Environment, discusses opportunities for green energy development in Greenland.

This conversation was recorded live at the 2024 Arctic Circle Business Forum, and is part of our new Spotlight series.

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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org

Should we invest in one of the world’s most remote and resource-rich regions?

The Arctic has the potential to feed the world with healthy, nutritious seafood, provide the raw materials essential to the sustainable transition, and power societies with both conventional and renewable energy. But unlocking that potential requires closing a massive infrastructure gap. From roads and ports to energy facilities and digital connectivity, more than $1 trillion is estimated to be needed to fully develop the region. Done right, this could create quality jobs, boost local economies, and strengthen Arctic communities.

In this panel discussion, we ask: is it worth it?

At the table are:

• Heidar Gudjonsson, CEO of Ursus Investments
• Constance Chalchat, Chief Sustainability Officer, BNP Paribas CIB & Global Markets
• Mikki Jensen, Director of South Innovation Greenland

This session is moderated by Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director of the Arctic Economic Council, and was recorded live at the 2024 Arctic Circle Business Forum.

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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org

In this episode, we look at the Arctic as a region in transformation - one that’s evolving due to shifting geopolitics, changing economies, and the growing impact of climate change. A panel of distinguished guests shares their insights on how the strategic imaginary of the Arctic is changing and what new possibilities and political realities are emerging as the world’s attention turns more toward this region.

Joining us today are:

• Sanjay Chaturvedi, Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies; and Dean of the Faculty of International Studies at the South Asian University
• May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India
• Pankaj Saran, Convenor at NatStrat
• Stuti Banerjee, Senior Fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs
• Torsten Kjølby Nielsen, Senior Arctic Official of the Kingdom of Denmark
• Harsh V. Pant, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, and moderator of this panel.

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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org

In this episode, Milind Deora and Anurag Thakur, Members of the Parliament of India, join H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, to share their vision for the ice-covered regions of our planet.

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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org

In this episode, we reflect on how science diplomacy can bridge divides and build trust across regions. Today’s crises, characterized by rising conflicts, climate change, mass displacement, and growing science denial, are deeply interconnected, with ripple effects felt across the globe, from the Arctic to the Himalaya–Third Pole. In this age of division, collaboration across borders and disciplines is more important than ever.

Joining us for this conversation are:

• M Ravichandran, Secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India
• Jean Lemire, Envoy for Climate Change and Northern and Arctic Affairs of the Government of Québec
• Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development at UiT The Arctic University of Norway
• Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD - International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
• H.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue, former Prime Minister of Iceland, and moderator of this panel.

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 [email protected]

TWITTER:
@_Arctic_Circle

FACEBOOK:
The Arctic Circle

INSTAGRAM:
arctic_circle_org