Arctic Circle in Japan

The Arctic Circle Japan Forum took place in Tokyo over the weekend, from March 4 and to March 6. The Forum featured over 100 speakers from 20+ countries in more than 50 sessions.

Among the participants were ministers, members of the National Diet of Japan, ambassadors, scientists as well as representatives from Asia, Europe, the United States, Indigenous communities and the private sector.

The Japan Forum was devoted to an exploration of the challenges facing the Arctic region as the ice melts, with the consequences for the planet. Among the debates were rising sea levels posing a great threat to coastal and maritime states like Japan.

The Forum offered dialogues on how Asian states may further strengthen their part in the maintenance of successful and peaceful collaboration in the Arctic.

The Forum included a dialogue between representatives from China, Japan and South Korea on the opportunities for cooperation in the Arctic; a dialogue on the contributions of observer states to the future of the Arctic Council and the introduction of a new Japanese Arctic research vessel.

A special session focuses on Greenlanders' future vision, while another focuses on the path to a sustainable Arctic.

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