Youth Works to Keep the Next Generation of Leaders in the Arctic

Increasing diversity and inclusion, community-led climate change adaptions, and welcoming and safe tourism are just some of the ways to keep the next generation of leaders in the Arctic, according to participants at the 2023 Arctic Policy Hackathon, that took place during the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland in October.

Policy Hackathons see emerging leaders discuss a specific policy issue and create tangible solutions using their lived experience.

Organized by The Gordon Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and The Arctic Mayors’ Forum, the 2023 Arctic Policy Hackathon saw Arctic Canadian participants meet peers from Alaska, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sápmi. 

Over two intense days in Reykjavik, the 16 emerging leaders from Arctic Indigenous and local communities shared their personal perspectives and experiences about how to keep young people in Arctic communities.

They worked together to create an actionable set of policy recommendations, grouped under the themes of culture and community, sustainable development, and holistic wellness. 

As well as building their policy skills, participants expanded their networks – increasing pan-Arctic collaboration now and in the future.  

Hackathon participants will disseminate the policy recommendations with their networks, organizations, leaders, and decision-makers as they return to their home communities across the circumpolar north.

Outcomes of the Hackathon include:  

• Participants build policy skills 
• Participants expand their networks, leading to increased pan-Arctic collaboration  
• Participants gain a new model for policy development that can be taken back to their communities and organizations 
• Pan-Arctic recommendations are developed and presented to key stakeholders.

ALSO READ: Diane Hirshberg's Message to the Youth: There is Space For Every Young Person to Make a Difference