Arctic Economic Council Joins Arctic Discussions in Canada and Japan

Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Chair Tero Vauraste presented AEC positions both at the Northern Lights event in Ottawa and at the Workshop on Arctic Governance in Tokyo earlier this month.

The Northern Lights showcase 2018 was held in Ottawa, Ontario, January 31-February 3, 2018. The four-day event attracted 200 exhibitors and 1,200 delegates. Once again, Northern Lights 2018 hosted the 6th Annual Arctic Inspiration Prize Awards Ceremony.

Northern Lights is a biannual event that was created to showcase Canada’s northern arts, culture and heritage, and strengthen partnerships between Canada’s northern and southern key businesses and government stakeholders.

The Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce (BRCC) and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce (LNCC) jointly hosted Northern Lights, a high-profile business and cultural showcase of Nunavut, Nunavik, and Labrador / Nunatsiavut.

Mr. Vauraste participated in the panel: North American Arctic Marine Development and Infrastructure in partnership with the Centre for International Governance Innovation. The panel was chaired by Mr. John Higginbotham- Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Among other panelists were : Jeff Hutchinson – Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard, Dr. Mike Sfraga – Director, Polar Initiative, Wilson Centre, Ms. Okalik Eegeesiak – International Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council and Mr. Kells Boland – Principal, PROLOG Canada Inc.

Mr. Vauraste also participated in the Workshop on Arctic Governance in Tokyo on February 8th where he gave a speech on the how the AEC can facilitate responsible economic development of the region. Here he highlighted the Arctic business potential and the need for responsible investments. Mr. Vauraste also gave an overview on the role of Arctic Economic Council in developing the Arctic, and touched upon the themes of global trade and its effects on the Arctic.  

The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) will organize the 3rd Top of the World Arctic Broadband Summit (TOW Summit) on June 27-28, 2018
This year’s TOW Summit will be organized in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan in collaboration with the Hokkaido Government, Hokkaido University and Hokkaido Committee for Economic Development.
The TOW Summit convenes business executives, policy decision makers, representatives of academia and tech industry experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges of connectivity in the Arctic.

More information about the event including draft program will be posted at www.arcticeconomiccouncil.com later this spring.