Engaging with the Arctic Economic Council.
The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) aims to make the Arctic a favorable place to do business, and the mission of the organization is to facilitate sustainable Arctic economic and business development. The AEC is a platform and resource for Arctic and non-Arctic states and businesses with interests in circumpolar growth and development.
Fostering circumpolar business partnerships
The Arctic Council facilitated the creation of the AEC during Canada’s Chairmanship (2013-15). Through the sharing of best practices, standards and innovative Arctic solutions the AEC is the primary forum for interaction between the Arctic Council and the wider circumpolar and non-Arctic business communities.
The AEC member representation includes a diverse collection of business industries that operate in the Arctic – from mining and shipping companies to telecommunication and indigenous economic development corporations. This mix of interests ensures that the work of the AEC is carried out in an inclusive and sustainable manner for the betterment of the Arctic states and communities that the organization represent.
Read more about our members here.
Membership
AEC membership is open to corporations, businesses, partnerships and indigenous groups that have an economic interest in the Arctic. With the emerging opportunities that the region presents, the organization supports the business community’s growing interest – putting Arctic business and non-Arctic partners in the driver’s seat when it comes to present or potential circumpolar development.
Businesses residing both inside and outside of the Arctic regions can be a part of emerging development opportunities by joining the AEC.
The AEC provides an opportunity to strengthen the business ties across the Arctic, and promotes the removal of trade barrier between the Arctic states. At the same time the AEC deems it important to strengthen the ties to sub-Arctic value chains. The AEC’s work for the betterment of business opportunities in the Arctic can greatly benefit all businesses operating in the Arctic or in possession of Arctic know-how, resulting in better conditions for both Arctic and international business operations and conditions for doing business internationally.
Membership structure
To ensure participation of all types of organizations, the AEC has three levels of membership.
LEGACY MEMBERS
Legacy membership includes three business representatives from each Arctic State and three representatives from each Permanent Participant organization. This is the voting membership of the Arctic Economic Council.
ARCTIC PARTNER AND PERMAFROST PARTNER
Global focus is shifting north and there is growing interest by non-AEC members to participate in the AEC. If we are true to the “AEC Way” of building on the pillars of collaboration, partnership, innovation and peace, it is imperative for the AEC to provide both Arctic and sub-Arctic stakeholders an opportunity to participate, interact and collaborate with the Legacy Members of the AEC.
By creating two different non-voting membership categories the AEC ensures that it is open to corporations, partnerships and indigenous groups that have an economic interest in the Arctic. Members may contribute to AEC content, in various forms including, but not limited to, submitting ideas, participating in Working Groups and making presentations.
The Non-voting membership is divided into two classes:
Arctic Partner: Corporations, businesses, partnerships and indigenous groups coming from both the Arctic and from sub-Arctic regions, has the opportunity to join the AEC as an Arctic Partner.
Permafrost Partner: Micro, small or medium businesses that are not subsidiaries with 15 employees or less with their business domiciled or headquarters located within an Arctic state has the opportunity to join the AEC as a Permafrost Parter.
Membership application process and Terms and Conditions can be found here.
Membership application form can be found here.
For more information about the possibility to engage with the AEC, please contact the AEC Secretariat: info@arcticeconomiccouncil.com
