Climate Change and Arctic Sustainable Development: scientific, social, cultural and educational challenges

• Main Author: Nakashima, Douglas
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Indigenous Peoples; Arctic; Greenland; Arctic Council; Climate change; inuit; sami
• Online Access: http://library.arcticportal.org/536/; http://library.arcticportal.org/536/1/Arctic_PFII_presenttion_May_09_UNESCO.pdf

UNESCO is pleased to report on the outcome of the International Experts Meeting on “Climate Change and Arctic Sustainable Development: scientific, social, cultural and educational challenges” that was held in Monaco in early March this year. During this 4 day event, experts in the social and natural sciences, ethics, education, and international affairs sought the expertise of indigenous peoples in formulating an integrated approach toward facing the challenges of climate change in the Arctic. Supported and hosted by the Principality of Monaco, the event was opened by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, and the Director General of UNESCO. The Executive Director of UNEP (UN Environment Programme) also came to address the experts group, and the Arctic Council was represented by the Chair of its Sustainable Development working group. UNESCO brought together in Monaco, 42 experts from 13 countries, including from all of the Arctic states and Greenland. Mr Lars Anders Baer participated as a member of the Permanent Forum. In addition to participants from the Arctic Council, UNEP and WMO (World Meteorological Organization), experts included circumpolar indigenous peoples working with the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) and the Sami Parliament. Interdisciplinary expertise extended across the fields of the natural and social sciences, culture, education, ethics, law, health and international affairs.