Orkney to shine at Arctic Circle conference

Orkney’s economic, environmental and cultural assets will be showcased to northern neighbours later this month when Orkney Islands Council’s Leader and Chief Executive present at the Arctic Circle Assembly.

Originally invited to speak on the opening day, Councillor James Stockan and OIC Interim Chief Executive, John Mundell, have been asked to lead the topic “Orkney – Europe’s Gateway to the Arctic” in recognition of the county’s track record in renewables and host to the world’s second largest natural harbour, Scapa Flow. They’ll speak in a prime session on the second day of the Assembly which runs from 14 to 17 October 2021 in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Mr Mundell said the invitation is an opportunity to promote the potential economic opportunity of Orkney to Arctic Circle countries and beyond and foster “an alternative international family for Orkney in a post-Brexit world”.

“This is the largest network and annual gathering with dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic in the context of the impact of climate change on the planet.

“The Assembly is a not for profit, non-partisan, open democratic platform with participation from government, public bodies, foundations, corporations, universities and research institutions, thinktanks, environmental associations and concerned citizens.

“It provides an opportunity for nations to extend the reach of their efforts, share news and best practice, and showcase their work in the increasingly important fields of the blue and green economies – that is, sustainable development and use of ocean and coastal resources, and low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive economic growth.”

The travel and accommodation costs will be in the region of £2000 and will be contained within the identified budgets for Councillor and Officer Travel.

The Council last attended the Assembly in 2019. Leader James Stockan said that Assembly provided many opportunities to cultivate and forge cultural ties with the region.  Councillor Stockan said: “We quickly realised that everybody has a link in some way back to Orkney - whether through the history of the north of Canada and Hudson’s Bay Company, to Russia and the Arctic Convoys, or through our natural world and the importance we place on pursuing low carbon ways of living.

“These cultural ties can pave the way for increased trust, further cooperation and collaboration in economic areas so it’s important we actively nurture and encourage those opportunities to find common ground.”

“Orkney is well placed to identify and pursue opportunities that will benefit not just Orkney but our Arctic Circle friends as well and we look forward to sharing the experience and successes of the county with the many Assembly delegates from across the world.”