The Arctic Council

 

Committee History, Mandate, and Premise

The Arctic Council (AC) was formally established in 1996, consisting of eight Arctic countries and three organizations representing Arctic Indigenous People as permanent participants. The forum was created to address key Arctic issues such as environmental protection and sustainable development by improving communication and cooperation between Arctic countries and Arctic Communities. Since its founding, the forum has admitted three more Arctic Indigenous representative organizations, making a total of six permanent participants. Over the past three decades, the AC has also established multiple working bodies to research various aspects of Arctic life and provide a base for important resolutions to be adopted by Arctic states.

This forum has often served as the base point for enhancing communication between Arctic states and the often smaller, more vulnerable Arctic Indigenous Communities, negotiating three important legally binding agreements on oil pollution preparedness and enhancing cooperation across rescue and scientific fronts.

Keeping in mind the effects of climate change and a rapidly growing Arctic economy, it is more important today to provide a comprehensive response and action plan for addressing any questions. By looking at the speed of technological development and the ongoing struggles within Indigenous Communities, this committee will work to ensure the dignity, safety, and future of each and every Arctic inhabitant.

committee topic: The Environmental Regulation of Arctic Commerce

Introduction

The Arctic Circle is undergoing one of the most largest geopolitical, economic, and environmental transformations in recent history. Climate change has caused significant melting of Arctic sea ice, threatening Arctic ecosystems and communities. What was once seen as a stable, often inaccessible part of the world is now considered to be a new opportunity for economic potential. Scientists believe that summer Arctic sea ice could disappear before 2100. Melting ice opens up new possibilities and the need for new regulation; expanded Arctic access means new shipping lanes, routes for maritime travel, and greater geopolitical tensions over Arctic rights.

The Arctic is a relatively untapped region: deep-sea deposits that contain rare earth minerals and other metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper are now becoming more important than ever as critical materials for modern energy and technologic needs. Large global companies may seek new avenues for drilling and fishing, putting intense pressure on already fragile ecosystems.

As countries expand their footprints and presence in the Arctic, it is important to consider who is left underserved. Wildlife and Indigenous communities are often hurt the most from the climate emergency, but they are not the only ones that suffer. Small countries that are threatened by rising sea levels also face extinction. Countries that once had safety due to their location in the Arctic now have to reevaluate security commitments, partnerships, and alignment.

As the Arctic becomes one of the most contested global regions, existing frameworks and agreements are not enough to safeguard its sustainability and security. A strong new regulatory system will be essential to balance commercial goals with the long-term stability of Arctic environments and the communities that depend on them.

Potential Topics for Discussion

While the full backgrounder is being created, suggested topics for further research include:

  • The Northwest Passage

  • Military security

  • International regulations such as UNCLOS, the Polar Code, and the Svalbard Treaty


Potential Sources to Consider

“About the Arctic Council.” Arctic Council. https://arctic-council.org/about/.

Clifford, Richard. “Saudi Arabia and the Arctic: Warming Ties.” The Polar Connection. Polar Research and Policy Initiative. https://polarconnection.org/saudi-arabia-arctic/.

Descamps, Maud. “The Ice Silk Road: Is China a ‘Near-Arctic State’?” Institute for Security and Development Policy. February 2019. https://www.isdp.eu/publication/the-ice-silk-road-is-china-a-near-artic-state/.

Fakhoury, Renato. “Brazil in the Arctic Council: Not as Crazy as it Sounds.” The Arctic Institute. February 7, 2023. https://www.thearcticinstitute.org/brazil-arctic-council-not-crazy-sounds/.

“The History of the Arctic Council.” Arctic Council. https://arctic-council.org/about/timeline/.

“International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code).” International Maritime Organization. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/safety/pages/polar-code.aspx.

Lindsey, Rebecca, and Michon Scott. “Climate Change: Arctic sea ice summer minimum.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. October 18, 2022. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-arctic-sea-ice-summer-minimum.

Meredith, Sam. “A cold gold rush? The race for the Arctic’s critical minerals is heating up.” CNBC. November 20, 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/20/rare-earths-the-race-for-the-arctics-critical-minerals-is-heating-up.html.

“NATO Will Defend Allied Interests in the Arctic, Says Chair of NATO Military Committee.” North Atlantic Treaty Organization. October 21, 2024. https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/articles/news/2024/10/21/nato-will-defend-allied-interests-in-the-arctic-says-chair-of-nato-military-committee.

Nguyen, Thai, and Tim Williams. “The Arctic: Organizations Involved in Circumpolar Cooperation.” Parliament of Canada Library. August 1, 2012. https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/200815E.

Prior, David. “The Case for a Polar Multifunctional Security Vessel.” Canadian Naval Review. December 30, 2022. https://www.navalreview.ca/2022/12/the-case-for-a-polar-multifunctional-security-vessel/.

“Sea Ice Today.” NASA. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://science.nasa.gov/earth/explore/earth-indicators/arctic-sea-ice-minimum-extent/.

“United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.” United Nations. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change.