... course of discussion: the impact of climate change on the interaction of states in the Arctic, the development of new mechanisms for intergovernmental relations based on the experience of Arctic cooperation, prospects for the development of national sovereignty of the Arctic states in the context of increasing globalization and increasing interest of non-regional players in international projects in the Arctic.
... quality of life for the local population. As of now there are 8 full members from the Arctic area and 12 observers from the wider world. The initial 6 observers joined in 1996, but notably this year, 5 out of the 6 new observers came from Asia (see: Arctic Stats Map). In essence, this reflects the changing tide in the world as countries like China and India seek new flows of economic growth. Still, even with an increasing number of participants as the Ambassador-at-Large Vasilyev outlines: sovereignty, security of various types (incl. environmental) and care for indigenous people remain vital. In the foreseeable future the council will build upon its existing successes: such as the 2011 agreement on search and rescue collaboration or this ...
