Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) Takes the Helm in Arctic Cooperation

In May 2025, the Chairship of the Arctic Council transitioned from Norway to the Kingdom of Denmark, with Kalaallit Nunaat taking a leading role. This August, the Arctic Mayors’ Forum Chairship will also shift from Tromsø Municipality, Norway, to Sermersooq Municipality, Kalaallit Nunaat.

These transitions underscore Kalaallit Nunaat’s growing prominence in addressing critical Arctic issues, including sustainable development, youth well-being, and education.

A Celebration of Collaboration and Leadership

On August 4th, an Open Ship and Kaffemik will be held aboard the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Nuuk. The event, hosted by the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council Chairship, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, and Arctic Frontiers, invites everyone to explore the ship, learn about Arctic cooperation, and celebrate Kalaallit Nunaat’s leadership.

“This is a proud moment for Kalaallit Nunaat,” said Avaaraq Olsen, Mayor of Sermersooq Municipality. 

“As we take on this leadership role, we are committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities that define the Arctic, from sustainable tourism to youth mental health and education.”

The event also marks the starting point for a transformative voyage through the Northwest Passage with Statsraad Lehmkuhl, where 120 international students will embark. UiT The Arctic University of Norway has chartered the ship for the course “Arctic Future Pathfinders”—a part of the One Ocean Expedition. The journey exemplifies the spirit of Arctic collaboration.

Key Themes of Leadership

The morning session will feature discussions on three key themes of Sermersooq’s Chairship:

• Tourism in the North: Exploring how tourism can be developed sustainably to benefit the Peoples of the Arctic.
• Youth Mental Health and Well-being: Addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by Arctic youth.
• Education: Highlighting the importance of tailoring education to local needs and heritage in Arctic communities.

“Education and youth empowerment are at the heart of our vision for the Arctic,” said Dag Rune Olsen, Rector of UiT The Arctic University of Norway. 

“This collaboration is a testament to the strength of Arctic partnerships.”

The Inuit Circumpolar Council—the only formal Indigenous Peoples’ Organization in the Kingdom of Denmark and a Permanent Participant of the Arctic Council—will also be present to highlight ICC’s role and work in the Arctic Council.

Afternoon Highlights

In the afternoon, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council Chairship (2025–2027), a special public event will take place aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Chairship team members to learn more about Kalaallit Nunaat’s priorities—focusing on Indigenous Peoples and the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge, sustainable economic development and energy transition solutions, oceans, climate change, and biodiversity—and enjoy games, music, exhibitions, and information stands. 

The event will also feature two engaging exhibitions:

• Miracles of Nature: A creative exploration of the interconnectedness between humans, greenhouse gases, and ecosystem services.
• Living with the Ocean: A traveling exhibition that delves into the past, present, and future of coastal cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with the ocean.

Program Highlights:

09:00–09:25: Welcome & Transition of the Arctic Mayors’ Forum
09:25–10:25: Panel on Tourism in the North
10:35–11:35: Panel on Youth Mental Health & Well-being
12:30–13:00: Focus on Education
13:10–13:30 Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship Program
13:30–13:50 Inuit Circumpolar Council Greenland
13:50–14:05: Kristin Harila X AMAP Arctic Youth Expedition by expedition participant
15:00–19:00: Open Ship and Kaffemik

Link to the complete program.