AD, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 11: Aaja Chemnitz Larsen valgt som formand for Den Arktiske Parlamentariker Komité

Den Arktiske Delegation 2020-21
AD Alm.del Bilag 11
Offentligt

CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION

THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION

14th Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region

Digital Conference 13 - 14 April 2021

CONFERENCE STATEMENT

The Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region envision

the Arctic as a region of

peace, stability and low tension

where nations act responsibly, and where economic and

energy resources are developed in a sustainable, transparent manner respecting the

environment and the interests and cultures of all inhabitants of the Arctic, especially

Indigenous peoples.

We congratulate the

Arctic Council with its 25

anniversary

as the primary forum for Arctic

cooperation and its proven ability to maintain a constructive and positive spirit. We

encourage the stronger inclusion of youth representatives, strengthened cooperation with

the Arctic Indigenous peoples, and constructive cooperation with existing and new

observers.

We congratulate the

University of the Arctic, UArctic, with its 20

anniversary

and take

pride in having supported the creation and its successful development since the inception.

We firmly underline

the importance of international law

in the Arctic, especially the United

Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the essential

multilateral legal framework for all ocean activities, including in the Arctic.

elected representatives

from Canada, Denmark/Greenland, European Union, Finland,

Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States of America, and in close

collaboration with the

Indigenous peoples

of the Arctic, we highlight the following:

Climate change in the Arctic

We see with grave concern that the Arctic is

warming at a rate more than twice that of the

global average,

resulting in rapid social, environmental, and economic impacts, not only in

the region but worldwide. The peoples of the Arctic are dramatically experiencing the effects

of this change, and need support and resources to adapt to these profound changes.

AD, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 11: Aaja Chemnitz Larsen valgt som formand for Den Arktiske Parlamentariker Komité

We call on the governments of the Arctic region to:

Renew and increase their 2015 Paris Agreement commitments

at the Conference of the

Parties (COP 26) in Glasgow, with the understanding that climate change is a critical threat

to our planet.

Take a

leading role

in the work to forge an

ambitious climate action plan

for the Arctic,

addressing emissions cuts of greenhouse gases globally and in Arctic States, especially CO2

and black carbon, and adaptation to climate change while supporting

innovative solutions

relevant to the Arctic, which will protect the people in the region.

Strengthen the knowledge base and improve scientific cooperation with a

new International

Polar Year

Initiative. In close cooperation with the World Metrological Organization and

other main polar science organizations such as the Scientific Committee on Antarctic

Research and the Arctic Science Partnership, the International Arctic Science Committee,

International Arctic Social Sciences Association and University of the Arctic, with focus on

extensive interdisciplinary and multilateral scientific programs that include Northerners and

Indigenous peoples in the planning and conducting of scientific activities.

Continually consider

new technologies

to reduce carbon emissions in pursuit of ambitious

climate action.

Sustainable Economic Development

Sustainable economic development is fundamental for the future of the Arctic region and

requires close cooperation

between government, academia and business

representatives.

We stress the importance of

financial institutions

for the development of the Arctic as a key

instrument for sustainable development of the region, including enhancement of socio-

economic conditions, modernization of industries, and development of infrastructure across

borders, while respecting Arctic ecosystem boundaries.

Underscore the importance of promoting the use of

renewable energy

in remote Arctic

communities and encourage further work on innovative energy solutions and related

capacity construction in the Arctic aimed at climate change prevention taking into account

the needs of the increasingly electrifying society.

Acknowledge the need to support

small and medium size business

in the Arctic as well as

develop large-scale projects in a sustainable responsible manner in order to ensure overall

progress, increase employment rate and enhance living standards of the Arctic inhabitants.

AD, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 11: Aaja Chemnitz Larsen valgt som formand for Den Arktiske Parlamentariker Komité

We call on the governments of the Arctic region to;

Increase the accessibility of

digital infrastructure

in the Arctic, thereby promoting

entrepreneurship, innovation and diversify economic development in the Arctic.

Strengthen the cooperation with the

Arctic Economic Council

and ensure the

implementation of the

Arctic Investment Protocol.

The Peoples of the Arctic

Urbanization is making the Arctic a more interesting place for young people to live as it

offers better services, education and leisure opportunities. However, the impact of the

COVID-19 pandemic is difficult, with the loss of employment and health concerns. COVID-19

has shown that medical resources and infrastructure available in parts of the Arctic is poorer

than in the southern regions.

We call on the governments of the Arctic region to:

Strongly strengthen the cooperation on

public health

in order to increase the exchange of

knowledge and foster greater awareness and better response to the health issues of

circumpolar peoples.

Incorporate

voices of the youth

in venues and engagements organised for Arctic

cooperation.

Support the youth cooperation across the borders and ensure a meaningful engagement of

the Arctic youth in the activity of the Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic region.

Strengthen the funding of

orth2 orth a d other

young people living in the Arctic.

obility progra s

especially directed at

Base all activities in the Arctic Region on the

respect of the rights

of Indigenous peoples.

Facilitate contacts between people in the region by

simplifying the visa regime

and ensuring

freedom of movement of the citizens of the Arctic states.

Strengthen

the cooperation and dialogue on security issues

in order to address the global

and regional challenges and key risks and threats of today, including COVID-19 pandemic.

Underscore the importance to maintain

peace, stability and low tension

in the Arctic region;

acknowledge the need to strengthen the cooperation and dialogue between the Arctic

states on security issues, in order to address the global and regional challenges, key risks and

threats of today.