Circumpolar Young Leaders Find Common Ground at IPY 2012

Abstract

W IMMENSE ECOLOGICAL AND INDUSTRIAL change in the circumpolar Arctic, the voices of Northerners themselves, especially youth, are often lost. While northern elders saw the transition from nomadic life to community life, the current generation of northern youth is seeing the transition from a few visitors in the isolated Arctic to increasing large-ship traffic in the developing Arctic. The capacity of Arctic communities to deal with climatic changes depends on the ability of youth to cope with varying social and economic circumstances (Sydneysmith et al., 2010). With many strong, northern voices as role models, young leaders are emerging across the circumpolar Arctic. Recently, under the guidance of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Schools on Board, 13 Circumpolar Young Leaders had the opportunity to bring their voices forward at the April 2012 International Polar Year Conference From Knowledge to Action, held in Montreal.