Dr. Mike Sfraga has been confirmed as the first Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs.
The Office of the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs leads and coordinates the advancement of US interests in the Arctic related to safety and security, sustainable economic growth, and strengthening cooperation among Arctic States to perpetuate and defend the rules-based order in the region.
As Chair and Distinguished Fellow of the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute, of which he is the founding Director, Dr. Sfraga has played a pivotal role in shaping conversations on the Arctic’s geopolitical, environmental, and economic future. Dr. Sfraga brings a wealth of experience to this role, as an Alaskan, and having served as Chair of the US Arctic Research Commission, and professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), speaking from the Senate floor on Tuesday, commended Sfraga’s “decades of experience, deep expertise, and strong relationships with Arctic leaders,” adding that, “our allies support him, our Arctic partners support him, Alaskans support him, and I support him.”
Mike Sfraga’s confirmation is good news for America’s leadership on the world stage —especially, of course in the Arctic. As the founder of the Wilson Center's Polar Institute, he was instrumental in publicly reaffirming the strategic importance of the Arctic region, and I am confident that as the first US Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, Mike will be an effective advocate for US interests and sound national security, environmental, and economic policies. We are proud of him and his work."Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sfraga and the US State Department on this significant achievement. His confirmation today underscores the critical importance of the Arctic to the United States and the world. On a personal note, Mike has long been a mentor and friend, and I am truly delighted to be sharing this news with you all today. There is no one better qualified to represent the US to the Arctic.
Wilson Center President Ambassador Mark Green
Source:Wilson Center
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