More than 2,000 participants from around 70 countries will gather in Reykjavík from 8 to 10 October for the Arctic Circle Assembly, with discussions spanning geopolitics, climate science, security, business and international cooperation.

At a time of shifting relations between major powers, accelerating climate change and growing scientific attention to melting sea ice and glaciers, the Arctic Circle continues to provide a key forum for international cooperation, governance, science and economic dialogue on the future of the Arctic.

The Arctic Circle Assembly 2026 opens on 8 October at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík, bringing political leaders, scientists, diplomats, business representatives and Arctic organisations together at a time of growing change across the region.

More than 2,000 participants from around 70 countries are expected to attend, with around 200 sessions and 700 speakers taking part over three days.

This year’s programme places the Arctic within a wider global context, where climate change, security, economic interests and relations between major powers are shaping new priorities. The roles of the United States, Greenland, Canada, the European Union and China will form a central part of the discussions.

Geopolitics and international cooperation

Among the speakers opening the Assembly are Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Múte B. Egede, Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

The future of US engagement in the Arctic will also be addressed, with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy taking part in discussions on American priorities in the region. On Friday, former Chinese diplomat Fu Ying will join the programme for a conversation on China’s role in international affairs and the direction of its global strategy.

Representatives from Norway, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Estonia, India, Singapore and Türkiye will also contribute to plenary sessions and thematic discussions, reflecting the growing number of countries with political, economic and scientific interests in the Arctic.

Science, climate and emerging risks

Science remains a major part of the Assembly. Researchers and leaders from international institutions will discuss changes affecting ocean circulation, glaciers and the climate system, linking current research with wider questions about the future of Arctic environments.

One of the key sessions will focus on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, and the risks associated with a possible collapse of the system. Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, will take part in the discussion alongside Iceland’s Minister for the Environment, Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson.

The programme will also move beyond traditional Arctic issues. President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir will join US technology ethicist Tristan Harris for a discussion on artificial intelligence and the challenges linked to its development.

Business, security and Arctic investment

Economic interests will have a strong presence through the Arctic Circle Business Forum, held from 8 to 10 October. Business leaders, banks and investment funds will meet across 12 roundtables focused on opportunities in Greenland, Iceland, Canada and the Faroe Islands.

The discussions will cover energy, infrastructure, shipping, mining, tourism and the sustainable use of marine resources, reflecting the scale of investment and development questions now linked to the Arctic.

Security and defence will form another major strand of the programme, alongside discussions on the future of scientific cooperation during a period of tension between major powers. Some of these roundtables will take place under the Chatham House Rule, while the wider Assembly programme will remain open to registered participants.

The Assembly will conclude with a celebration hosted by the State of Alaska, featuring a performance by Pamyua and a selection of Alaskan food specialties.

The Assembly comes at a moment when the Arctic is gaining weight in international politics, climate research and economic planning. Melting ice and glaciers, changing security priorities and new investment interests are reshaping how governments and institutions approach the region.

For three days in Reykjavík, those questions will come together in one place.

Source: Arctic Circle