ARCTIC FRONTIERS AS

Purpose

The project aims to build capacity and knowledge, increase international engagement, and build professional and circumpolar connections of Canadian Arctic and Northern youth to up to 180 youth through participation to Arctic Frontiers, Emerging Leader and Alumni programs; (1) The Arctic Frontiers conference focuses on building the bridge between science, policy, business across communities and generations. Arctic and Northern Canadian youth participants have an opportunity to share their perspectives on Arctic issues and experiences to a broad range of Arctic stakeholders, and gain experience in public speaking in a professional setting. (2) The Emerging Leaders program is an early-career mentorship and capacity-building program for young professionals from academic, industry and policy sectors and will provide opportunities for skills and leadership training, knowledge exchange and networking. The program is an immersive 7-day experience, which includes a five-day journey throughout the Norwegian Arctic and two days at the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø. The project contributes to 15 Arctic and Northern Canadian youth to participate to the program. (3) The project develops the Alumni Network to facilitate communication and cooperation amongst the international network of Emerging Leaders alumni. This Network allows for participants from the Emerging Leaders to continue engagement and build upon their experience. The Network provides opportunities for professional, intellectual, and social interaction with other alumni, including with those in remote communities. The Alumni Network hosts virtual bi-annual meetings to identify strategic initiatives, and leadership workshops to build capacity.