Although the final meeting concluded without a Ministerial Declaration for the first time, the Statement from the Chair outlined the contributions made by the Arctic Council during the past two years. For the circumpolar higher education community, the recognition of the important role of scientific research, together with traditional
knowledge and local knowledge, in Arctic decision-making and the entry into force of the Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation are particularly noteworthy.
UArctic itself was recognized, noting especially "the role of teachers and educators in fostering sustainable development in the Arctic and for providing positive future perspectives for its inhabitants." The Thematic Network on Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity in Education was also singled out for recognition of its project under the Arctic Council.
Elsewhere in the meeting, there was further good news for UArctic with Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland announcing funding to support research in the Arctic region through the University of the Arctic as part of a package of more than $28 million toward Canada’s Arctic foreign policy, which also included the establishment of a new sustainable development office in Canada.
UArctic is proud to have collaborated with the Finnish chairmanship during 2017-2019. In addition to the achievements of the Thematic Network on Teacher Education, another highlight for the network was the UArctic Congress 2018, which was also a part of the chairmanship program.
UArctic looks forward to continuing collaboration with the Icelandic chairmanship, starting with planning the UArctic Congress 2020 which will take place in October 2020.