The Science Diplomacy Thematic Network builds on scientific cooperation that has maintained the high north as a region of low tension, helping achieve Arctic sustainability across generations. The Network will enhance research, education and leadership at the intersection of the sciences (natural sciences, social sciences and Indigenous knowledge) and diplomacy. It will engage the full range of stakeholders, from diplomats and experts to students, in an international, interdisciplinary and inclusive manner. Science diplomacy in the Arctic has already proven its global relevance, as highlighted by the Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation signed by the foreign ministers of all eight Arctic states as well as from the Governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands on 11 May 2017 at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska (Fig.1, Table 1).

FIGURE 1: INSTITUTIONAL INTERPLAY WITH THE ARCTIC SCIENCE AGREEMENT and other circumpolar Arctic governance mechanisms adopted after 2009 (Table 1), closely coupled with the international framework of the Law of the Sea, to which the eight Arctic States and six Indigenous Peoples Organizations “remain committed” (Arctic Council Secretariat 2013).
TABLE 1: Circumpolar Complex of Arctic Governance Mechanisms Emerging after 2009 |
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LEGAL AGREEMENT TITLE |
DATE |
REFERENCE |
|
Signed |
In Force |
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Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic |
May 12, 2011 |
January 19, 2013 |
Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement 2011 |
Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic |
May 15, 2013 |
March 25, 2016 |
Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness Agreement 2013 |
Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation |
May 11, 2017 |
May 23, 2018 |
Arctic Science Agreement 2017 |
International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) |
appending IMO Conventions |
January 1, 2017 |
Polar Code 2017 |
Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean |
October 3, 2018 |
next steps |
Central Arctic High Seas Fisheries Agreement 2018 |