UArctic is established on the initiative of the Arctic Council and will continue to work long term for a strong, engaged, informed, and dynamic North, creating better lives and environments for all northerners. Today this mission is threatened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and UArctic joins the International Science Council (ISC) in expressing its deep dismay and concerns (International Science Council Statement on Ukraine - International Science Council).

UArctic will respect the Arctic Council decision “to temporarily pause the work of the Arctic Council and its subsidiary bodies until further notice”, and UArctic will apply this in our organization as appropriate.

UArctic has a particular concern for students and young researchers. The world cannot afford to lose them in conflict and distrust. Hopefully we will soon see a future where international cooperation across the Circumpolar North is open and respectful.

Peter Sköld, UArctic Board Chair