05 May 2025As the Arctic Council prepares for the upcoming Chairship transition in May 2025, the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) extends its warm welcome to the Kingdom of Denmark. The SDWG looks forward to working closely with the incoming Chairship—representing the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands—to advance shared priorities that promote the well-being of Arctic communities and Indigenous Peoples and strengthen cooperation across the region. We welcome this new chapter of collaboration and remain dedicated to supporting the priorities of the Arctic Council during the 2025–2027 Chairship.The Kingdom of Denmark will assume the Chairship of the Arctic Council for the 2025–2027 term, succeeding the Norwegian Chairship (2023–2025). Representing Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands—the incoming Chairship aims to advance cooperation and stability in the Arctic through inclusive dialogue and pragmatic solutions to shared challenges. In preparation for this important role, the Kingdom of Denmark recently unveiled its Chairship program, including five strategic priorities that will guide its Chairship: 1. Arctic Indigenous Peoples and Communities Ensuring the rights, voices, and knowledge systems of Arctic Indigenous Peoples remain central to Arctic cooperation. 2. Sustainable Economic Development and the Energy Transition Promoting responsible economic growth and advancing the shift toward sustainable and secure energy systems across the Arctic region. 3. Oceans Safeguarding Arctic marine environments and supporting thriving coastal and ocean-based livelihoods. 4. Climate Change Addressing the profound impacts of climate change on Arctic communities and ecosystems through science-based, cooperative action. 5. Biodiversity Protecting Arctic biodiversity and supporting nature-based solutions to environmental and societal challenges. The Chairship program reflects the Kingdom’s holistic approach to addressing both emerging and long-standing challenges in the Arctic. Through inclusive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and pragmatic cooperation, the incoming Chairship aims to foster resilient and thriving Arctic communities. The Kingdom’s Chairship program reflects a strong commitment to peaceful cooperation, sustainable development, and respect for the Arctic’s diverse peoples and ecosystems. The SDWG welcomes the Kingdom of Denmark and looks forward to continued collaboration in support of the Arctic Council’s mission.
Arctic Council Working Group