The Kingdom of Denmark's Arctic Council Chairship program emphasizes Indigenous Peoples and Arctic communities. Anchored in the Arctic Council’s Strategic Plan 2021–2030, the Kingdom of Denmark has five key priorities: Indigenous Peoples and Communities, Sustainable Economic Development and Energy Transition, Oceans, Climate Change, and Biodiversity. The Chairship is committed to reflecting the diverse realities of the Arctic region and integrating Indigenous Knowledge alongside scientific research across all areas of Arctic Council work.
Norway’s Arctic Council Chairship program (2023–2025) is centered on key issues fundamental to the Council’s work, including the impacts of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to enhance the well-being of Arctic residents. The SDWG is dedicated to supporting the Norwegian Chairship through a diverse range of projects and initiatives aligned with its four priority areas: the oceans; climate and environment; sustainable economic development; and people in the North.
The theme of Russia's Arctic Council Chairmanship program for 2021-2023 is Responsible Governance for a Sustainable Arctic. SDWG is engaged in supporting this program and the Arctic Council's new strategic plan with a suite of projects and activities related to societies and cultures, business and economies, health and well-being and enabling infrastructure.
The theme of Iceland’s Arctic Council Chairmanship program for 2019-2021 reflects Iceland’s commitment to the principle of sustainable development and refers to the necessity of close cooperation between the states and peoples of the region and beyond. Iceland will highlight four priorities: The Arctic Marine Environment, Climate and Green Energy Solutions, People and Communities of the Arctic, and a Stronger Arctic Council.
The Finland Chairmanship of the Arctic Council (2017-2019) emphasizes the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Arctic cooperation. During its term, Finland will strengthen Arctic cooperation and continuity at the highest political level. The Finnish priorities include environmental protection, meteorological cooperation, connectivity, and education.
The theme of Improving Economic and Living Conditions guided SDWG projects under the U.S. chairmanship. The SDWG projects and activities advanced work in subject areas such as health and mental wellness, traditional and local knowledge, adaptation to climate change, water and sanitation, the economy of the North, reindeer herding, and energy.
Arctic Council Working Group