This Arctic Frontiers Abroad seminar will bring together experts from science, business, and policy to deepen Japan-Norway cooperation and foster innovative solutions to global challenges, where the Arctic will be at the core of the dialogue.
The seminar is arranged by Arctic Frontiers in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo and the United Nations University on the occasion of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway’s visit to Japan.
During the seminar, the Norwegian Polar Institute and Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research will sign a cooperation agreement, formalizing decades of collaboration in the Arctic and Antarctica. The partnership includes joint research in Ny‑Ålesund and cooperation in the international RINGS project, led by the Norwegian Polar Institute.
Event overview
For full details, visit the Arctic Frontiers website.
Panel 1: Observations for a safer ocean
Surveillance of the ocean surface has benefits for research, governance and businesses. The intersection between research and business is blooming in the ocean sector, with various Norwegian organizations at the forefront of using technology and satellites for the benefit of oceans and ocean users. With shipping in the Arctic increasing, more focus on detection, monitoring and logistics is needed. In addition, detection of oil spills and environmental monitoring of ecosystems and coastlines will need to be enhanced. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has now launched Japan’s first ice breaker dedicated to research, which will allow a wider field of observations, immersive fieldwork in the Arctic and enhanced collaboration towards the IPY-5. The first research voyage is planned for 2027, with more concrete plans coming to fruition.
This panel will gather experts in ocean observations, from both a research and business perspective, to investigate the latest technological developments and applications in the Arctic oceans.
Panel 2: Ocean and arctic security
The Arctic is vast, and the geopolitical situation in the Pacific Arctic is quite different to that of the Atlantic Arctic. Ocean governance and frameworks help to maintain collaboration and secure the Arctic, but these are being tested. In 2023, Japan adopted the Fourth Basic Plan on Ocean Policy, which includes overhauling their ocean policy regarding maritime security and increasing their international competitiveness within maritime industries. Dual-use technologies, where infrastructure is shared across sectors such as defense and research, can also serve as a tool for sharing funding and accelerating technological development. Additional avenues for collaboration between Norway and Japan are therefore envisioned within security, governance and business development.
Event programme
For programme updates, visit the Arctic Frontiers website.
13:15 — Doors open
14:00 —Welcome remarks
- Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director of Arctic Frontiers and moderator
14:05 — Keynote
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
14:15 — Keynote
- TBA
14:25 — Signing of memorandum of understanding
- Between the Norwegian Polar Institute and the National Institute of Polar Research Japan
14:30 — Fireside discussion: "Research Collaboration Towards the Arctic Ocean"
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
Participants:
- Dr. Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute
- Dr. Yoshifumi Nogi, Director-General of Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research
15:05 — Break
15: 20 — Introductory remarks
- Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Norway
15:25 — Panel 1: Observations for a safer ocean
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
Participants:
- Kjell Stokvik, Director, Centre for High North Logistics, Nord University, Norway
- Marte Indregard, CEO, KSAT – Kongsberg Satellite Service, Norway
- Takashi Kikuchi, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Japan
- Jun Ono, National Institute of Polar Research, Japan
16:10 — Break
16:25 — Introductory remarks
- Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Japan
16:30 — Panel 2: Ocean and arctic security
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
Participants:
- Wrenn Yennie Lindgren, Senior Researcher, NUPI – Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
- Atsushi Sunami, President, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan
- Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, CEO, Kongsberg Maritime, Norway
- Other panellist TBA
17:15 — Closing remarks
- Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
