Arctic Yearbook 2012
Non-Arctic States: The Observer Question at the Arctic Council
51
The Diplomatic Race in the Arctic: First Strategies, Now Ambassadors
As Arctic affairs have become increasingly high profile, states have been busy appointing
Arctic Ambassadors, of which there are now seven. Arctic Ambassadors are generally tasked
with representing their state at the Arctic Council and other forums, but also carry an
important symbolic message of their country’s commitment to circumpolar relations.
Canada appointed Mary Simon as ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs way back in October
1994, but the position was cut in 2006. After repeated calls by commentators to reinstate the
position, Stephen Harper finally appointed Nunavut MP and federal Health Minister, Leona
Aglukkaq, as Canada’s Minister to the Arctic Council and upcoming Chair. Can it be long
before Norway appoints its own Arctic Minister?
2006
Poland
Ambassador (Jakub Wolski)
2008
Russia
Ambassador at Large, Arctic Cooperation (Antonin Vasiliev)
2009
Finland
Arctic Ambassador (Hannu Halinen)
France
Polar Ambassador (Michel Rocard)
2010
Sweden
Arctic Ambassador (Gustaf Lind)
2011
Iceland
Ambassador for Arctic Affairs (Hjalmar W. Hannesson)
Spain
Ambassador for Polar and Oceanic Affairs (Marcos Gómez Martinez)
2012
Denmark
Arctic Ambassador (Klavs A. Holm)
Singapore
Special Envoy to the Arctic (Tony Siddique)
Canada
Minister for Arctic Council (Leona Aglukkaq)