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Arctic Yearbook 2013
Strengthening the Capacity of the Arctic Council
different working groups. In other words, the ACS will contribute towards achieving greater
coherence in the functioning of the AC
12
with a view of avoiding any overlapping thematic projects
and discussions.
13
With respect to global governance, the ACS can contribute towards positioning the AC in
international forums and organizations operating in areas that have an influence on the Arctic. Here
the Director of the Secretariat can play an important role, because as stated in point 3.4 of the
Terms
of Reference of the ACS
―(…) they will represent the Secretariat externally when directed by the SAO
Chair‖. Although this potentially external role is a positive step, we believe that a more relevant
involvement is desirable, in order to be the visible head of the AC under the supervision of the
Chairmanship or the SAO Chair. It is important to note that point 11 of the
Rules of Procedure of the
AC
(Kiruna, 2012) states that ―the Chairmanship, an Arctic State, or other subsidiary bodies may
undertake communications on AC matters with other international fora as may be agreed to in
advance by the Arctic States‖. Accordingly, any of these parties – the Chairmanship, an Arctic State
or other subsidiary bodies – could speak in the other international forums or organizations on behalf
of the AC. However, it seems clear that this multiplicity of external representatives can hardly
contribute towards the visibility and coherence of the AC in its external actions.
14
Neither should we forget that under the supervision of the Chairmanship, the ACS has a key role in
implementing the communication strategy of the AC, as derived from the
Terms of Reference of the
ACS
and the
Communication Strategy for the Arctic Council
15
,
another element that may contribute
towards strengthening the AC. This Communication Strategy has both an internal and international
dimension: 1) the internal dimension focuses on facilitating cooperation, creating synergies and
avoiding overlaps in communication work (Communication Strategy: 141: 2) the international
dimension focuses on ensuring that the AC is present at meetings where issues concerning the
Arctic region are discussed. As the SAO pointed out, ―by improving internal and external
communications and procedures, the AC has been able to act more coherently and effectively
‖
(Senior Arctic Official‘s Report to Ministers 2013: 3).
Because the ACS has only recently opened its doors (in June 2013) – it is impossible to evaluate its
contribution towards strengthening the AC. At first glance, we believe that the ACS may indeed
contribute towards reinforcing the role of the AC, although the scope of this contribution will
depend on the determination of the different parties involved (member states, PPs, Observers,
working groups, task force, etc.), as a permanent exchange of information is required in this process.
In conclusion, as the Nuuk Declaration states, ―efforts have been devoted to strengthening the
institutional framework of the Arctic Council. The establishment of a standing secretariat in Tromsø
(…) is the most important achievement‖ (Senior Arctic Officials‘ Report to Ministers, Kiruna, 2013:
3). In this sense, the Permanent Secretariat is always an essential ―institution‖ in the work of
International Organizations through its visibility.
16
The Role of Observers
17
The Observer is a classic figure in International Law, providing access to an International
Organization (IO) or to International Conferences or Forums to parties who cannot be involved as