Friends of the Far North: Alaska X Greenland | October 11, 2019

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND | petersen svítan

PROUDLY PRODUCED AND CO-HOSTED BY THE ARCTIC ENCOUNTER, THE GOVERNMENT OF GREENLAND, and THE WILSON CENTER

The Arctic Encounter and strategic partners were honored to co-host an event for Alaskans, Greenlanders, and Icelanders during the 2019 Arctic Circle Assembly in October 2019 in downtown Reykjavik. The Arctic Encounter and the Offices of Greenland Representation in Washington, DC and Reykjavík aimed to celebrate and support the shared interests and experiences of Alaska and Greenland, and develop new relationships, partnerships, and friendships for the future. The Wilson Center’s Polar Initiative, a think tank located in Washington, DC, has been an instrumental strategic partner and co-host in this effort.

Over 140 attendees gathered at a private event space at Petersen Svítan to connect on shared interests and challenges, debate solutions, and hear remarks from the former President of Iceland, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greenland, Rachel Kallander, Founder of the Arctic Encounter, Mike Sfraga, Director of the Polar Initiative at the Wilson Center, and others. Celebrated Greenlandic musician, Simon Lynge, performed several songs for guests and Greenland foods and beer was shared. The 2019 Friends of the Far North: Alaska X Greenland was the second of the Friends of the Far North event series hosted by the Arctic Encounter in Iceland, alongside the Government of Greenland and the Wilson Center. The mission of the Arctic Encounter is to convene leaders, experts, and stakeholders from every arena to tackle the shared interests and concerns of the United States and the global community as we look north to the Arctic.