The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum established in 1996 to address issues faced by the Arctic states and Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. It functions primarily as a high-level forum for cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states, with the active involvement of Arctic Indigenous communities and other inhabitants. The Council focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic region, providing a platform for addressing common Arctic issues.
The significance of this international body lies in its role in facilitating collaboration on critical environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the Arctic. Its work is vital for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region, preserving Arctic biodiversity, and promoting the well-being of Arctic communities. Historically, the Council represents a shift towards cooperative governance of the Arctic, recognizing the importance of both state sovereignty and the rights and perspectives of Arctic Indigenous peoples.
