Finland's Strategy for Arctic Policy

Finland’s new Arctic policy strategy sets out Finland’s key objectives in the Arctic region. All activities in the Arctic region must be based on ecological carrying capacity, climate protection, principles of sustainable development, and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples. The objectives arising from Finland’s economic interests can also be examined from this perspective. The strategy extends to the year 2030. The need to strengthen Arctic cooperation has been identified in the strategic section titled ‘Globally influential Finland’ of the Programme of Prime Minister Marin’s Government. The previous Arctic strategy was adopted in 2013. The international framework for Arctic policy and issues of Arctic security are presented in the introduction to the strategy. The priorities of the new strategy are as follows: 1. Climate change mitigation and adaptation 2. Inhabitants (promotion of wellbeing and the rights of the Saami as an indigenous people) 3. Arctic expertise (livelihoods and leading edge research) 4. Infrastructure and logistics The priorities of the strategy present the situational picture of each priority area, the objectives for the Arctic region, and the concrete actions to achieve the objectives. Finland’s Arctic policy strategy has been prepared under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office. All ministries have participated in the preparation of the document