Arctic Council: Arctic Council Secretariat

The Arctic Council Secretariat is the permanent administrative body of the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among Arctic States, Indigenous Peoples' organizations, and other Arctic stakeholders on issues related to sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. Established in 2013 and based in Tromsø, Norway, the Secretariat supports the work of the Council by coordinating meetings, facilitating communication among member states and Permanent Participants, managing information and documentation, and assisting the Council's expert working groups. The Arctic Council's members are Canada, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States. Through its support to scientific assessments, policy dialogue, and regional cooperation, the Secretariat helps advance understanding and management of key Arctic issues, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution, sustainable livelihoods, and maritime safety.