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North3 is sponsored by Canada's embassies in circumpolar countries in cooperation with the IISD. Please visit us!
Canada's Embassy:
· in Russia
· in Finland
· in Sweden
· in Norway
· in Denmark
· in Iceland
· Canada and the Circumpolar World
2007-08 is the International Polar Year, involving an extensive program of scientific research about the North. The International Polar Year is also an occasion to reflect on the circumpolar world and consider what steps we should take to ensure a brighter future for our common northern home.
Communication across vast northern distances was once very slow and difficult. Today, the internet allows us to share easily our experiences and points of view. By learning about each other, we will help our North develop, and grow stronger.
Despite vast distances, the circumpolar world is not a collection of isolated territories. It is a unified region, which each circumpolar resident shares with all others living in the North.
Northerners have a common environment and face many common challenges, regardless of where they live. These challenges can be faced more effectively when countries work together than when they work alone.
International cooperation is needed to deal with climate change and environmental pollution, which do not respect national borders. Northerners everywhere benefit when countries share information about sustainable economic development and other beneficial practices.
To promote international cooperation on northern questions, the Arctic Council was founded in 1996. The eight countries of the circumpolar world are members. In addition, the Arctic Council has a unique feature: the direct participation of northern indigenous peoples. These are the people who have been living in the North for many centuries. Six indigenous peoples' organizations are permanent participants in the Arctic Council.
The Arctic Council has established six working groups to undertake a range of important projects. Their work covers such matters as:
The Arctic Council is a powerful tool for promoting circumpolar partnership and for helping to improve social, economic and environmental conditions.