More than two hundred leaders from around the globe gathered to learn and discuss the changing Arctic at the inaugural Arctic Imperative Summit last month in Girdwood, Alaska.
Together we listened to experts discuss Arctic issues ranging from shipping to navigation to energy and resource development. We heard from coastal residents describe first-hand accounts of the melting Arctic and the effects it has on their day-to-day lives and cultural way of life. Leaders of the international investment community had intimate discussions with oil drillers, sea captains, politicians, scientists, and others.
I want to recognize and thank the participants and speakers for attending what proved to be both a valuable dialogue and also a call to action on the many complex issues and opportunities presented by the melting Arctic sea ice.
Additionally, I am thrilled to hear positive feedback on the dialogue we started at the Summit, and based upon the level of interest, we will reconvene next year, July 29-August 1st at Alyeska Resort.
If you were not able to attend this year's Summit, but would like to hear the discussions, videos of the Summit presentations are posted on Arctic Imperative at Vimeo, indexed by subject and name of speaker. Footage on the post-Summit Arctic Tour of Barrow, Wainwright, Kotzebue, Savoonga, and Nome will also be available on Vimeo soon. The tour proved to be an important educational component of the Summit, so we will add capacity and stops for next year and hope that even more participants can join us.
Finally, I extend my deep gratitude to our sponsors: Shell, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, ConocoPhillips, BP, AIDEA, Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation, Wells Fargo, Olgoonik, NANA, Arctic Cable Company, Institute of the North, Commonwealth North, the Aspen Institute and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. The Summit was made stronger by your support.
To learn more about the conference and for updates on next year's gathering, please visit www.arcticimperative.com
2011 Summit Presented By