Polar Law student joins Arctic Youth Dialogue 2026

Analaise Maria Sepp- Dallas, a student of the 2025–2026 cohort of the Polar Law Programme at the University of Akureyri, recently took part in the Arctic Youth Dialogue 2026, an initiative of the European Union and a deliverable under the EU Arctic Policy.

The Arctic Youth Dialogue is a platform designed to bring young people from across Europe and the Arctic states together to exchange perspectives, build mutual understanding and contribute to discussions on the future of the Arctic. The 2026 edition gathered 34 young participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss some of the key political, social and environmental challenges facing the region. The initiative is implemented through different workstreams, with the Youth Together for Arctic Futures project, co-funded by the European Union and Global Affairs Canada, as one of its main contributors.

This year’s dialogue focused on security dimensions in the Arctic, with participants working in four thematic groups: health security, food security, cultural sovereignty and climate security.

Analaise joined the cultural sovereignty and security group, which addressed the question of how inclusive and equitable processes can ensure that the cultural security and identities of Arctic populations are safeguarded. The group developed five policy recommendations addressed to the European Commission.

As part of the wider programme, she also participated in the EU Arctic Forum, contributing to the panel Keeping climate and biodiversity on the agenda in a crowded political landscape.

Reflecting on the experience, Analaise said:

“Overall, it was an amazing opportunity to share stories, exchange perspectives, and learn from young people from across the Arctic. As an Estonian, I found it especially valuable to engage directly with Arctic mayors, Indigenous Peoples, and youth from across the Arctic States, and to hear about the region through their lived experiences — perspectives I would otherwise have far fewer opportunities to encounter.”

The Polar Law Programme at the University of Akureyri is an international, interdisciplinary programme taught entirely in English, focusing on the legal regimes, governance, peoples, environment and resources of the Arctic and Antarctic. Particular attention is given to international law, environmental law, Indigenous Peoples’ rights and governance in the polar regions. The programme offers MA, LLM and Diploma pathways and brings together students and scholars from different academic and professional backgrounds.

Interested in joining the next Polar Law cohort? Applications will reopen in winter 2026.

For more information: https://www.unak.is/english/study/education/degree-seeking-students/polar-law

Text by Sara Fusco, Adjunct Faculty and Thesis Coordinator, Polar Law Programme. Analysis and photos by Analaise Maria Sepp- Dallas, Polar Law student.