Responsibility, Surveillance, and Security in the Arctic: The Civil–Military Interface

Save the date!

Varðberg, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, the Icelandic Coast Guard, the Ministry of Justice, and the University of Akureyri invite you to an open seminar at the University of Akureyri (room M101) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, from 14:00–18:00, focusing on search and rescue (SAR) in the Arctic.

Search and rescue in the Arctic is evolving rapidly due to increased traffic, a changing security environment, and new technologies. At this seminar, experts will discuss capability, coordination, and responsibility — and how Iceland and partner states can ensure safety in one of the world’s most challenging regions.

registration

It is important that participants register on site as seating is limited. Click here to register.

The seminar will address questions such as:

• Climate Change and Operational Demand: How are changing ice cover and sea routes altering SAR risk profiles and seasonal demand?
• Traffic Growth and Emerging Incident Types: What new risks arise from increased shipping, tourism, and aviation in the High North?
• Mass‑Casualty Surge Capacity: Is Iceland prepared to respond to a large cruise ship or other mass‑casualty incident?
• Geopolitical Tension and SAR Cooperation: How do rising strategic tensions in the Arctic affect access to resources, willingness to assist, and the neutrality of SAR?
• Technology, Communications, and Decision Support: Which technologies—satellites, long‑range drones, resilient comms, and AI—will most transform Arctic SAR in the next 5–10 years?
• Priorities, Funding, and Next Steps: What are the top investments and policy actions needed over the next 5–10 years to strengthen Icelandic and regional SAR?

PROGRAMME

Click here to access the programme on pdf form

• Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir - Address by the Minister of Justice
• Þorlákur Einarsson, Advisor, Directorate for international Affairs and Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Development of new shipping routes through the Arctic, great power competition, and the feasibility and challenges of new shipping routes
• Auðunn Friðrik Kristinsson, Icelandic Coast Guard - Where Threats and Responsibility Meet: The Icelandic Coast Guard and the Future of Security in the Arctic
• Antonio Rolla, Project Officer at the European Commission - Advancing Galileo SAR for High‑Latitude Operations
• Hrafnkell V. Gíslason CEO of the Electronic Communications Office of Iceland - High-Speed Mobile Networks, Satellites, and Connected Devices: A New Safety Net for Iceland and the Arctic
• Guðbrandur Örn Arnarsson, Operations Division ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue) - Coordination, Responsibility, and Community Response
• Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network - Closing Remarks

RECEPTION

17:15  - Reception for the event will be held on board the Icelandic Coast Guard vessel Þór in Akureyri harbor where participants will also be offered a guided tour.

• Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, Rector of the University of Akureyri - Remarks at the reception

This event is a collaboration between Varðberg, the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, the University of Akureyri, the Icelandic Coast Guard, and the Ministry of Justice. The seminar will be livestreamed. The event will take place in Icelandic and English.