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?

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.