Circumpolar Leaders Gather For Arctic Imperative Summit

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By Arctic Imperative Summit | 09 August 2012 | 135

Rapid change in the Arctic due to melting sea ice brings new opportunities and challenges. To address the complex Arctic agenda, an influential mix of international, U.S. and local leaders will convene at the second Arctic Imperative Summit, August 24–27, 2012, in Anchorage and Girdwood, Alaska.

MISSION:
Sharpening the world's focus on the short-term opportunities and long-term challenges of Arctic development, the Summit features a multidisciplinary group of experts. By engaging with decision-makers from all sectors, Arctic leaders will be in a stronger position to influence responsible development decisions on their shores.

PROGRAM EXCERPT:
-Plenary sessions on infrastructure needs and investment opportunities in the U.S. Arctic, including a proposed Bering Sea port authority to manage traffic growth;
-Panel discussions on shipping and transportation developments, moderated by industry experts;
-Keynote speeches from military leaders on Arctic sovereignty and security;
-Perspectives and observations from indigenous residents, including "The Eskimo and the Oil Man," a conversation with author Bob Reiss and Edward Itta, former mayor, North Slope Borough, Alaska;
-Panel discussions on sustainable development, governance and the race for resources;
-Instructive case studies, such as the recent Renda fuel delivery to Nome;

-A screening of "Project Chariot," a documentary on the U.S. government's ill-fated plan to use a nuclear bomb to create a deep-water Arctic port in Alaska; and much more.

The Summit schedule can be found here: http://bit.ly/NAhY5u. A detailed agenda will be released prior to the event.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

The Honorable James A. Baker III, Former U.S. Secretary of State

The Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator, State of Alaska
Charles K. Ebinger, Director, Energy Security Initiative, Brookings
The Honorable Olafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland
The Honorable David J. Hayes, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior
General Charles H. Jacoby Jr., Commander, U.S. Northern Command
Marilyn Heiman, Director, U.S. Arctic Program, Pew Environment Group
The Honorable Edward Itta, Former Mayor, North Slope Borough, Alaska
Chris Matthews, Host, "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and "The Chris Matthews Show"
Scott Minerd, Chief Investment Officer, Guggenheim Partners
The Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator, State of Alaska
General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of the Defense Staff, Canadian Forces
Thomas R. Nides, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, U.S. Department of State
General Joseph W. Ralston, Vice Chairman, The Cohen Group
David M. Rubenstein, Co-founder, The Carlyle Group
The Honorable Mead Treadwell, Lieutenant Governor, State of Alaska
Felix H. Tschudi, Chairman and Owner, Tschudi Group
The Honorable Fran Ulmer, Chair, U.S. Arctic Research Commission

A comprehensive list of speakers can be found here: http://bit.ly/LXTc2g.

"The rapid changing of the Arctic environment demands responsible and sustainable development," says Alice Rogoff, founder of the Arctic Imperative Summit. "Solutions to the complex needs of this region will only be reached if all stakeholders, including its residents, are at the table."

REGISTRATION:

Summit registration is available online at http://bit.ly/Lt6ihQ. Please contact Nolan Frame at arcticimperative@shworldwide.comwith questions.