A talk with the Institute of Arctic Studies
No region is changing faster or has more to teach the world about climate resilience than the Arctic. This event will spotlight bold, on-the-ground climate innovations strengthening Arctic communities and reveal the green finance and policy tools driving sustainable, thriving economies that prioritize the well-being of Arctic Peoples, lands, waters, and communities. Together, these conversations offer a blueprint for urgent, equitable climate action in the Arctic and beyond.
To learn more, please see the Dartmouth's article:
Dartmouth Leads at the 2025 Climate Week NYC.
Vice Provost for Academic and International Affairs, Dartmouth
Barbara Will oversees Dartmouth's centers and institutes and leads the Global Initiatives working group. A scholar of twentieth-century literature, she has authored several books and received national fellowships
UArctic President
Lars Kullurud has been involved in UArctic since 2002, helping it grow into a network of over 200 institutions. Previously he was Polar Programme Manager for GRID-Arendal, a UNEP Polar Centre. His academic background in geology, geochemistry, and Arctic environmental assessments.
Minister of Climate and Environment, Finland
Sari Multala leads the Ministry of the Environment. Within the Finnish Government, she is responsible for matters related to the environment, construction and housing. These include climate policy, nature and water protection, preventing environmental pollution, circular economy, construction and land use, and housing policy.
Marine Management Advisor, Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Greenland
Victoria Qutuuq Buschman (Inuit) holds a PhD in Conservation Biology and works on issues of marine management for ICC as she also serves as representative to UNFCCC Facilitative Working Group of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (FWG-LCIPP). She publishes on Indigenous-led conservation and the use of Indigenous knowledge in protecting biodiversity and Indigenous ways of life.
Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies, Dickey Center at Dartmouth
In addition to her Dartmouth leadership roles, Melody Brown Burkins serves as the UArctic Chair in Science Diplomacy and Inclusion. A polar scientist and science diplomat, she advocates for sustainability, inclusion, gender equality, advancing respectful science policy, and Arctic cooperation.
Climate Justice Advocate, Youth Climate Advisor to UN Secretary-General
Charitie Ropati (Yup’ik & Samoan) is an Indigenous climate justice advocate, scientist, and water engineer. She was recently appointed Youth Climate Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General. Charitie fights for Indigenous human rights as she advocates for the protection of land, water, and Indigenous sovereignty.
Director, Sitra International Programmes
Kristo Lehtonen is the Director of International Programmes at Sitra, a Finnish impact fund that collaborates with partners to implement bold, forward-looking ideas. Sitra’s global work encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) and projects on Data & Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Democracy & Civic Tech.
CEO NunaGreen A/S
Aviaaja Knudsen (Inuit) works to advance Greenland’s renewable energy agenda, including major hydropower developments. She has more than 17 years of experience in infrastructure and construction in Greenland, spanning both the public sector and executive leadership roles.
Executive Director, Center for Business, Government & Society, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth
Hannah Payson leads co-curricular and experiential learning programs that connect MBA students with complex societal and environmental challenges. Previously, she spent a decade at Lloyd’s of London as Corporate Responsibility Manager advancing community-engaged and global initiatives in sustainability, ethics, and diversity.
Executive Director, Arctic Economic Council (AEC)
Mads Qvist Frederiksen leads the AEC, a pan-Arctic, independent business membership organization established in 2014. AEC delivers policy advocacy, networking, and outreach related to the Arctic as it facilitates sustainable economic development throughout the Arctic region.
Director and Head of the North America Region, Business Finland
Juhani Sirén has over 20 years of experience in B2B business development, media, and sustainable design. In his current role, he oversees the development of growth strategies to assist Finnish businesses operating in the region, establishing successful partnerships, and encouraging sustainable innovation worldwide.
Executive Director, Spruce Root
Alana Petersen (Tlingit) leads Spruce Root, a Native-founded nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Sitka, Alaska, that operates with the belief that the entire community benefits from locally-owned businesses that are strong and contribute to the local economy.
Secretary General, UArctic
Outi Snellman has worked in international education and circumpolar academic cooperation since the 1990’s. As Secretary General of UArctic, she coordinates a network of 200 members and promotes collaboration with non-Arctic countries.