About the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network

The Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network was established to initiate, encourage, and facilitate Icelandic and international cooperation on Arctic issues.

Mission

The mission of the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network is to initiate, encourage and facilitate cooperation on Arctic issues within Iceland and internationally.

Supporting Iceland’s participation in the work of the Arctic Council.
Heightening communication and facilitating cooperation within Iceland regarding Arctic issues.
Strengthening and providing support for cooperation on Arctic issues within Iceland.
Providing guidance and consultation as requested.
Enhancing visibility of the role and work of public and private institutions and organisations in Iceland involved in Arctic issues.
Providing information and resources concerning Icelandic activities, knowledge, and experience in Arctic issues to academia, policy makers and the public.
Improving distribution of and access to information concerning the Arctic in the context of Iceland.

Core activities

IACN’s activities are diverse and in addition to leading and taking part in projects, providing consultations, and organising and co-organizing Arctic-related events, the IACN works in close collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Iceland to promote and coordinate Icelandic Arctic activities.

Leading and participating in domestic and international Arctic projects.
Organising or co-organising events and activities on  important Arctic relevant themes.
Providing advice, consultation and contribute to cooperation and dialogue.

Gender Equality Plan

The IACN has long been committed to gender equality, not only within its own workplace but also in the wider Icelandic and Arctic community. In keeping with this dedication, we have outlined the strategic objectives which we deem integral for achieving an equal and gender-conscious work environment, which you can find here in our 2024-2028 IACN Gender Equality Plan.

Staff

The IACN staff is responsible for daily operations of the IACN, including development, funding, initiation and management of IACN projects and initiatives, planning of events and meetings, and establishing new partnerships and collaborations.

Embla Oddsdóttir
Director
Friðrik Þórsson
Project Manager & Deputy Director
Andrii Gladii
Project Manager
Johanna Franke
Communications Manager

Board of Directors

The IACN Board of Directors consists of seven members and four alternatives elected at the IACN open annual meeting. The Board meets annually to review IACN activities, milestones, and outcomes.

Pétur Ásgeirsson
SAO for Iceland Director of Arctic Affairs
Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir
Professor, University of Iceland
Ásthildur Sturludóttir
Mayor of Akureyri
Eyjólfur Guðmundsson
Rector, University of Akureyri
Katrín Björg Ríkarðsdóttir
Director, Directorate of Equality
Þorsteinn Gunnarsson
Stefannson Arctic Institute
Egill Thor Níelsson
Senior Adviser, Rannís

Alternate board members

Susan Christianen
Extreme Design Lab
Jórunn Harðardóttir
Research Director, Icelandic Met Office
Níels Einarsson
Stefansson Arctic Institute
Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir
CEO, Iceland Tourism Cluster