Finland's Vision for Sustainable and Cooperative Arctic Governance – UNEA 2025

Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa
Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa
May 16, 2025
Position Paper

Delegation: Republic of Finland
Committee: United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
Topic: Arctic Governance
Date: March 10, 2025

I. Introduction

The Republic of Finland reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the sustainable governance of the Arctic—a region of critical ecological, economic, and geopolitical importance. As an Arctic state with over one-third of its territory above the Arctic Circle, Finland recognizes the need to balance environmental protection, indigenous rights, and economic development amid rapid climate change and growing global interest.

Guided by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its leadership in the Arctic Council, Finland advocates for a cooperative and inclusive framework for Arctic governance. We prioritize multilateral dialogue, scientific collaboration, and respect for both the sovereignty of Arctic states and the rights of indigenous peoples.

II. National Background and Position

Finland’s engagement in the Arctic is rooted in geography, environmental stewardship, and expertise in cold-climate technologies. A founding member of the Arctic Council via the 1996 Ottawa Declaration, Finland chaired the Council from 2017–2019, emphasizing climate resilience and sustainable development.

By 2025, Finland remains a global leader in green technology, investing in carbon-neutral shipping and renewable energy projects suited to Arctic conditions. Since 2020, Finland has allocated over €300 million to Arctic research and infrastructure, including advanced icebreakers and environmental monitoring systems.

Our commitment to indigenous inclusion is reflected in the protection and promotion of Sámi rights. Finland believes Arctic governance must remain cooperative, demilitarized, and centered on sustainable development. We support the Arctic Council as the primary forum for governance and advocate for binding agreements to protect Arctic ecosystems and communities.

III. Proposed Solutions

1. Arctic Environmental Protection Treaty

Finland calls for a UN-backed treaty to establish legally binding environmental protection standards in the Arctic. This treaty would:

  • Set emissions limits for Arctic shipping
  • Ban heavy fuel oil (HFO)
  • Mandate ecological impact assessments for resource extraction

This proposal builds upon and strengthens the Arctic Council’s current voluntary frameworks.

2. Arctic Indigenous Governance Council

To ensure indigenous representation, Finland proposes a UN-supported Arctic Indigenous Governance Council that would:

  • Advise on Arctic policy
  • Support cultural preservation efforts
  • Receive funding for local resilience initiatives

This council would empower groups such as the Sámi, ensuring their voices shape regional decisions.

3. Global Arctic Science Partnership (GASP)

Finland proposes a UN-led international scientific consortium to coordinate research on:

  • Climate change and glacial melt
  • Biodiversity and ecosystems
  • Sustainable technologies for Arctic conditions

Finland offers to host a GASP hub in Rovaniemi, leveraging Finnish research expertise to promote data sharing and global transparency.

4. Sustainable Resource Management Framework

We call for a UN-Arctic Council framework to regulate resource extraction (e.g., fisheries, minerals) with:

  • Clear sustainability criteria
  • A revenue-sharing mechanism benefiting Arctic states and indigenous communities
  • Safeguards against exploitation by non-Arctic actors

5. Arctic Climate Resilience Fund

Finland proposes a UN-administered adaptation fund to support Arctic communities with:

  • Renewable energy development
  • Flood defenses and climate infrastructure
  • Disaster preparedness initiatives

Finland pledges an initial €50 million and encourages contributions from industrialized nations to meet SDG 13 (Climate Action).

IV. Conclusion

The Republic of Finland envisions an Arctic governed by peace, sustainability, and equity. As a responsible Arctic state, Finland is committed to inclusive solutions that empower indigenous voices, protect ecosystems, and ensure regional stability. We look forward to working with all delegations to shape a future-oriented Arctic governance model that serves the global good.

Signed,
Delegate of the Republic of Finland
United Nations Environment Assembly