The White House Arctic Science Ministerial

The ASM is organized by the interagency Arctic Executive Steering Committee (AESC), established by President Obama with his January 2015 Executive Order, "Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic." The committee guides and coordinates priorities and activities across the Executive Branch Agencies under the US National Strategy for the Arctic Region.  

The AESC is chaired by Dr. John Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The Executive Director of the AESC is Ambassador Mark Brzezinski. 

The goal of the ASM is to “advance promising, near-term science initiatives and create a context for increased international scientific collaboration on the Arctic over the longer term.” The meeting invitees are from all over the world: ministers of science, chief science advisors, high-level officials, and indigenous groups’ representatives. 

The four key themes for the meeting are:  

1) Arctic Science Challenges and their Regional and Global Implications;

2) Strengthening and Integrating Arctic Observations and Data Sharing;

3) Applying Expanded Scientific Understanding of the Arctic to Build Regional Resilience and Shape Global Responses;

4) Arctic Science as a Vehicle for STEM Education and Citizen Empowerment.  

The outcome and deliverables of the Arctic Science Ministerial are also of relevance to AFI, currently transitioning from its development phase into implementation. Holistic – international, interdisciplinary, inclusive, integrated – approaches are needed to effectively address the opportunities and risks that are emerging with urgency due to the profound environmental and socio-economic changes in the Arctic, which have global relevance.

Last edited: 09 June 2016