Cooperation

EXPO 2025: International co-operation in the Arctic

October 21, 2025

Climate change, new technology and changing geopolitical realities are transforming the Arctic faster than ever before. Although the situation throws up major challenges, it also brings new opportunities to work together, according to many of those who attended Nordic Arctic Day at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

“The Nordic Pavilion is a powerful symbol of what the Nordic countries can achieve together. I have been looking forward to today’s discussions about the Arctic, and hope that Japan and the Nordic countries will help find solutions for the Arctic region,” Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden said at Nordic Arctic Day in the Nordic pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Japan.

After the welcome from the princess, Anders Adlercreutz, the Finnish Minister of Education and Nordic Co-operation, officially opened the event on behalf of the Finnish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. He underlined the importance of Nordic and international co-operation at a time when the climate, technology and the need for contingency planning are shaping the future of the Arctic.

We must remember that even though the Arctic may seem geographically remote, we live in a connected world. Contingency planning and sustainable solutions for the Arctic call for international co-operation.

Anders Adlercreutz, Finland’s Minister of Education and Nordic Co-operation

The event brought together royalty, ministers, senior civil servants, business leaders and researchers from the Nordic Region and Japan. They discussed the potential for partnerships on sustainable development to generate value for the people and nature of the Arctic.

A place where solutions can be found

Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, stressed that the Arctic is an integral part of the Nordic identity and an area where it is crucial that countries work together. She also pointed out that climate change, geopolitical tension and pressure on natural resources pose significant challenges for the Arctic, but that the region is also an area where co-operation and innovation already exist – and make a real difference.

“The Arctic has been a strategic priority for the Nordic Council of Ministers for more than three decades. It plays a key role in the Nordic Region’s geography and identity. I am delighted that we are working with Japan here in the Nordic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 to develop strong new partnerships that will benefit the Arctic part of our shared Nordic Region,” she said.