A pivotal Arctic Policy Hackathon, co-organized by The Gordon Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, recently convened young leaders from across the circumpolar North in Reykjavík, Iceland, to fundamentally reshape regional governance. Held in 2023, the initiative aimed to address the historical legacy of external decision-making that has often led to colonization, resource exploitation, and cultural erosion in the Arctic. The hackathon underscored the urgent need to embed young experts and Indigenous voices at the core of policy formulation, emphasizing that the future prosperity and sustainability of the Arctic depend on leadership emerging directly from its communities.

Historically, the Arctic's trajectory has been dictated largely by external interests, resulting in significant socio-economic and environmental challenges for its inhabitants. Regional youth collectives, such as Sweden’s Youth 2030 Movement and Norway’s Youth Panel, have consistently articulated demands for greater self-determination and the creation of attractive conditions for young people to thrive within the Arctic. The Reykjavík Hackathon served as a direct response to these calls, bringing together participants from northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sápmi/Sweden to develop actionable policy recommendations.

The recommendations, structured around themes of Culture and Community, Sustainable Development, and Holistic Wellness, advocate for a profound shift in leadership paradigms. In terms of Culture and Community, the participants urged for the prioritization of local youth and Indigenous people in leadership roles, advocating for succession plans, mentorship, and the recognition of local expertise on par with formal qualifications. They stressed the importance of involving Arctic youth in international entities and companies operating in the region, proposing mechanisms such as local advisory boards and reserved executive board seats to ensure co-determination.

The Sustainable Development theme highlighted a critical transition away from the historical reliance on natural resource extraction, which has often yielded limited lasting value for local communities. Instead, the young leaders proposed focusing on exporting knowledge, innovation, and expertise. This includes establishing Arctic-focused research and innovation hubs, particularly in renewable energy technologies, climate adaptation solutions, and sustainable fisheries management, through public-private partnerships. These centers would also be tasked with training local youth and Indigenous populations in emerging green and digital technologies, cultivating a skilled workforce. Furthermore, policies should mandate local ownership and hiring for Arctic-based projects, supported by tax incentives and low-interest loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs developing businesses aligned with Arctic values, such as ecotourism and renewable energy ventures.

These comprehensive policy recommendations represent a concerted effort to empower the next generation of Arctic leaders, ensuring that future development is driven by those with the deepest connection to the region. The emphasis on local leadership, sustainable economic models, and cultural preservation marks a significant departure from past practices, aiming to build a more equitable and resilient Arctic.