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SOI Foundation Announces 2024 Alumni Delegation to Iceland: Elevating Youth Voices at the Arctic Circle Assembly

GATINEAU, QC – September 30, 2024 —  From October 12-20, 2024, the Students on Ice (SOI) Foundation will take a delegation of alumni from across Canada to Iceland for an expedition focused on Arctic policy, climate change, and the critical role youth can have in shaping Arctic and climate policies to drive positive outcomes. The expedition will feature visits to Iceland’s stunning natural and cultural landmarks, including Skógafoss Waterfall and Skógar Museum, and culminate at the renowned Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, a premier international forum for Arctic policy and cooperation.

“It is vital that we listen to, amplify, and empower the voices of young people as we look to address the unprecedented challenges in the Arctic. This expedition embodies our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders who will advocate for sustainable solutions and protect our planet’s future,” says SOI Founder and President Geoff Green, emphasizing the significance of youth involvement on the global stage.

The eight-day journey will empower five alumni delegates, who will be guided by three SOI staff members, to engage with policymakers, researchers, and Indigenous leaders while elevating youth perspectives in discussions about pressing Arctic issues. Delegates will also host a panel discussion titled Early Career & International Perspectives on Polar Science Policy Linkages at the Assembly on October 19 at 10:05am.

“This journey is an incredible opportunity for our alumni to share their voices on the international stage,” says Lynda Brown, SOI Foundation’s Alumni Team Lead. “By participating in the Arctic Circle Assembly, they will not only gain firsthand insights into Arctic policy development and climate action but also contribute to critical conversations shaping the future of the Arctic.”

The themes of the expedition include Arctic policy, cooperation and governance, climate change and environmental conservation, Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and elevating youth voices. The expedition will strengthen delegates’ understanding of these issues and their roles in shaping future Arctic and climate policies.

For more information about the SOI Foundation and the 2024 Alumni Expedition to Iceland, please visit the expedition webpage.