The Foreign Service Journal, May 2021

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MAY 2021 41 not be ignored or underestimated. Coexisting peacefully and maintaining the Arctic as an area of low tension serve all mem- bers of the Arctic Council. It is in Russia’s interest, just as much as it is for the United States, Iceland and the other member- states. It may sound like a contradiction, yet arguably, not talk- ing about military security in the Arctic Council contributes to maintaining Arctic security. Toward a Sustainable Arctic As our chairmanship draws to a close, we can look back and see that it was a particularly difficult time to lead the Arctic Council. But as noted before, despite its challenges, the pandemic has also brought about new opportunities for collaboration. True, we have, unfortunately, had to cancel or postpone several events and mold others to fit an online format. In addition, some of our chairmanship projects have had to be delayed due to the pandemic and will hopefully be completed under the incoming chairmanship. But most of them are on track, which is a success in itself, considering the circumstances of the past year. It is now more important than ever that we nurture the already good relationships and collaborations that we enjoy in the Arctic Council. For it is only by strengthening our founda- tion, with both traditional and scientific knowledge, national policymaking and global cooperation, that we can address the challenges that face us in the region today and, together, ensure a more sustainable Arctic for future generations. n The pandemic has highlighted the lack of infrastructure in some Arctic communities and the fragility of supply chains.